How do you make it to the Mineola stage? "Practice, man, Practice" And that is just what the Mineola students performing in the upcoming production of Lil Abner are here to do; practice.

On a Tuesday two weeks before the March 20 and 21 performances, the Mineola thespians spend a great deal of their stage time mastering the most important command of their director, Ed Murray, "Focus."

The large cast, anxious and tired from weeks of stage work and full school schedules have a bit of trouble following that particular direction, but eventually they will coalesce, according to Assistant Director Lisa Balogh.

"It is always like this," said Balogh, "and it always comes out wonderfully."

Balogh is a teacher at Jackson Avenue who like Murray has a degree in theater. Performing and Fine Arts Director Rob Ratner spoke with her a few years back and ever since she has been assisting Murray and Musical Director Vaughn Fritt with the theater productions.

Due to the size of the cast the teachers often break the students down into smaller groups. Murray works with the actors on choreography and blocking, Fritt and Don Carreros work on the music and Balogh on the character development.

Balogh helps the actors with the story's subtext, fleshing out their portrayals. She administers practices she learned in college to help her proteges grasp their respective characters and the character's relationships to the story.

If the scene calls for a character to pursue something, she has one actor chase another while they do their lines. If the characters are discussing or debating issues, Balogh has the actors play tug of war while they practice their lines.

The scene the cast and crew labor with this particular rehearsal is done with and without music. Murray spends time with each actor ironing out wrinkles in the performance.

Balogh explained that the reason Murray spends such a great deal of time on this particular number is because it sets up the entire rest of the musical.

When asked if they are aiming for a professional level, Balogh replied, "Mr. Murray would not settle for anything less."

However, the assistant director reasoned that the young actors cannot concentrate because they are just too enthusiastic, and the art of acting, though fun, requires great concentration.

"It requires so much discipline," she commented.

These rehearsals began in January beginning every day after school at 2:30 p.m., some students even helped by painting the sets on Saturdays.

The open auditions drew large numbers, all of whom Murray tries to involve in one aspect or another, for instance Stage Manager Noreen Posa and Assistant Stage Manager Andrea Kilkenny.

The managers share the all important purpose of keeping the actors focused. Posa said she does it by making the actors aware of how close the actual performance is.

"I don't have an amount of time," explained Posa as to how she gets all her work done, "I just have to do it." She impresses upon the actors this same theory so as to encourage them to accomplish the tasks at hand.

Posa said it is not difficult to instruct her fellow students, her assistant, however, admits it is difficult. Kilkenny said she gives no special treatment to any of the actors, she treats them all equally, "I yell at them."

These two managers earned their positions by proving they are trustworthy.

The same holds true for the actors. They were chosen for the roles best suited for them with special consideration being given to those who have put in the time at previous performances, but everyone has an opportunity to audition, said Balogh.

A balance is kept between the veterans and new students who are given an opportunity to prove themselves, including shots at more prominent roles. However, overall, Balogh reminds, "There are no small parts..."

She credits the actors with being smart and brave because they are willing to commit to the creation of a character and follow through to its completion.

In rehearsing the opening scene of the musical, one particular area that the cast works upon is motionlessness. The other actors must not draw the attention of the audience away from the featured actor because each character is important to and involved in the story, explained Balogh.

Added Balogh, since the first number of the show sets the tone and the mood as well as how the characters interact with one another, it is important for the students to learn this acting lesson.

The reaction from fellow faculty members has been positive, according to Balogh. The comments have praised the greater sophistication of the shows after years of performances.

"The kids and the staff are exceptional," commented Ratner.

Balogh said that each successful completion of a show inspires the cast and crew to try and outdo themselves at the next show. "Mr. Murray sets his aspirations high and they rise to the occasion," said Balogh.

Those interested in seeing the Mineola thespians meet their aspirations can do so by attending one of the performances at the Mineola High School Auditorium on Friday, March 20 or Saturday, March 21 beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 at the door and $4 for children under 12.