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East High: The laugh's on us

BY ZACHARY GONZALEZ, Contributing writer | Wednesday, Nov 11 2009 06:15 PM

Last Updated Wednesday, Nov 11 2009 06:15 PM

Money's tight and the world is pretty out of control at the moment. What better time to have your funny bone tickled than now? Let East High provide the laughs with the school's fall production of comedic one-acts.

"Despite the fact that this is a period of time where the world can see the glass half empty, we are still entertaining," said director Jenna Odlin. "Our goal with the Comedic One-Act Festival is to bring the community together to laugh and leave their worries behind. Our present cast will give you a reason to laugh and giggle and promote a sense of optimism."

In the form of four comedic scenes, "Miss Bleep," "The End of Civilization As We Know It," "Check Please" and "The Most Curious Phenomenon," East High has come together to create an enjoyable evening for all.

Aside from bringing laughter and joy to the audience, Odlin looked outside drama class for some cast members -- including East High's new principal Lee Vasquez, who makes a cameo appearance as the so-so student Mike in "The End of Civilization As We Know It." Vasquez, last seen on stage in East High's 1987 production of "Bye, Bye, Birdie," describes working with students and staff as "enlightening."

"I strongly believe in the arts and their purpose in education. I want my students and staff to know I support them," he said. "It's great working with the kids and seeing how much more advanced they are in their craft than I am. I am learning a lot."

East High's Associated Student Body president Ricky Viyera, who plays the dorky nerd Joe in "The End of Civilization as We Know It" and makes appearances in the other two acts, says working on this "hilarious" production has been a comedic escape backstage.

"Being a part of this show has helped me break away from the very stressful outside world," he said. "Especially playing my character, Joe -- getting to change my voice, my physical appearance -- it really takes me away from negative things happening around me."

According to Odlin, it's very satisfying to see such a diverse group of people on stage.

"I really appreciate everyone's backgrounds and strengths," she said. "All of my actors now have a commonality between them and a mutual respect for the arts, especially drama."

"Miss Bleep" follows the story of four students and their fight for survival between each other and their robotic teacher, Miss Bleep. The show touches on real topics such as entrapment, differing student personalities, classroom management and discipline. The students have a genuine camaraderie, yet that can shift at a moment's notice .

"The End of Civilization As We Know It" is a serious message of today's youth told through the classroom antics of history teacher Mrs. Mangles (played in a very Tyler Perry-eque way). On the morning of a dreaded history exam, Mangles gives a test that is anything but what her students prepared for -- to tell her what to do about her cheating husband.

"Check Please" is a series of six dinner dates that couldn't get any worse. Lucky daters find out what it's like to survive a date with a kleptomaniac, a crazy sports fanatic and a prima donna and somehow find a light at the end of the tunnel. Or do they?

"The Most Curious Phenomenon" is not a play -- it's a scientific exploration. With the help of an unsuspecting audience member, two verbose scientists attempt to uncover one of the greatest mysteries known to man (and woman): Why do people fall in love? Told through various versions of Sarah, one of the world's most educated teenagers, the audience explores the steps that result in this genius weeping over a boy.

Everyone involved would agree in advising audience members to bring a strong jaw, a few tissues, and a strong sense of humor, as they will be laughing. A lot.

-- Zachary Gonzalez is editor in chief at The Kernal, East Bakersfield High's student newspaper