Amy Weintraub
commons editor
The curtain opens. Bright lights cover the stage as the scene begins. Swirling around the stage, actors deliver lines and dancing numbers. Later, the lights dim as soft, soothing music plays.
Want to see this magic? Come see the new two fall plays. “The shows this year are hilarious and a whole lot of fun. You will not regret the time spent with us if you come join us to see a show,” drama teacher Jessica Speck said.
Two plays will arrive this fall, Subtext and Peter and the Starcatcher. The performing dates for Subtext Oct. 25 to Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.. Peter and the Starcatcher premiere dates are on Nov. 29 and 30, and Dec. 1at 7 p.m. “The main leads in Subtext are Ben Levine and Laila Heydari. In Peter and the Starcatcher the leads are Sean Klein and Lisa Meyerovich. I am involved with the acting in both productions and sound for subtext,” sophomore Andrew Firestone said.
To appreciate any kind of entertainment, some context is necessary. “In Subtext there are many characters including Ed, Amelia, Cameron, and Dani. It’s about how relationships can get ruined or confusing with social media. Peter and the Starcatcher is the tale of what happened before Peter became Peter Pan,” Firestone said.
Participants of theater put in long hours, showing their dedication. “Usually rehearsals are one and a half hours long to two hours long. After school when memorizing lines, it takes me about 30 to 45 minutes,” Firestone said.
The large cast and crew allow more perspectives to emerge, and may also help with time management. “There are a lot of people that participate because it is the not just the actors, the crew is a huge part of the production,” Firestone said.
Drama has it own needs, different from other arts. “With other arts you are not moving nearly as much. In theater you show your emotions not only with your words, but with your body movements and actions while you speak,” Firestone said.
A theater production schedule can be grueling. “It is a big job. In addition to my responsibilities as the director, I also serve as the producer, which means I am responsible for the budget, ordering, ticket sales, you name it,” Speck said.
Going to see a live play is quite an experience. Watching the actors dance and sing across the stage may make the audience want to as well. “The audience can get taken to a different world and have good laughs and cries along the way. Not many sneak peeks yet, but the final show will be great,” Firestone said.
