"What's awesome is that I have been able to create a culture where students talk to directors about their feelings on the material," said Joanne Weaver, who is directing the Manheim Township High School (MTHS) spring musical, "The Theory of Relativity." "(The students) have really been able to have a voice in making the show their own." Weaver added that the show, which is about New York University students and graduates, is relevant to the students' present lives. "(The show is) about what it's like growing up, so they understand what it's about," she noted.

The 2016 musical, which is by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill, looks at how lives are interconnected in the present day. According to Weaver, during the 80-minute show, the cast of 14 will explore a number of themes ranging from rivalry to body positivity to female empowerment to family relationships. "There is lots of comedy," said Weaver, who added that references to Albert Einstein are woven throughout the script. "It's the story of the (characters) coming to realize who they are," she explained.

The show includes several musical numbers, and Weaver warned audiences that there will be a few tearjerkers. Sophie Yost, who plays the character of Mira, will sing "Promise Me This." "Her song is so heartfelt. It will touch everyone," said Weaver. Other musical numbers will include "Relativity," "I'm Allergic to Cats," "The End of the Line," and "Great Expectations."

Weaver has observed gratitude in both students and their parents for the opportunity to present the musical. "I have heard students and parents thank us so many times for allowing something like this to happen," she said, noting that she thinks the cast and crew have become especially close-knit because of the circumstances under which they are producing the show. Protocols do not allow for touching among cast members during rehearsals; however, at one point during the presentation, two characters will touch, and another character will present them with hand sanitizer as part of her role.

Cast members, in addition to Yost, include Kristen Bennet, Evan Castner, Adam Cigan, JD Emig, Erin Gray, Grace Kline, Kennedy Meglic, Caleb Patterson, Nathan Perlis, Abby Piper, Maggie Spealman, Jack Turner, and Olivia Tran-Speros.

While students will be live on stage for the performances, the show will be livestreamed and presented for a very limited audience. Interested individuals may purchase a single-device streaming ticket for 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 8; Friday, April 9; or Saturday, April 10. Seats will be assigned to those purchasing a ticket to attend in person. Tickets may be purchased by searching for "Manheim Township High School" at http://www.showtix4u.com. Tickets may be purchased for a set price, but opportunities to donate more to the program will be presented at purchase.