It’s opening night and the crowd is buzzing. But when the lights hit the stage, silence fills the air. Blast begins.

Blast has been a unique CHS production for 26 years and returns to the stage with this year’s production of Blast: Opposition. Matthew Albright, CHS choral director and Blast director chose the theme to present something completely different from past productions. With the theme of “Opposition,” Blast presents songs such as “Hot and Cold” by Katy Perry and “Black or White” by Michael Jackson. These songs range over several decades and aim to offer something for every member in the audience.

“We’ve got music from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and today,” Albright said. “These are arrangements that are currently done by contemporary composers.”

Students are featured in every number and each play an important role in the production. After-school practices occur daily and students put a lot of effort into making the production spectacular, according to sophomore Cami Cohen, who is the lead in the song “It’s Raining Men.”

According to Cohen, Blast is a huge commitment and a lot of time and effort goes into the production.

“We usually rehearse until 5 p.m., but during tech week, rehearsals go until 10 p.m,” Cohen said.

The tech crew and pit also contribute greatly to the enormous production. During the week before opening, the entire Blast crew stays late to make sure everything is well prepared. Even though Blast requires a lot of effort, the end result is worth it for the performers.

“It’s a chance to show your personality on stage and is a fun way to just really let everything go,” Cohen said.

According to senior Ximena Tellez, the best part of Blast is the experience of being on stage and spending time with friends.

“People should come to Blast because it allows students to express themselves in a non-academic way,” senior Antonia Gavaria Rozo said.

Blast: Opposition opens March 20 and shows on 21,22,27,28 and tickets are now available at www.wchsarts.com, prices range from $15 to $20.