Local high schools to perform spring plays
The theatre departments at Olympus and Cottonwood High Schools are pleased to present their upcoming spring productions, "Dancing at Lughnasa" and "The Last Night of Ballyhoo," respectively.
"Dancing at Lughnasa" will be held in the Olympus High auditorium on Thursday thru Monday, Feb. 23-27 at 7 p.m., with a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Feb. 25. The school is located on 4055 South 2300 East. Tickets are available in advance for $5 at www.olympushigh.wikispaces.com, or for $7 at the door. Only 100 seats are available per night, as the audience will be seated on the stage with the performers, so advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
Written by Brian Friel, the play follows the lives of five unmarried sisters living in 1936 Ireland.
"It's very symbolic, sweet, funny and heartbreaking," theatre instructor Robin Edwards said.
The story is set against the backdrop of the festival of Lughnasa. It deals with the pull between Ireland's pagan and Christian traditions, as well as the women's relationships with each other and the men of their family--their returned missionary brother Jack, the child Michael who is raised by the five sisters, and Michael's absentee father Gerry. Michael narrates the play with his memories of an idyllic summer before the family falls on hard times.
Most roles in the play are double cast, so anyone who wants to see a certain student perform should contact the school at 385-646-5400 to make sure to come on the correct night. The role of Kate will be played by Carson Kohler and Sarah Keating. Sarah Clark and Whitney Wilde will play Maggie, Kylie Wiggins and Jenna Evans will play Agnes, Katryna Williams and Laura Henderson will play Rose, Cristina Vazquez and Rachael Beck will play Christina. Garrett Danielson and Ryan Tatton will play Gerry. Adam Arrif will play Michael, and Zakk Wells will play Jack. Student directors are Jocelyn Speaks and McKenna Hockemier.
Cottonwood High will perform "The Last Night of Ballyhoo" Wednesday, Feb. 29, and Thursday and Friday, March 1 and 2, at 7 p.m. in the school's John C. Hahn Theatre. The school is located at 5715 South 1300 East. Tickets are $7 at the door.
This Toy and Pulitzer winning play was written by Alfred Uhry, who is perhaps best known for "Driving Miss Daisy." "The Last Night of Ballyhoo" is about a wealthy German-Jewish family living in the American South. The play follows their struggles with outside prejudice, as they themselves inflict it on the "lesser" Eastern European Jews.
"It's a great comedy filled with heartbreaking drama," theatre instructor Adam Wilkins said.
The role of Sunny will be played by Halie Merrill. Joe will be played by Taylor Szemerey, Lala will be played by Abbie Robles, Peachy will be played by Clayton Sigler, Boo will be played by Maddiey Howell, Reba will be played by Kelsey Jensen and Adolph will be played by Alex Gonzalez.
