A Preview of the Spring Show
By: Emily Lock
Showtimes:
Saturday, May 18th at 7:00 pm
Sunday, May 19th at 2:00 pm
*Tickets are $3 or free with a student ID
Similar to the fall, three One Act plays will be performed this spring. The first play is called “The Internet is a Distract-OH LOOK A KITTEN,” directed by Riley Flintrop. “The Internet is a Distract-OH LOOK A KITTEN” is a play where Micah must finish her paper on The Great Gatsby, but logging onto the internet causes her plans to take a turn. This is Riley’s second time directing a play. She said, “I really enjoy directing. It is very different because you don’t have to worry about capturing any character, you have to focus on everything else around that.” Riley loves directing, however there are some challenges. She said, “One of the challenging parts is that I’m directing a longer play. A lot of the kids this year are also in sports and other activities so it’s a struggle to get everyone to rehearse while also trying to give them the ability to partake in multiple things.” She loves being a leader and can’t wait for everyone to watch her actors’ hard work.
The second play is called “The Final Rose” directed by Ms. Dennis. “The Final Rose” is a twenty-five minute, eight-character play and a spoof of “The Bachelor.” Love seems like a publicity stunt until you experience it for real. This is Ms. Dennis’s second production as a director, but her first year in the DDHS theater department. Ms.Dennis said, “It has been a really rewarding experience. All of the cast is motivated to perform well and they all work so well together to do so. It is a joy to be around a single-minded group of students who want to put forth the best production possible.” As much fun as Ms. Dennis is having, she says, “I would be lying if I said I didn’t have some mild anxiety about the performance date. Are we going to be ready for May 18th and 19th? I feel like we are a little short on time!” However, all her anxiety is washed away during rehearsal. “My favorite part is seeing the actors laugh about something that happens during practice – whether it be a small mistake, a misspoken line, or an all-out disaster.” Of course, every director has their favorite part. “My favorite part is Mr. Man. He is a manipulative and evil man who is just looking to make a buck.”
The final play is called “Surviving Lunch” directed by Mr. Stark. “Surviving Lunch” is about Delia, a teenage girl from New York City, who moves to a small town after her father (a teacher) is killed in a school shooting. In her new high school, Delia is immediately faced with put-downs from the snooty, rich girls and handsome jocks who rule the hallways. Feeling like an outcast, Delia struggles to overcome her grief and start a new life. When she notices a boy repeatedly being bullied, she is determined to help. In the process, she discovers the healing power of friendship. This is also Mr. Stark’s second production as a director since taking over the head of Stage Crew this past year. Mr.Stark describes his first year directing as “A lot of fun!” I really enjoy getting to work with the different actors, creating sets and being involved in more shows. Until this point, I have only helped as needed but I’m really enjoying the whole process.”
Mr. Stark is accustomed to conducting music and commented on his biggest challenges: “I have found a lot of similarities between directing a play and conducting music. In both cases, you are trying to get the performers to bring out the nuances of the piece and best convey the intentions of the author/composer. Sometimes this requires slight edits in language or stage direction, and it is always a challenge to be faithful to the text or composition versus making slight edits that allow the play/piece to function more efficiently in conveying the intent. As a rule, I try to change as little as possible.”
Mr. Stark was recently thrown into the position of head of the stage crew this year and helping out with theater was second nature. He said, “I decided to help out because I love theater! I am a voracious reader and I greatly enjoy attending live theater as much as possible. I have been a part of many shows in many different capacities and with Mr. Drefs moving on to new opportunities and challenges, I decided it was a good time to get involved. I hope to continue helping with the plays along with Ms. Dennis and bring other faculty like Mr. Kruger and Mrs. Rhodes to the creative process!” Mr. Stark loves to include everyone in his productions. He finds joy in creating art with others. Come out and support these directors and their actors’ hard work by seeing the productions on Saturday, May 18th at 7:00 pm and Sunday, May 19th at 2:00 pm.
thecometeer