Faces of the Valley: Raine Siegel helped shape Highlands musical theater program

Former Highlands Theater Director Raine Siegel finds it miraculous that high schools are able to stage a Broadway musical with just a few months of rehearsal time.

As department head from 1992 until her retirement 10 years later, Siegel said it always was wonderful to watch the students discover the power of music and develop the skill of storytelling.

“It is a commitment that leads to self-discipline, creativity, confidence, pride and self-esteem within the students,” Siegel said. “These are qualities that can be helpful in life, on and off of the stage.”

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Siegel earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Clarion University and completed postgraduate studies at Penn State University.

She spent 20 years as a performing arts teacher at Wailua High School in Hawaii, as well as at a less-tropical school in Clarion.

Siegel, now living in Erie, came to Highlands with an extensive background as a director, choreographer and musical director, having overseen theater at universities, in the community and at summer stock theater.

“I was happy to be back home and at Highlands until my retirement,” she said.

During her time at the district, she oversaw shows that ranged from classics, such as “Oklahoma” and “Guys and Dolls,” to more modern productions that focused on teenage rebellion, such as “Footloose.”

“We were the first high school to present ‘Once on This Island’ and we received a personal commendation and letter from Pittsburgh native and composer Stephen Flaherty,” Siegel said, proudly.

“One of our goals was to bring joy to the community. I hope we did so.”

She credits an all-star, all-faculty production team that included producer Sam Andrews, artistic designer Marti Larkin, orchestra directors John Cliquennoi and Erich Lascek, set construction director Steve Kalnik, tech guru Jay Morgan and stage managers Bonnie Varley and Debbie Lehew.

“Besides the faculty dream team, we had hundreds of students from the shop classes, art classes, student tech crew and graphic design classes involved in the productions,” she said.

Parents stepped forward to sew costumes and paint sets, and to fund-raise to support costs associated with the elaborate shows.

“Looking back, I sometimes think I may have been a bit over the top with my demands as a director. But when I hear from my students, they have positive recollections of being a part of the productions,” Siegel said. “Whatever path or career the students have chosen, it is my hope that being a part of the experience had a positive impact on their life.”

Some of her students have pursued professional careers in the arts.

Michael Zeiler, for example, is a former student who Siegel called talented and energetic. He is now the musical director at Highlands, carrying forward some of Siegel’s traditions while bringing the program to exciting new levels, she said.

Zeiler credited Siegel for shaping the district’s musical program.

“She was a true staple for the musical theater program at Highlands,” he said. “She was such an incredible inspiration to thousands of students.”

Though she retired nearly 20 years ago, Siegel still dabbles in her passion and even stays involved locally.

She participated virtually in the recent Highlands cabaret that showcased songs from more than three decades of district shows, including this year’s production, “High School Musical 2.”

“Her way of teaching was with such love for music and passion for the performing arts,” Zeiler said. “I truly try to pay it forward to this current generation of students the same way.”