Jr. high play practice run set Friday
By Kathy Thomson
A large troupe of local junior high thespians are rehearsing for the upcoming University Interscholastic League one-act play competition that will be held in Albany on Thursday, Nov. 14.
“We are performing A Christmas Carol Adapted by Jerome McDonough,” said director Melanie Turner. “Rehearsals are going well.”
McDonough’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale uses simple staging and costumes, and is written for a large cast.
“I knew I would have a full class, which would allow me to have a full company of actors,” said Turner. “UIL allows me to have 15 actors on stage, so I wanted a play with a good mix of male and female parts. A Christmas Carol fits the bill, and I feel most students are familiar with the story.”
Turner said that the students are practicing every day during eighth period, and they will give a free performance on Friday, Nov. 8 at 8:00 a.m. for anyone and everyone in the community to enjoy.
The performance was originally planned for Sunday, but had to be moved to Friday due to scheduling conflicts.
The competition will take place the following week.
“The one-act plays will start at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 14 and will have a rolling start,” said Turner. “The community is welcome to come and watch.”
Stamford will perform first, followed in order by Roscoe, Haskell, Hawley, and then Albany.
Cast members include Brooklyn Abbate – Narrator, Tyler Chapman – Scrooge, Adam Hill – Bob Cratchit, Lute Wheeler – Marley’s Ghost and Christmas Yet to Come, Zane Waggoner – Nephew and Fiancee’s Husband, Ayden Balliew – Tiny Tim and Boy Scrooge, Cole Read – Young Scrooge and Ragseller, and Cason Fairchild – Cratchit Boy and Ignorance.
Also in the cast are Ayana Molina – Charity Lady 1, Christmas Present, and Merchant 1; Ashtyn Liming – Charity Lady 2, Ellen, and Mrs. Cratchit; Kaedyn Nowell – Fanny, Cratchit Girl, Poverty, and Girl in Sunday Clothes; Robyn Trail – Martha Cratchit and Merchant 1; Kiana Roberson – Nephew’s Wife and Merchant 2; Sidney Russell – Housemaid and Bearer of Tombstone; and Houston Heatly – Christmas Past and Nephew’s Friend.
Alternates are Cooper Edgar, Robert Diaz, Braylyn Abbate, and Ashlyn Holson.
The crew members are Lanxton Viertel – lights, Maci Hatchett – sound, Cort Peterson – stage manager, and Callan Edgar and Kolt Koemel – backstage helpers.
Director’s helpers include Jaci Chapman, Cambree Clegg, Robin Lucas, Emma Shack, and Bryson Herring.
