TDHS Drama ready to role with comedy before a live audience Nov. 11
By Tom Peterson
A real coolness pervaded the auditorium at The Dalles High School tonight, Nov. 10.
Just 24 hours before curtain call, a cast of characters sat before Director Lowry Browning.
Cueing the lights, stage marks, prop movement - it was deadly serious business for The Seussification of a Midsummer Night’s Dream.
It will be the first time in years that these students will go before a live audience, and they are pumped.
The Bard's most beloved comedy gets the full Seuss treatment in this playful adaptation. Two madcap Narrators chronicle the tale of the mixed-up lovers as they wander through a forest full of whoosh bush tush beasts and fairies dueling with bumballoon swords. Told in rhyming couplets, this reimagining is how Shakespeare's magical tale might have played if Dr. Seuss had gotten his hands on it...
Doors open on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.
Katie Ferguson, 16, said she plays the part of Bottom, a funny idiot who falls under the spell of a mischievous fairy named Puck.
“It’s absolutely hillarious,” the junior said. “And it’s easier to understand than Shakespeare. It is going to be amazing.”
She’s been acting since she was 7-years-old. “I’m excited to have people in the audience and to hear them laugh again.”
Rowan Bierwirth is playing in the role of Tatania.
“She is the fairy queen married to Oberon and the sassiest in the whole entire show,” the freshman said. “Yeah, this suits me. This is my inner personality, and I am letting it all out. Watch out for the spell.”
16-year-old Layne Brown is taking on the part of Oberon, King of the Fairies. He is a powerful, strong-willed character that believes he can do whatever he wants and who knows how to get his way.
“I love when Puck scares Oberon and he screams,” he said, clad in platform shoes and a disco suit of white and red with flared bell bottoms. “Don’t let the name Shakespeare scare you. It’s a lot more funny.”
Earlier in the night, Browning rallied the troops and gave two focal points.
“It is your job to understand the story and project,” Browning told the cast before the dress rehearsal began. “And you need to go slow in your speech almost as if you’re talking to your dog. I will get after you every single night if you forget to slow down or project.”
“You’re going to do fine,” she added. “You’re going to make me laugh.”
The show dates are November 11th – 13th and Nov. 18th – 20th at 7:30 p.m. in The Dalles High School Auditorium. Ticket prices are $10.00 for adults and students and $8.00 for senior citizens and children 12 and under. It’s General Admission, and the doors open at 7:00 p.m. The show is suitable for all ages.
