Uncover the Magic of Local Fall Plays
Lake Catholic High School
Lake Catholic Performing Arts is all set to present "An Evening of David Ives One Act Plays" on its stage. Under the direction of David Malinowski, this show runs from November 22 to 24. On November 22 and 23, it starts at 7:30 p.m., and on November 24, it begins at 3 p.m. in the Lake Catholic High School auditorium. Tickets for this captivating production are available online at lakecatholic.ludus.com/ or at the door. The tickets are no longer sold in the spirit store. The ticket prices are for adults, for seniors 65+ and alumni, and for students in high school and younger or children aged 2-17.
David Ives, a renowned American playwright, is famous for his one-act comedies like "All in the Timing" and "Time Flies." "All in the Timing" won the Outer Critics Circle Playwriting Award and ran for two years Off-Broadway. In the 1995-1996 season, it was the most performed play in the country after Shakespeare productions. Lake Catholic Performing Arts is thrilled to bring six distinct Ives pieces to the stage, guaranteed to have the audience laughing in their seats.
Malinowski, a professional actor and director and the Roger and Anne Clapp Chair of Performing Arts at The Fine Arts Association, is excited about the collaboration between Lake Catholic and The Fine Arts Association. He said, "I have really enjoyed getting to know the kids and working with them on this production, and the whole Lake Catholic community has been extremely welcoming. I know this is a rebuilding year for the program, which is why I chose pieces that are light-hearted, fun and easily cast."
Along with some returning members, there are new faces emerging from the pit or backstage crew, as well as freshmen joining the program. Junior Josh Skunda, who was involved in crew and the pit, is excited to showcase his acting skills as Don in "Universal Language" and will act opposite junior Kimmy Wiertel as Dawn. Sophomore Vince Regano, who will play Rob in "Captive Audience," is no stranger to the Lake Catholic stage. Before attending Lake Catholic, he had guest roles in "South Pacific" (2019) and "A Christmas Carol" (2022) and recently portrayed Rusty Charlie in last spring's "Guys and Dolls."
Vince said, "I'm enjoying being back on the stage with my friends. I really like being part of these productions each year, and I hope the audience enjoys the performances as much as we enjoy playing the characters."
While the action on the stage is what the audience sees, the crew behind the scenes is equally important. From hair and makeup to props and sound, and from staging each scene by the backstage crew, every aspect is vital to the success of the show. This production's crew consists of students from every grade level, with a good mix of veterans and new crew members, all under the leadership of junior Rosie Orlando, the assistant to the director. Before coming to Lake Catholic, Rosie was involved in the performing arts at St. Mary's of the Assumption, and this is her 10th production on crew and her sixth as a leader.
Rosie said, "I enjoy being part of the process and seeing it develop from the beginning stages to the finished product on stage. I hope the audience gets a good laugh while seeing the different personalities of each character and that they can see all the hard work that has been put into this production."
Riverside High School
Riverside High School Theatre will present "Death by Chocolate" by Paul Freed on November 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this production are presale and at the door and can be purchased at rivbeavs.booktix.com. For any questions, please contact Riverside Theatre at [email protected].
"Death By Chocolate" is a fast-paced murder mystery set against a backdrop of indulgence and intrigue. As the plot thickens, characters find themselves unraveling clues, navigating secrets, and trying to solve a crime. But don't be misled by the sweetness of the title; the play is full of sharp turns, unexpected reveals, and suspense.
Director, designer, and technical director Brad Allen said, "Both the cast and crew have worked incredibly hard to create something truly special for you, our audience. From the very first read-through to the performances, the dedication and passion of each individual involved has been nothing short of inspiring. The cast has put in countless hours of rehearsal, bringing their characters to life with energy, wit, and charm. Their commitment to the material and to each other has been a driving force throughout this process. The chemistry between them on stage is a testament to their hard work and their ability to trust and support one another."
Senior Jackson Vargo, who is playing the role of Ralph Deadwood in "Death by Chocolate" and was recently cast in the Ohio Thespian All-Ohio production of "John Proctor is the Villain," said the challenge of characterization for this show was making the characters unique from previous ones seen on the stage.
Jackson said, "Audiences will enjoy this show because the cast of characters are absolutely hilarious and their relationships with each other add to the humor and mystery of the show."
Stage managers Grace Schneider and Agata Soltys, seniors at Riverside High School, have worked diligently to create a cohesive and seamless production. The stage managers not only spend time organizing the creative process of the technical team but also work daily with the cast and directors to produce the most professional production possible.
Agata said, "I love to see the show come together and how everyone's hard work pays off from the first read through to the final bow."
Grace added, "Although there are challenging moments during the production, it ends up being very rewarding. It is amazing how even with the chaos, it all works out in the end."
Allen said, "I am incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished, and I can't wait for you to experience the magic that has come from their hard work. This show has been a true team effort, and it's been a privilege to direct such a talented and passionate group of student artists."
Madison High School
Madison High School Thespian Troupe #2425 presents "The Curious Savage" in the MHS Lecture Hall on November 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at madisonschools.net on the Athletics page under tickets. Tickets cost for students and senior citizens 65+ and for adults.
November 28 – "Matilda" at Fine Arts Association
Young Thespians is a column focusing on youth theatre. When are your fall productions? E-mail [email protected] or post them on our "Young Thespians" Facebook group page so we can get you on our calendar!
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