Fledgling drama program ready to roar
| Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 04:34 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 04:34 PM
GO & DO
What: "The Mouse that Roared"
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Independence High, 8001 Old River Road
Admission: $5; and $3 for ASB students and children.
Plowed fields and the promise of new growth surround Independence High School. This school's drama department, which opened two years ago with only freshmen and sophomores, is producing the fall play, "The Mouse that Roared" by Christopher Sergal, a daunting task for the novice school. But the students are determined to have fun throughout.
The second-year program is led by Laura Stockton, who teaches two beginning drama classes and one advanced drama class.
The story is a comedy about the small Duchy of Grand Fenwick that decides the best way to deal with its economic problems is to declare war on the United States, lose, and accept foreign aid after the defeat. The ensuing commotion and confusion is full of twists, turns and laughs.
Acacia Ingram, who plays the page in the production, says, "This play goes beyond the norm, adding our humorous modern comedy with the older comedy creates a wonderful new twist and a great surprise." Acacia had participated in the Shakespeare Festival for two years and is involved in drama while juggling her training on the school's cross country team.
Meaghan Snyder, a junior cast as Gloriana, the Grand Duchess of Grand Fenwick, is no stranger to the stage at Independence. She has also participated in the Shakespeare Festival for two years and had roles in the one-act plays last year. Meaghan says, "This performance was really difficult and stressful because we had a bigger cast than we have been used to. I'm having a lot of fun with it and was thrilled to be cast in this part." She encourages everyone to come to see this production, saying, "The audience will be entertained and will get a lot of laughs out of the characters. The characters are the strength of the play."
Other cast members include Perrin Swanson as Tully Bascom, Curtis Valencia as Count Montjoy, Harrison DaMant as Professor Kokintz, and Kristen Wadlington as the U.S. President. The student assistant director is Kaelyn Deleon.
