Drama department plans three plays on one set

48 feet wide and two stories tall, the extensive set fills the stage as home to three separate plays, all in their own eras. This spring, the theatre department will be performing its first ever repertory company, actors and technicians working on a variety of materials at once, in place of the winter and spring plays. This is made possible by the countless hours of set construction and rehearsal put in by the casts.
“Everyone thinks I’m crazy and I probably am.” Director Rita McLary said.

The three plays include The Mousetrap, Noises Off, and Pinches Teas. Moustrap is a murder mystery set in the 1950’s at the Monkswell Manor where a snowstorm traps a group of strangers with an unknown killer. In contrast, Noises Off is a modern day comedy in which a cast of actors are performing “Nothing’s On”, a play within a play.Lastly, Pinches of Tea is an all female cast with different options, pinches 1 and pinches 2. In pinches 1, the cast is older and proper, set at a funeral where situations pops up that they don’t expect. Pinches 2 is based on wacky sisters that figure out they can tell the future.
“In our case what we’re doing is a sort of rotation,” drama teacher Rita McLary said “The technicians will be the same, however the actors/actresses will be different.”
People from all three casts come in anywhere from 9 a.m to 5 p.m every saturday and sunday to construct this massive set. It must accommodate each play spanning from the 1950’s to now. The only thing changed when it comes to the set will be props such as switching out a rotary phone for one more modern.
“I absolutely adore the set,” junior Kate Rutherford said. “It’s massive, but it’s so cool. I think it’s cool that all three plays share it, because it brings a sort of unity to the company”
Building this has essentially been like building a house, without  four full walls. Unlike the usual plain wood used for theatre, the set has stud walls just like a normal building.
“Combining the time used for both the winter and spring plays gives each cast a lot more time for their specific play,” junior Ben Gross said “It’s less pressure.”
McLary made the decision to replace the winter and spring plays with the rep company for just that reason. It allows the cast and techies more time to construct and work together to develop quality shows. As for making the decision to take on the challenge at all, she believes that working in this format provides good training for everyone involved. In addition, the casts enjoy having each other to bond with.
“The art of theatre harbors all sorts of moments, traditions, and experiences that are exclusive to being a part of the theatre family,” Gross said,  “I wouldn’t give up any of these aspects for anything.”

SHOW TIMES:

April 17, starting at 7 p.m
Pinches 1 and Noises Off

April 18 starting at 7 p.m
Pinches 2 and Mousetrap

April 23 starting at 7 p.m
Pinches 2 and Noises Off

April 24 starting at 7 p.m
Pinches 1 and Mousetrap

April 25 starting at 2 p.m
Pinches 1 and Mousetrap

April 25 starting at 7 p.m
Pinches 2 and Noises Off

$5 for tickets