Rachel Hogan was a little concerned about the transition from her home school to a public high school.

But once she joined the drama company at Annapolis High School, she quickly made friends and felt at home in her new school, she said.

“I was new to (Annapolis High) school as a freshman,” said Rachel, 15. “The drama group was my first connection . . . such a welcoming group.” 

On Friday and Saturday, Rachel played the role of Sarah Brown in the school drama company’s performance of "Guys and Dolls."

Rachel said she looks forward to acting and singing in future shows at the school.

“It’s just a very encouraging surrounding, a really great place to be,” she said.

Others echoed that sentiment.

Ben Korbelak, 17, a senior at the school who plays Nathan Detroit in the show, said he would be happy to work as a teacher in the school system and help with the high school’s drama department after he graduates from college.

"Our drama company really is like a family," said Eddie Hall, director of the musical and the high school's drama program.

The musical, which opened on Friday, is led by students, includes a cast of nearly 50 high school and 30 local elementary school students. Hall said said roughly 20 high school students make up the show's technical crew and set designers. 

This year’s performance includes a scene with a special lighting effect, he said. 

"Every year we try to do something new," Hall said.

Last year, the school's drama company took 12 award nominations, he said. 

"We have dedicated students," Hall said. "It's a lot of hard work."

The performance is bittersweet because seniors in the show were new at Annapolis High in 2007 when Hall started working at the school, he said. 

“This has been honestly the best show we have ever done,” he said. “This is my core group that build the (drama) program with me.” 

Annapolis High senior Grace Burdick, 17, plays Adelaide in the show.

“We were sort of (Hall’s) first generation of actors,” she said.

The show’s opening was successful, she said.

“We had a great audience,” Grace said. “They laughed in all the right places and they clapped in all the right places.” 

Jake Moss, 18, a senior at the school portrays Sky Masterson in the musical.

“It’s been really fun,” he said and added that the role is a challenge. “His feelings change (as the musical) goes along.”

“Guys and Dolls” will be performed at the Annapolis High School auditorium, 2700 Riva Road, on March 18, 19 and 20.

Show times are 7 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. 

Adult tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

Student/children tickets: $5 in advance, $8 at the door.

To order order tickets, call 410-266-5240.

For more Annapolis High School Drama Company show and ticket information, visit www.ahsdramacompany.educatorpages.com.