“Thoroughly Modern Millie” will star Ben Balcezak and Mary Shae Lancaster, debuting on Jan. 19-21 in the auditorium.

“It’s a nice, family-friendly musical,” senior Halani Harber said. “I just want everyone to have a good time. We want to support the school—we want to share our art with the school.”

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” takes place in 1920’s New York City. It is about Millie Dillmount, and her determination to work under and eventually marry a rich businessman.

“I feel confident in my role in the musical,” Harber said. “This will be my final lighting project at Vista so I have to finish strong.”

Harber is working on the musical. She works in her own room, managing the lighting and design of the musical.

“To me, lights and the physics behind them are so easy understand,” Harber said. “The electrical aspect is harder to work with; you can’t blow fuses, and you need to have your watt calculations done.”

Production started the week of Oct. 2, beginning with the auditions. A theatrical production typically takes three to four months to fully prepare for its debut.

“Ben plays as Jimmy,” Harber said. “He is the love interest of Millie, who is played by Mary Shae Lancaster. I think the musicals are decided based on vocal range. The director picks a show that fits the cast.”

There are roughly 120 people actively working in the production of the musical. Seventy six are a part of the cast, and the crew is made up of 25, as well as a “decent-sized” pit.

“[This musical] definitely has its own set of challenges,” Harber said. “It’s really exhausting, but it’s so rewarding to see your art finally done.”