End of the world, in 3 acts
| Wednesday, Oct 21 2009 05:34 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Oct 21 2009 05:34 PM
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GO & DO
What: "The Skin of Our Teeth"
When: 7-9:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday
Where: Starrh Performing Arts Center at Shafter High, 526 Mannel.
Admission: $5; $4 for students and seniors
The Shafter High School Drama Club has been hard at work on another soon-to-be success. Thornton Wilder's "The Skin of Our Teeth" is, in short, about the end of the world in three acts.
Though the play was written as a comedy, it has very serious elements. It is a story of hardship, struggle, knowledge and, most importantly, the strength of family.
The curtain opens on the house of the Antrobus (which is Greek for "human") family, the toughest immortals you'll ever meet. The family is made up of Mr. Antrobus, played by Kenneth Hugo, Mrs. Antrobus, played by Loni Jo Harmon, and their two children, Henry and Gladys, played by Joey Aguirre and Katie Neufeld. Last but not least is the family's constantly complaining maid Sabina, played by Breanne Fowler.
The Antrobus family represents all the families across the world. Their struggle is humanity's struggle. Through their trials the story is told. They must fight to survive a second ice age, a massive flood, and a bloody war, all the while dealing with marital problems between Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus and the burden of two quarrelsome children.
Preparing for this production was no small task. As it requires a large cast, members of the Drama Club were sent out to English classes at Shafter High School on recruiting missions. Once enough people had signed on, rehearsals began. For the last month and a half, the actors and actresses have been memorizing lines, running through each of the three acts, and learning all they need to know about performing.
Assembling a large enough cast was just the tip of the iceberg. As a three-act play, three enormous sets were called for. Fortunately, along with all the eager actors and actresses, a stellar tech crew was recruited. While the actors rehearsed, the techies were hard at work building and painting sets and props, adjusting lights, and working the soundboard. Without them, the whole production would fall flat on its face.
So come out, relax, and watch the end of the world (and the beginning) unfold.
-- Matthew Wolfe is the Shafter Drama Club publicist and performs in the show.
