Natalie Kmetz couldn’t celebrate her 50th year directing the Jim Thorpe Drama Club last year due to COVID-19.

When restrictions once again threatened the performance, the club decided to pick up a camera in order to put on their production of “West Side Story,” and help their director reach a milestone.

On Friday, they’ll premiere the 2021 production of “West Side Story” at the Angela Triplex Theatre in Coaldale.

The cast will arrive in classic cars owned by the Jukebox Cruisers before walking a red carpet into the screening.

“The fact we are doing something, and didn’t give up, is what I love,” Kmetz said.

The drama club spent over two months rehearsing and filming the production at locations around the borough of Jim Thorpe.

The drama club originally planned to perform “West Side Story” in 2020. But it was canceled early on in rehearsals due to the pandemic. While many cast members returned, they were basically starting from scratch, while learning a new medium.

Making a film involved a much different approach than a live production. Jim Thorpe teacher Jason Conrad traded the light and sound board for a camera, filming and editing the performance.

Instead of the slow buildup to a week of hectic dress rehearsals and performances, the actors hit the ground running. Mondays-Wednesday were for rehearsals, then on Thursday, they filmed.

It was an adjustment for the cast and Kmetz.

“When you’re doing a live show you feed off the audience. It’s all about the energy,” said Sophia Samoleski, who plays the role of Maria.

The actors had to worry about problems that don’t exist in live productions, like making sure their appearance didn’t vary on different days of shooting. Samoleski would take pictures of her hair to make sure she styled it the same way.

There aren’t many scenarios that arise in directing a musical which Kmetz hasn’t seen in her 50 years as director. But a film was an entirely new experience. Others might have taken the opportunity to retire, but Kmetz said that the passion of the students makes her want to continue.

“It’s easy to convince me. I love this too much,” Kmetz said.

Kmetz knows that the night of the performance will feel a lot different. She doesn’t have to worry about scene changes or lighting cues.

It will be different for cast members as well. Instead of practicing lines and doing makeup, they’ll be walking the red carpet and sitting among family and friends for the premiere. And they’ll have the recording of the performance for years to come.

“It will be nice to look back on it. It really was a great experience,” Samoleski said.

The “West Side Story” premiere will take place at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. and cast members arrive on the red carpet at 6:30 p.m. Admission is by donation.