At first it was a somewhat incongruous scene of elegant disorder.
Children and teenagers sat wearing fancy clothes, but they chatted, laughed and fidgeted with restless energy. Then suddenly the seeming chaos dissipated, and a new kind of scene emerged: the deliberate lyrical mayhem of 19th century comic light opera.
The place was Covenant Hall for the Performing Arts in Irwin, the scene a rehearsal for the upcoming production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "Trial by Jury."
Directed by Covenant Hall owner Maria Pealstrom, the work features the vocal and theatrical talents of nearly two dozen local adolescents.
"Trial by Jury" tells the story of Angelina, who is jilted by her fiancee Edwin and sues him for breach of promise. Drawing on Gilbert's experiences as a lawyer, the show takes place in court, where judge and jury weigh the opposing arguments of the young couple in the typically over the top fashion of the comedic duo.
Elizabeth Deslam, a sophomore at Hempfield Area High School, plays the role of Angelina.
"I like her voice range, it's right in my range," said Deslam, a soprano who has worked with Pealstrom since Deslam was in kindergarten.
The fate of Angelina's suit against Edwin is decided by the Judge, played by Norwin High School freshman Tyler Banash. Banash said he enjoys the voice part, but a lot of the judge's appeal for him comes in the opportunity to indulge in the comedy inherent in his role.
"The judge is supposed to be currently under the influence of alcohol," said Banash, who got his theatrical start in Covenant Hall's production of "Mikado" last summer.
"I've always liked making people laugh," Banash said.
Edwin, played by Nick Morgan, a Norwin High School freshman and North Huntingdon resident, faces not only the morally bankrupt judge but also a jury biased by Angelina's beauty and charm on the stand.
North Huntingdon resident and Greensburg Central Catholic freshman Conor Dugan plays Angelina's solicitor, who attempts to use the judge's moral failings to his client's advantage.
Dugan, who also performed in "Mikado" last summer, said he has a lifelong fascination with musical theater. "My mom had a Broadway tape that she would play in the car (when I was) a child," which he said, helped spike his interest.
While the lead roles all went to more experienced high school students, younger children fill out the choral parts of the male jury and the female spectators and witnesses.
Vincent Hunton, 7, plays a juryman, and he couldn't be happier with the experience.
"There's lots and lots of fun stuff that I want to do," he said.
Pealstrom said part of the reason she wanted to put on "Trial by Jury" came from the opportunities it offered younger performers.
"It's a good ensemble piece," she said, adding that all characters remain on stage for the entire 45-minute show.
"Trial by Jury" will premier on Saturday with a 4 p.m. performance at Covenant Hall. Afternoon shows also will be held on Feb. 10 and Feb. 16 at the same time.
Evening shows will run at 7 on Feb. 15 and Feb. 17. A dinner catered by Colonial Grille will take place at 5:30 p.m. before the Feb. 17 show.
Tickets for "Trial by Jury" cost $6; the pre-show dinner is $8. Tickets are on sale at Mail Priority in Norwin Hills Shopping Center and Interiors By Woleslagle in Irwin. Those interested also can call 724-864-9862.