Theatre is often about exploring ideas, presenting concepts for consideration, and posing unique “what if” questions. Sometimes absurdist, sometimes stark realist, sometimes just amusing and entertaining. This weekend the Solon High School Drama Dept. raises the curtain and invites you to look in on a group of intrepid teenagers stranded in an abandoned hunting cabin during a thunderstorm.
To pass the time while Janet the bus driver (Stella Facinelli) struggles to revive their dead bus, the students turn to “The Bard in a Box: The Taming of the Shrew,” a Shakespearian classic in a box with directions to “BYOD,”-Bring Your Own Drama. The result is a fractured version of the Bard’s classic as the students struggle with Elizabethan language, ransack the cabin for props, and attempt to put on the play.
Deanna Kleinsmith, SHS Drama Director, said at the end of each show she asks the cast to reflect on the process of the show and their future interest from a list of genres. “One of my goals when taking the play director position was to expose students to a variety of theatre styles. This show met the request for Shakespeare and definitely provided a new experience,” Kleinsmith said.
“The adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew makes this a play within a play within a play. It is written in such a way that most of the actors are playing two or three characters while being on stage the entire show. The cast ran with the challenge and is ready to entertain the audience.”
Beyond the challenges inherent in the script – Shakespeare and playing multiple roles, there are logistical challenges for Kleinsmith and the cast to work around as they work to bring it all together.
“Our cast comes well-rounded with many other school activities represented: archery, robotics, band, choir, wrestling, cheerleading, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), along with activities outside of school. There are often calculus, comp papers or other classes being studied in the wings. We are always watching the weather and aware of the illnesses that are lingering. This all plays into a need for an efficient schedule. Amid it all, these students choose to come together, create characters and prepare a story to share with their community. Come show day the stage will be set, the lights will enhance the picture, and sound will fill the theatre for laughs, suspense and maybe some unexpected surprises.”
Kleinsmith expressed her gratitude and appreciation to seniors Toby Kleinsmith, Joli Sinnwell, Madilyn Dunbar, Evann Freerks, Jaelyn Posekany, Adlie Miller, Rayne Dooley, Jake Grimm, and Allison Hedge.
“They have been in all of the plays in their Solon High School career. The commitment and leadership of this group is top notch. Let’s break-a-leg one more show!”
Details
Tickets – https://soloniahighschoolplay.ludus.com/
Showtimes – Saturday, March 7, 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 8, 2:00 p.m.
Bard in a Box: Taming of the Shrew
Cast
Ms. Friz – Merrick Gravert
Chloe/Director – Holly Whitehead
Jacques/Petruchio – Toby Kleinsmith (sr.)
Brittani/Kate – Joli Sinnwell (sr.)
Nathan/Lucentio – Silas Billerbeck
Archibald/Baptista – Lenora Cornally
Calliope/Bianca – Alina Steele
Ellis/Hortensio – Evan Smith
Zoey/Grumio – Maddie Elkins
Gwen/Gremio – Madilyn Dunbar (sr.)
Aubree/Tranio – Evann Freerks (sr.)
Aric/Saucy Widow – Abby Allen
Janet, the bus driver – Stella Facinelli
Livingston/Lord – Keegan Goldesberry
Ava/Hostess, & Servant – Annie Bovenmyer
Alex/Student – Molly Smith
Penelope/Props – Morgan Taylor
Crew
Light Booth – Sophia Barry and Hudson Thirtyacre
Spotlights – Jaelyn Posekany (sr.) and Lixian Miller
Sound Booth – Adlie Miller (sr.) and Ella Lammers
Stage Managers – Rayne Dooley (sr.), Bella Nearad, and Tanner Miller
Props – Jake Grimm (sr.) and Carter Brock
Set construction – Mackenna Kramer
Costumes – Allison Hedge (sr.) and Emersyn Leimkuehler