Masked Tigers perform hit ‘YOU GO, GODDESS!’

The Fall play begins the minute theater class meets the first day of school. On Nov. 10 and 11, all the hard work and long hours paid off with three performances. When one reads the program, it immediately highlights how hard everyone worked. Most actors played several roles and were involved in constant costume changes and preparing their mind set for the next character. They all gave amazing performances.

The play is set in ancient Greece. The Gods have distanced themselves from humanity. Diana (Rhiannon Sines) is the daughter of Medusa. She is delightfully evil and desires revenge for the death of her mother. She desperately wants Pandora’s box so that she can open it a release mayhem on humanity. She has one problem. She is not a god, nor is she descended from one. She needs Calliope (Averie Senn), demigod twice removed, to find the box and deliver it to earth for Diana to use. Calliope is the daughter of Hercules who is the son of Zeus. Calliope is estranged from her peers. She is pencil thin and a bookworm, socially inept. She constantly compares herself to her father who is the hero to end all heroes. She has no idea of her untapped potential

Confused? Enter Mnemosyne (Lanie Szewczyk) goddess of memory and the preserver of stories. She remembers it all — the time before myths of old were replaced by science and YouTube. She guides us through the maze of action. Diana placed a spell on Hercules rendering him ineffectual. Humanity must be saved! Well, every hero needs a sidekick. Who will help Calliope? Why Narcissus (Josiah Denney) of course. This unbelievably sassy, vain, sarcastic and all-around fabulous character pitches in. His underlying goal is not entirely innocent however. The role of Narcissus has an additional chore — keeping the play snappy and quick. Josiah does a great job fulfilling both duties.

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As described above, the play sounds pretty serious. However, the script is hilarious, from beginning to end. Ad-libbing is encouraged. The author, Tommy Jamerson, asks only that an individual’s additions to the script fit in the world and context of the play. Audiences at all the performances had a great deal of fun and enjoyed every minute.

On stage and behind the scenes, the cast and crew worked double time supporting the central story. For example, Reid Bell played Hercules, Majordomo, a Monster and King. Khloe Upton played an Amazon, Delta Chi, Pandora, Queen, Young Diana, a Monster and Olympus Goddess. Matthew Rogers, Paige Miller, Abigail Denney, Jessica Chambers, Sydney Kracht, Trayton Schuster, Jayden Bergman and J’onna Williams held similar multiple roles. The crew provided support in all aspects of the play. Crews led by a theater class member were divided by task. The Costume Crew turned the bed sheet toga into an art form as well as creating many other costume accessories. The Stage Crew, Tech Crew and Set & Artistic Design crews managed to re-create ancient Greece on the auditorium stage. No production can be a success without the ever-present Stage Ninjas. Marketing Crew worked to get word of production to the public. Stage Manager, Izebella Dusenbury supported by Production Manager Lauren jones and Director Tori Kenel debuted in this leadership role. She demonstrated the flexibility needed by the You Go Goddess protocol.

Director Kenel always has a long list of people to thank. In truth it takes the entire school and community to produce a play of this magnitude. A special tribute is given to the parents who transport their students early in the morning and late at night for practices and set work. These trips include weekdays and many Saturdays.

On Saturday night, after the last performance, curtain call includes senior night. This is always a poignant time. Seven seniors and their parents were honored. Special gifts are given to the seniors: a remembrance jar with notes from the cast, a gift from the juniors but this year a special ending. The seniors had begged for Herc T-shirts. Director Kenel gave in a presented one to each senior. There is still three quarters of a year left. Look forward to more contributions from these talented seniors and underclassmen.