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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Chilton County High School ‘s Blast From the Past gives students who like to sing and dance an opportunity to showcase their talent.

Hours of practice come together for multiple performances. This year’s performances were scheduled for Feb. 23, 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. in addition to performances for younger students from other schools.

Many of the students, such as senior Scarlett Rose Wilson, have performed in Blast for consecutive years.

“I’ve always been really interested in theater,” Wilson said.

This year Wilson was the lead role in “Mama Mia!,” which was her favorite of her performances.

“I’ve always been a huge ABBA fan,” Wilson said. “My grandfather was a ABBA fan, so it feels like I am honoring him while doing that.”

Wilson had wanted to be in Blast ever since watching the show as an elementary school student.

“I was so glad when I got up here and they were still doing it,” Wilson said.

Auditions for the production were held in December, and practices began after Christmas break. Practices were held twice a week for each song.

Wilson said the organizers, Ricky and Sheri McKee, are “really great.”

Interactions backstage and performances for the elementary students are some of her favorite times during the production.

She said the elementary students “will still cheer you on and still think you are a super star” no matter what happens.

“They look up to us,” Wilson said.

Junior Tony To was the lead singer in four songs this year.

“My dad always played guitar and sang,” To said. “… He always inspired me to sing.”

His favorite song of this year’s performance was “That’s life” by Frank Sinatra.

Junior Olivia Wright was the lead singer in the performance of “I say a Little Prayer” by Dionne Warwick and “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” by Dianna Ross.

“I have always been interested in singing,” Wright said. “I have been singing for as long as I can remember.”

She said the Blast performance was the main reason she wanted to attend CCHS.

“Watching it while I was in middle school — I just really appreciated it,” Wright said.

Her favorite song this year was “We Belong,” which she was a backup character in.

“It just had so many different aspects to it,” Wright said.
“Kozmic Blues” by Janis Joplin was another favorite because “Shelby (Argo) is just an amazing vocalist.”

For Xander McNeal, a sophomore, it was his interest in dancing that led him to audition for Blast. He danced in “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” by Dianna Ross and “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany.

He said he enjoys how the cast comes together as a family.

His favorite song this year was “Little Lies” by Fleetwood Mac.

Shelby Argo, a senior, had looked forward to being a part of Blast all though middle school. However, she “chickened out freshman year,” Argo said.

“I had a couple of friends, Grayson Russell and Brady Thorton, talk me into doing it sophomore year, and I got a lead part,” Argo said.

She has continued to participate each year. This year her favorite part has been the support that all of the cast has shown for each other.

This year she was lead in “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes and “Kozmic Blues” by Janis Joplin as  well as supporting roles in other numbers.

Argo said “Kozmic Blues” was her favorite to perform. She has performed as Joplin ever year that she has performed in Blast.

Her favorite overall was “That’ll be the Day” by Buddy Holly.

“Cage Phillips does such an amazing job on that song,” Argo said. “I love it so much.”

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