Jamesville-DeWitt High School is not messing around with their spring drama show- or are they? The cast will be putting on a hilarious spring drama called “Play On!” on May 16 and 17. The play will be directed by social studies teacher Jordan Berger and will be performed only through supporting roles; no leads.
“The cast will be putting on a hilarious spring drama called “Play On!” on May 16 and 17.”
According to Mr. Berger, “Play On!” is “the hilarious story of a theatre group trying desperately to put on a play in spite of maddening interference from an author who keeps revising the script. Act I is a rehearsal of the dreadful show, Act II is the near disastrous dress rehearsal, and the final act is the actual performance, in which anything that can go wrong, does.” The cast has been working hard to prepare for their first performance by rehearsing everyday at Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, as the J-DHS auditorium is currently under construction.
Senior Ben Hughes describes his character Saul Watson as “a sarcastic and somewhat-rude man who very much doesn’t appreciate the amateurish nature of this production, and its players, in his mind.” Hughes feels confident that he’ll be able to pull off this snarky role. For viewers planning to watch the show, Hughes’s only advice is not to come in expecting the show to be serious; it is a comedy, of course! He also said to look out for jokes based on characters messing up their lines.
“Hughes’s only advice is not to come in expecting the show to be serious; it is a comedy, of course!”
Junior Alethea Shirilan-Howlett will be playing Gerry Dunbar, the director of the play within the play. Dunbar is a very frazzled character, but one that cares very much for her actors. Shirilan-Howlett said that it’s hard to put on a play during AP testing, but she thinks it’s coming together nicely. As for advice before watching the show, Shirilan-Howlett said to “pay attention to all the details even if they seem out of place, as everything comes back to make the [the final act] hilarious.”
Senior Clayton Reynolds will be playing Henry Benish, a crazy man who will have to deal with his insane wife as well as the crazy play he is acting in. Reynolds is feeling good about the upcoming performances, and said that he and all the other cast members are working hard during rehearsal to make the show the best it can be. Reynolds said that the show will be relatable for anyone that’s been part of a production before. “It’ll be hopefully really fun with all of the slips ups that the actors in the show go through,” concluded Reynolds.
This diligent cast is dedicating their time to create a great production. Come watch them put on this hilarious show on Thursday, May 16, and Friday, May 17, at seven p.m. at Jamesville-Dewitt Middle School. Tickets are on sale now for $5 at jddrama.ticketleap.com.
