What do sensational singing, dazzling displays of choreography and exemplary acting all have in common? They all start with an empty stage and an idea. With Saint Viator’s 50th anniversary of musical tradition embarking on its grand quest for theatrical excellence, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is lovingly folded away (and all those stray feathers from “The Birds” swept up) as “The Music Man” bursts onto the scene with all the clamor of 76 trombones.

However, the band is far from show-ready. There are costumes to make, lines to learn and dancing to choreograph. With so many working components, it’s a marvel that such a feat of artistic ingenuity can even make it off the ground. Luckily for the newly casted citizens of River City, Iowa, the Avengers of educational theater have assembled.

“It’s really interesting because you have no idea what goes on behind the scenes until you live it,” said Mr. Joe Giovannetti, a Viator alumnus, musical veteran and new addition to the fine arts team. “I went here from 2006 to 2010 and I did the show for all four years. I played the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz my senior year. Every day I think about how weird it is being back as a faculty member, but it’s cool to see the other side of how things work.”

Surreal high school flashbacks aside, Mr. Giovannetti prepares for his latest performance—”The Music Man” dance choreographer.

“I have directed a few shows before, but this is the first big one I’ve choreographed,” said Mr. Giovannetti. “I really care about these programs because I went through them myself.”

If the musical coordinators were the X-Men, assistant director Mr. Tony Calzaretta would be the wise and eternally patient mentor helping shape a motley group of talented, young individuals.

“I take attendance during rehearsals, help with costumes, a little bit of everything. But mainly I work with characters on a one-to-one basis,” said Mr. Calzaretta.

Whether you’re a homecoming alum fresh out of college or an old hat, what does every good superhero have? An origin story. And Mr. Calzaretta’s origin goes way back in Saint Viator’s history.

“This is my 11th year at Viator and my 22nd play. Before this, I did 13 seasons at St. James,” said Mr. Calzaretta.

Why did he decide to go white and navy blue?

“I didn’t,” said Mr. Calzaretta. “I met Mrs. Costello at a performance of ‘The Music Man’ at Cutting Hall in Palatine, where my son was playing Harold Hill. I told her, ‘Kate, I’ve got some extra time and I know how to use a hammer and nails, so if you need any help, I’m available.’ So about two weeks later she called me, wanting me to come meet the cast, where she said, ‘I’d like you all to meet your assistant director, Mr. Calzaretta.’ And I’ve been working with [Mrs. Costello] ever since.”

Other notable mentions in the team—too numerous for a word count (or words in general)—include Mrs. Kristina Sandrock, singing coach and orchestral executive; Mr. Peter McManus, chief of tech crew; and Mrs. Mary Woods, leading lady in all things costume.

But there’s one director of all directors, and that’s Mrs. Kate Costello.

“I have two jobs: I’m the producer and the director,” said Mrs. Costello. “As producer, I choose the show, manage budget, arrange rehearsal space, make the schedule, and pay the bills. As the director, my main job is to interpret the show and block it.”

That is a sore understatement if there ever was one. Such a condensed list of tasks Mrs. Costello undertakes doesn’t fully encompass her seemingly endless work.

Mrs. Costello knows that musicals demand constant attention, late hours and an unrelenting work ethic.

“I spend about 250 hours in rehearsal and at least 250 in preparation,” said Mrs. Costello. “It’s most rewarding when I see students who started off weak, or shy, or unsure of themselves blossoming on the stage. It could be a shy chorus member who made a ton of friends during rehearsals or an athlete who auditioned as a lark, got a role, and amazed even himself. It’s wonderful to see them progress over the years and learn about their craft and about themselves.”

Musical is a melting pot of personalities, insight and talent and often brings out all three in its participants.

“I play clarinet in the orchestra,” said junior Jack Neubauer. “It’s cool because you’re halfway between the audience and the stage, and you get a perspective from both the audience’s view and the performer’s view.”

“I was really happy about being cast as Amaryllis, even though I knew I had some competition for the part,” said freshman Grace Castellese.

“I’ve been doing tech crew since freshman year, and I’m now floor manager of tech crew. I’m in charge of everything backstage. Tech crew builds sets, paints backdrops and gets to wear headsets,” said junior Zack Stawicki.

Musical attracts students of all ages and skill sets, creating a place for people from all personal outlooks, talents and motivations.

“I think that playing a role is a very interesting study about human nature,” said Mr. Giovenetti. And perhaps he’s not so far off.

“The performing arts are such a collaborative effort,” said Mrs. Costello. “In ‘The Music Man,’ everybody gets excited about putting on a show and doing things together. The ladies have their auxiliary, the quartet sings with each other and the boys work on the band. People who would always argue get to know each other, and they become friends. It embodies the spirit of the Viator musical and epitomizes why we do these shows.”