Drama Club Brings Down the House at Fall Production
The sounds of laughter escaped Huntington High School’s cavernous auditorium and filled the lobby and adjacent hallways as the drama club’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” proved to be thoroughly entertaining for a weekend audience of about 800 local theater lovers.
Club advisor Michael Schwendemann called the show a “wonderful old-time comedy” and it certainly was that and more. “The patrons were treated to a visual feast upon entering the auditorium as they caught a glimpse of the set created by the stage crew under the watchful eye and skillful hands of Kenny Gilbert.”
Mr. Gilbert has become something of a master of his craft as the stage crew advisor, providing inspiration and know-how and sharing in the hard work and long hours devoted by the high school students who help construct and erect the often elaborate sets.
“Each show went off without a hitch, growing funnier with each performance,” Mr. Schwendemann said. “The cast handled the word play and physical comedy to near perfection.” The show mixed horror and comedy together, providing some “creepiness” and sending a shiver down a few spines.
The efforts of the student-actors weren’t lost on the audience, which included many faculty members. Following each performance, friends, parents and relatives “were gushing over what they had just been treated to,” Mr. Schwendemann added.
"It was the best overall production I have ever seen at Huntington High School,” said high school English teacher Ken Krummenacker. “I was impressed with the number of talented actors, the set and the sound." Students spent weeks rehearsing their lines for long hours and their effort showed.
“It was one of the best plays ever done,” said Joan R. Fretz, director of fine and performing arts for the district. “The cast was so professional. The sets were amazing.”
Huntington music teacher Steven Finch called the production “terrific” and the audience obviously concurred with its sustained applause. "With the talent we have at the high school this auditorium should be filled to the rafters," Mrs. Fretz added.
The drama club is already busy planning its spring musical, which will again be directed by Mr. Schwendemann, with sets and sound by Mr. Gilbert and vocal direction by Mr. Finch. The trio will welcome music teacher Brian Stellato to the group in the spring as the production’s musical director.
The spring show is scheduled for Fri. and Sat. April 5-6. The curtain will go up both nights at 8 p.m.
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