Yes, you do! It’s time for the spring play, a completely new production written and directed by Prairie Ridge High School students.
The creative process started in December, having meetings to decide how to build this show from the ground up. At first, the plan was to have a series of dramatic and comedic vignettes with each director fully taking charge of his or her own scene. As time went on, the idea gradually morphed into a full play with one cohesive storyline. This brought new challenges, but the creative team was up for it, and thus, I Do? was born.
Then hundreds of students joined the process to become part of the show. At least fifty signed up to audition, and there were countless numbers of students interested in the tech crews. “I was a little worried at first that nobody would want to participate in the show,” said senior Jeremy Fillipp. “But seeing everyone at the meeting made me feel like this show will really come alive.” Some of the students who initially applied for the director position decided to audition, and they are now considered “scene captains.”
If the title doesn’t give it away, the play is about a wedding that goes wrong. The crazy cast of characters includes the redneck parents of the bride, a drunken old man, an evil concierge, and the melodramatic maid of honor. There are 23 characters in total, each hilarious in its own way. “I am looking forward to the experience of being a part of the casting process,” said freshman Jessica Hillman. “I’ve always wanted to be on the other side of the judges’ table.” Mr. Kennett is the main teacher sponsor of the play, of which he is supervising the creation and publication.
The set crew has been working diligently backstage as everything is starting to come together. Everyone in the cast, of course, is helping to make this show happen, as they become a family in their teamwork. “I really need to memorize my lines,” said junior Margaret Schlofner, one of the lead members. There is an almost equal ratio of males to females, and all of the students are embracing the ridiculousness of their characters. This is a play that is bound to be remembered for all involved.
The only missing piece of the production is you, the audience! The performances will be in the second weekend of May, so rehearsals will be fast and furious in the next few weeks. The excitement is rising as the first-ever original PR production approaches. For more information, visit prtheaterido.wordpress.com, or come see the show!
