Heisel directs 'The Ruby of Peru'

Ledger Lifestyles editor

When Van Buren High School announced it would not be producing a spring play, many people just accepted it as a fact; Jesse Heisel, on the other hand, accepted it as an opportunity.

The Van Buren High School senior had started writing a play two years ago and thought it would be a good piece to perform and test out his directing skills.

?I?ve always loved directing,? he said.

Heisel not only directs his play, ?The Ruby of Peru,? but also performs the main role and has organized all aspects of the production, including funding.

Numerous area businesses made donations for the play, and the Van Buren Jaycees built the stage.

?The Jaycees have been a big help,? said Heisel, who also is a member of the organization.

?The Ruby of Peru? is a witty slapstick comedy revolving around a sticky-fingered jewel thief and the comic situations which result from the heist of the famous Ruby of Peru. The play consists of 12 cast members, most of them playing multiple roles, including a few teachers and Heisel?s father.

While Heisel has directed several short films, it is the first time he has undertaken an entire play. He allowed seven weeks of rehearsal time before opening night, and the extra time paid off.

?It?s a big job to take care of everything, but it?s been worth it? said Heisel. ?You?ve got to make sure you?ve got the schedule right.?

Scheduling tended to be the most difficult part of the production, as numerous cast members also are involved in high school track and field. Even though getting rehearsals together could sometimes be difficult, the cast was supportive of the project.

?The people I got love doing plays,? said Heisel.

The cast even got the opportunity to give creative input on the script. Heisel asked the cast for idea suggestions, and they enthusiastically complied.

?With just two weeks before the performance, I had to say, ?no more suggestions!? Heisel laughed. ?But we did end up including a lot of them.?

Not only is ?The Ruby of Peru? a chance for Heisel to create a fun production, but it also is an opportunity for him to practice directing, which is the field he plans to study in college. He will begin his freshman year at Collins College in Phoenix, Ariz., to pursue a career in directing.

?The Ruby of Peru? will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Roberts Memorial Center in Keosauqua. Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the door.