COEUR d'ALENE - This is musical No. 4 for Mackenzie Murray.

First, there was "High School Musical" when she was a freshman at Coeur d'Alene High School.

Next came "Guys and Dolls" her sophomore year. Junior year was "Mattress."

And her senior year, it's "Babes in Arms."

This one could be the best.

"I love it," said Murray, who plays Bunny Byron in the production that opens Thursday night.

She said the cast of juniors, seniors and many students new to drama, singing and dancing has come together and improved since rehearsals began in early September.

"It's a tighter family of students than I've ever been a part of," Murray said.

"Babes in Arms," CHS's fall musical, is directed by Jared Helm. He likes the way it's coming together, thanks to the efforts of the students.

"The kids' energy and spirit is more present in this show than it has been in the past," he said. "The singing and dancing is vibrant and live. There's a passion and commitment to what they're doing on stage that is very evident."

The musical features Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart standards such as "My Funny Valentine," "The Lady is a Tramp," "Where or When," and "Johnny One Note."

"This show is packed full of hits that nobody knows about because the show isn't done that often," Helm said.

Helm had high praise for the cast, including Chris Myers who plays Valentine White and Abby Anderson, who plays Susie Ward.

"He is pulling off Valentine White better than I could have expected," Helm said.

And Anderson pulled her role off "beautifully," he said.

He said the show will be great entertainment for families, and will pull in the audience.

"It makes each moment seem special," he said. "It makes each moment seem as if they are a part of this world."

As director, that's one of his goals.

"In this type of a show, they'll be able to escape for the two hours and enjoy each moment as it occurs on stage," Helm said.

"Babes in Arms" is facing challenges, though.

Students are also preparing for district drama competition, so some are torn between the two.

The musical is also going up against Friday night football, as Coeur d'Alene takes on Lake City this Friday and next.

"That's a tough one," Helm said.

Regardless, he said working with the cast and crew on "Babes in Arms" has been a blast. He hopes the public comes out.

"I've enjoyed the spirit of the show, the energy of the show. It's a happy, go lucky, humorous, comedy-driven production," Helm said.

Murray said it's chaotic, too, with rapid costume changes.

"Ridiculous amounts, running off stage, things are Velcroed in the back," she said, laughing.

The cast has worked hard, she said, something she's sure the audience will notice.

"They will be able to see the amount of work that was put in and how that paid off," Murray said, "but they'll also be able to see how much of a family we are."