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Another Exciting Year Planned for Theater!
Mill Creek Theatre season begins Oct. 17
Varied performances to delight all ages
The Mill Creek Theatre is readying for its first performance of the season, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. with its one-act competition play, “Candid.” The story, by Michael Scanlan, is of a young student photographer and chronicles the breakup of his family after his mother walks out. The demise of the family and its devastating effect are captured in dramatic and photographic flashbacks. The young man, T.J., tries to make sense of it all, but no one is willing to talk or
to listen. A brief piece, run without intermission, will allow the audience to engage with his pain as he reflects upon his
photographs and the concept that all art is enlightening. This is the first of six performances of the MCHS Theatre season and will also be performed by the students in the sub-region one-act competition, Oct. 19, which will be hosted by
Mill Creek High School.
In December, get ready for a swashbuckling, egocentric superhero who wears a hood instead of a cape. “The
Somewhat True Tales of Robin Hood” will swagger on stage Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. A frantically funny, Monty
Pythonesque retelling of the classic by Mary Lynn Dobson, this time around, the legendary legend, in his never-end
quest to aid the needy, encounters a lovely damsel-in-distress (oddly obsessed with skin conditions). In comes an ever-scheming sheriff who would rather bowl a strike than hit a bull's-eye; a gold-hoarding, bad-guy monarch wannabe;
and a good-natured "Town's Girl" who manages to make her way into every scene, whether she belongs there or not.
Combine them with an expandable band of spoon-wielding Merry Men, whose collective IQs equal six, and you've got
an irreverent jaunt through Sherwood Forest you won't soon forget.
The remaining season will be as varied, according to MCHS drama instructor Katherine Alexander, who leads the
school theater program. Alexander said that her performance selections are designed not only to be approachable and
appeal to a wide variety of audience tastes and interests, but to stretch her actors. “I try to give the kids variety,” said
Alexander. Entering 2014, MCHS Theatre will perform “Pride and Prejudice,” Jan. 17 and 18. “It’s a literary piece but
also has popularity,” Alexander said. For those who may not have found the 1813 novel by Jane Austen book of interest, Alexander challenges them to attend a live performance of the story adapted by Jane Kendall. It is considered
refreshingly fast-paced and engaging.
In spring, “L’il Abner” and “Rapunzel: Untangled” will round out the single shows with Mill Creek’s own seniors
concluding the season with a “Night of One Acts,’ selected and directed by the near graduates. For the student actors, the variety of shows exposes the performers the different genres to help them broaden their skill set, explained
Alexander. “It’s a lot more than just the lines.” In “Pride and Prejudice,” for example, she said, “It’s the way that people moved during those periods…to stretch them; we have them experience something outside of each day. The material we pick is usually entertaining,” Alexander said. The children’s shows will also be enjoyed by adults.
For those who have never seen a show “on the boards”, Alexander encourages them to give it a try, to literally feel
the difference. The energy between actor and audience cannot be found onscreen, she said. “Seeing theater, there is
an exchange of energy between actors and audience. It’s a completely different experience. Actors on stage; they
carry you right along,” said Alexander. “Theater is a cultural experience. It’s a fantastic way to introduce your children
to culture and they will enjoy it.”
For more information on the Mill Creek Theatre upcoming 2013-2014 season, ticket prices and ordering, or advertising/sponsorship opportunities, visit www.millcreekdrama.com
Candid, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m., MCHS Theater
Cast & Crew
T.J Toeffler - Jaelen Tyner
Karen – Morgan Lamberson
Rose: Leah Johnson
Ms. Paschal – Kayla Lowman
Nicki - Savannah Peat
Stage Manager – Shelby Everrett
Tom - Adream Thompson
ASM – German Hernandez
Rico - Andy Stanesic
HAWK HERALD