“It is an honor to portray the role of Pippin with such a terrific ensemble as the Arab Musical Theatre program. It is a blessing because I absolutely love the musical Pippin. It is one of my favorites. It is such a great role and although it requires a lot of work, I am enjoying every minute of it.”

A rising junior at Foley High School, Logan Lane, expressed his delight in being chosen for the role of Pippin and to attend the Thespian Festival in Nebraska.

Mijoe Sahiouni , former assistant director at Angels Theatre Company, explained that, “Arab High School is one of only 10 schools in the nation selected to perform at the annual Thespian Festival, one of the highest honors a school can receive. On June 25th through 30th, students from Austin High School performed in front of thousands of their peers at the Lied Center of the Performing Arts in Lincoln where the festival takes place. This is the third time Arab High School has been selected for this honor. We’re working with Music Theatre International, which is the world’s leading dramatic licensing agency. They are particularly dedicated to the idea of theatre as education and have created special collections for younger performers and have licensed Arab High School to perform Pippin.

She said that Lane filled a position during a particular time of need.

“Unfortunately, a tragic car accident left the lead actor playing the title role unable to fulfill his part after endless months of working on the role. A statewide audition was held for an understudy and it was announced that Logan Lane from Foley High School in Foley will be playing the role of Pippin. This is the first time Logan Lane has ever attended the international Thespian Festival.”

According to Brian Quillin, “Logan was extremely well prepared for this opportunity. He is a great fit for our troupe and this production of Pippin. We are thrilled to have him travel and perform with us.”

Lane said he’s happy to be a part of changing stereotypes while doing what he loves.

“This opportunity means a great deal to me because many don't consider the southern part of the U.S. to be very much involved with the arts, so not a lot of funding or interest is put into it. What people don't realize is that southern schools have a chance. Arab High School is a prime example. They have performed at the International Thespian Festival more than once and they put on amazing productions. I hope that people reading this will realize that there are kids in the South who love musical theater just as much as other kids in any other part of the country. I encourage everyone to support the arts in their communities. Allow creativity to be enriched and for stars to be born. It is an honor to have the chance to perform at this nationally-recognized festival and represent Alabama as well as Baldwin County, and show students from all over the nation that we are as dedicated as they are to providing excellence in theatre. I have heard that this festival is nothing short of remarkable and I am highly anticipating this experience.”

Quillin agreed.

“Performing at the International Thespian Festival is an incredible experience,” he began. “It is difficult to quantify the extent of its effects; only to say that it will be unforgettable and will continue to shape their performing lives for years to come.”

“We have an amazing group of talented young people. I am extremely proud of all of them and look forward to experiencing this festival performance with them.”

Lane may have experienced his debut at the festival last week, but musical theatre is no new passion for this 16 year old.

“I have been involved with musical theatre for nearly 8 years—I started performing with Starlight School of the Arts, a private theatre, under the direction of the mother/daughter duo Mandy Batts and Lacy Delaino,” he divulged. “With Starlight, I have done over a dozen different musicals and have also performed on two cruise ships and in Branson, Missouri.”

“I owe everything I've learned in the realm of theatre to them. They are wonderful mentors, extremely talented, and dedicated in providing an opportunity for kids like me who long to be on the stage a chance to show their true talents.”

Lane also thanks his local ties for his variety of experience. “I also have worked with the Foley Star Players, a community theatre, in a production of Funny Girl. Recently, I've been involved with the Foley High School Drama Club on productions like Grease (in which I played Doody) and this year's production of Little Shop of Horrors (in which I played Seymour), under the direction of D.D. Andersen, another great mentor who really wants her students to have a chance to be a part of the magic that is musical theatre—despite the limited funds we have at Foley High School.”

Lane said he appreciates those who take time to share their talents and help him grow.

“Currently, I work with Lacy Delaino who teaches me private voice lessons and also is my dance teacher. She really had helped me improve and I owe so much to her. To have someone like her in an area where performing arts is not always as greatly appreciated is truly a blessing. Lacy works with me very diligently to make sure that I'm prepared to audition for colleges because it is my goal to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and potentially a Master's, as well. I want to make sure I can do all that I possibly can so that I am highly qualified to perform professionally somewhere. I don't care where. As long as I know that my job is doing something I love, I know I will be a happy person.”