What it Takes to Put on a School Play

The cast of "Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here: The Story of a Prom" (Photo Courtesy of Emma Burnett)

Co-Editor: Alexandra Mcginnis

It is indeed Spring, and with Spring came the spring play. This years play “Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here: The Story of a Prom”, followed a bunch of students through the chaos of preparing for prom. One of these students, Gor, an antisocial goth who hate people, has been put in charge of the dance. The play, which took place on April 5th and 6th, was a success. As a performer in the play myself, I can definitely confirm it was a lot of fun. In order to put on a great show, you need a hardworking team of people who can all work well together. Alex and I decided to interview a few of the people who made the play awesome.

Of course, you can’t put on a play without talented actors and actresses. One of the those actors is Senior Alex Rodriquez. Alex played the part of Drooler, a stereotypical nerd and one of the show’s main characters. I had the opportunity to interview Alex during rehearsal in between scenes.

(responses have been shortened for the sake of the reader)

Hannah: When did you start acting?

Alex: I think I’ve been acting for nine years.

Hannah: What’s your favorite part about being in the play?

Alex: Probably being able to perform again with my friends I guess...since it’s my last time...gotta enjoy it while I still can.

Hannah: What do you like about your character?

Alex: I like that he has a stutter. I get to play with my voice pattern. I also like that he’s a nerd so I can somewhat be myself.

Hannah: What’s your favorite role you’ve played in a musical/play and why?

Alex: Sam Adams, last year in Suitable for Hanging. He was the smart, flamboyant roomate. Mainly because I was one of the leads with one of my best friends.

Hannah: What is one funny/great memory you have from rehearsal?

Alex: Whenever Billy walked in and said platypus.

Hannah: What do you plan to do after high school?

Alex: I'm gonna go to Iowa State with Nick Serck as my roommate and we're gonna major in chemistry. And I'll minor in biology and criminal justice.

Hannah: Anything else you want to say?

Alex: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to do what I love and perform. Don’t take it for granted.

(Alexandra) Interview with Mrs. Murillo

Alexandra: So why did you choose the play, Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here: The Story of a Prom?

Mrs.Murillo: Well, I started off reading a whole bunch of plays, and the plays that they write now for high school performances just aren’t very good.

Alexandra: I’m not surprised.

Mrs.Murillo: They’re not! And there all these kind of silly characters and they’re just kind of just not very deep or anything. This one kind of have a few stereotypical characters in it, but the relationships seem very real and honest like the relationship between the boy and the girlfriend. And that what I like about it. And the whole idea of this gothic girl working with a preppy, goofy, airhead was just really funny and there is a lot of good comedy in it.

Alexandra: What surprised you during rehearsals?

Mrs.Murillo: The students had learned their memorization a lot faster this year.

Alexandra: What are you most proud of?

Mrs.Murillo: I would say I am most proud of two things. One is that I think myself and the other two people who choose the cast, really choose well, because the actors fit their characters. They really come into their characters, and really blossomed. So I feel like we did a really good job of choosing the right people for the cast. And I’m also proud of the fact that they are really hard working. A lot of the people had been in with me for a few years now, and so we kind of developed a relationship and I’m proud of that fact that we become closer and get along, and have good time together.

As you can see, the play was a very enjoyable experience for both the cast and the crew. It takes a great set, cool props, radical costumes, and more to put on a play, but the cast and crew are the most essential element. Everyone who was a part of the play became like a little family, and I hope the the play continues to put smiles on people’s faces in future years.