Lowell High School Fall Play Opens Friday

The fall production at the Lowell Performing Arts Center (LPAC) will be A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Written by William Shakespeare in the mid-1590s, the comedy is one of his most popular works. 

Lowell High School students have been working for nearly two months under the direction of Heidi Kolp, Julia Crawford, Laurie Summerfield, and Amanita Fahrni preparing for opening night. The first performance takes place on Friday, November 5 beginning at 7 pm. Another show can be seen Saturday, November 6 with a 7 pm curtain call. The final performance can be seen Sunday, November 7 at 2 pm. General admission in-person tickets are available as well as a live stream.

How it Came to Be

The quartet of directors, as well as the students involved, had to pivot when their original choice of The Crucible could not be performed due to constraints which led to an inability to fulfill the contract. A Midsummer Night’s Dream was selected after auditions had taken place. “I thought of the show as I was drifting off to sleep and felt a deep sense of calm and that everything would be all right,” explains Kolp. “The next morning I proposed the switch to the other directors. Everyone was on board, and the kids were ecstatic about the new choice.”

Crawford describes the plot saying, “Boy loves girl. When boy falls asleep, a mischievous fairy puts groovy love gunk in his eyes and he wakes up in love with another girl. After much to do, the fairies make everything right again and the Boy is back in love with original girl. Everyone is happy, the end!”

The language of Shakespeare can often be a hurdle for those with speaking parts. The cast must not only memorize lines that don’t naturally flow from mind to mouth but understand what is meant by the words. Additionally, they have to portray emotions that go along with what is being said. “It’s been great watching students who thought they were going to struggle with Shakespeare become comfortable with it and enjoy it,” says Fahrni.

Between the cast and crew there are over 40 students participating in the production. All of their hard work, dedication, and practice will come to fruition this coming weekend.

Q&A with the Cast and Crew

Countless hours have been spent at school and home rehearsing lines, preparing costumes, building sets, and getting sound and lighting just right to ensure all of the elements come together. We asked students why they decided to be part of this production, how they can relate to the character they play (or role in the crew), and why people should come to see a performance. Below are some of the answers we received via email.

Junior Hannah Fountaine plays Peaseblossom and has been in past productions including The Merrie Christmas Show, Freaky Friday, A delightful Quarantine, and Sister Act. 

Why did you want to be part of this production?
“I chose to be a part of this production because theater is something that I have always enjoyed and I feel like I can be myself on the stage.”

How do you personally relate to the character you play?
“My character is known to be the mama fairy and I feel like my own personality can relate to that because I am always more worried about my friends and family than I am myself and I always try to put others before myself.”

Why should people come to watch this production?
“People should come and see this production because the play is enjoyable and funny. You can see that there is true friendship on the stage from the other people in the cast.”

Junior Gabi Yeary plays Puck and has been in past productions including The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised], Freaky Friday, A Delightful Quarantine, and Rideshare Overshare.

Why did you want to be part of this production?
“The Lowell High School’s Theatre program has always been my safe haven, there isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be!”

How do you personally relate to the character you play?
“Puck is outgoing, mischievous and messes up quite a bit. I can most definitely relate to all of these traits!”

Why should people come to watch this production?
“This production takes a fun and enjoyable spin on Shakespeare! It shows the creativity of cast and crew, and represents the Lowell High School as a whole!”

Sophomore Emily Garcia is part of the crew and this is her first experience with Lowell High School Theater.

Why did you want to be part of this production?
“I like doing something involve[d with] school and I want to do something after school.”

How do you personally relate to your role with the crew?
“I like to paint and make something new.”

Sophomore Hayden Gough plays Lysander and has been in past productions including A Delightful Quarantine, the musical Sister Act, and Ride Share Over Share.

Why did you want to be part of this production?
“I always liked acting and wanted to try something I find difficult.”

How do you personally relate to the character you play?
“I think I relate most to Lysander’s determination.”

Why should people come to watch this production?
“I believe people should come see the play because how funny it is. The directors, crew, and cast have worked really hard to make this as fun an experience it can be and I think many would enjoy it or at the least crack a smile once or twice.”

Sophomore Faith VanDuinen plays Tom Snout and has been in past productions including Sister Act, Christmas in the Land of Oz, and Rideshare Overshare.

Why did you want to be part of this production?
“I decided to be in this production because of my love for theater and the community that comes along with being in these productions.”

How do you personally relate to the character you play?
“I believe that my character Tom Snout is a young and ambitious thinker who wants to make his mark on the world. When Peter Quince and Bottom give him the part of Wall, he gets that chance. I feel the same way, I want to make my mark on the world and I’m waiting for my chance to do so.”

Why should people come to watch this production?
“You should come see this production because it will be outstanding!!! Come see Lysander and Demetrius battle for their love, see Puck and Oberon scheme. It will be a show you’ll never forget!”

Freshman Sarah Harper plays Titania the fairy queen and this is her first production with Lowell High School Theater.

Why did you want to be part of this production?
“I’ve always loved acting and performing. I’ve originally always admired the performances in the past, especially when I was younger. And I wanted to become a part of the play. After years of short musical numbers and a full year of Mrs. Struckmeyer’s Drama class last year, I found my spark. I love the art of theatre and want to share it with others.”

How do you personally relate to the character you play?
“Titania is a woman that holds a lot of power and confidence. She doesn’t take no for an answer and stands her ground. I personally find I have a lot of boldness and confidence in myself. I usually express this through my outfits and actions.”

Why should people come to watch this production?
“This performance isn’t only just a random show. It’s packed with whimsical enchantments, magic, love, comedy and much more. Fluctuating between the mortal and fairy realms, and the mischief it causes. Not only that, but you would be supporting the Lowell performing arts center. Along with the cast and crew, who have spent hours upon hours preparing everything.”

Freshman Emily Patyi plays Titania’s fairy train and this is her first production with Lowell High School Theater.

Why did you want to be part of this production?
“I wanted to be in a production. I had been in two other plays throughout my life, and I really enjoyed those.”

How do you personally relate to the character you play?
“My character is more on the quiet side, and flutters around a bit. That pretty much sums me up, as a person.”

Why should people come to watch this production?
“I think that people should come and see this production because it has a lot of comedy, and makes boring life look fun.”

Spend an Evening at the LPAC

With only three performances, be sure to purchase your tickets early. Those attending in person are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid lines. Tickets for both streaming and in person can be purchased here. Performances start at 7 pm on Friday, November 5, and Saturday, November 6. A matinee beginning at 2 pm can be seen on Sunday, November 7.

Summerfield states, “For me, being around high school students and seeing their perspectives and innocence and maturity all at the same time, makes me realize all over again that I’m in the right profession. Fun stuff.” The directors and all of the students involved in A Midsummer Night’s Dream invite you to watch one of the shows this weekend.

Photos courtesy of LPAC and used with permission.

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