‘Girl Who Lived with Bears’ starts Feb. 27

Based loosely upon a local Native American legend, “The Girl Who Lived with the Bears” explores the deeper issues of respect, diversity, connectedness, and the effects of miss-placed judgment. The basic plot entails the story of a young Indian princess, Ayasha, who lacks respect for the surrounding animals, especially the bears. After being “kidnapped” by the local bear tribe for her disrespect, she learns that the bears are not merely “big, smelly, and scary,” but rather “people” like herself. Soon a friendship emerges between Ayasha, Yuma (one of her captors) and the surrounding animals, leading her to have a change in heart. While a tragic event ensues Ayasha’s return to her village, the powerful lesson of respect and love for all changes her outlook on life forever.

Steighner is retiring this year after teaching band and choir for 37 years. He has directed nearly 50 musicals at Hood River Valley High School and for CAST, and written nearly a dozen works for the stage, according to Nederhiser. The Girl Who Lived With the Bears is the fourth musical he has written for Nederhiser and the students of HRMS.

Steighner said, “It’s a lot of fun to write a musical for HRMS and see it performed. I’m always excited to see what Rebecca and the cast come up with!”

The play is more than a theatrical production: it is a collaboration between composer Mark Steighner, director Rebecca Nederhiser, and drama, art and shop students at HRMS. Teacher Andy Angstrom guided teams of students in building the set and artist-in-residence Tomas Villa helped students create masks used to tell the story.