Note: The dates were recently changed to May 14 and 16
The theatre department has a tradition that the last show of the year is the senior spring play. This year, the seniors chose the play, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” which will take the stage May 6 during the school day and May 7 in the afternoon.
The story of Edward Tulane features a sentient toy rabbit who learns to love through various experiences, including moments of heartbreak and delight. The seniors decided on their role in the show, as a technician or actor, and held auditions to decide on the cast. They have two weeks to prepare the show.
“The biggest challenge right now is time,” costume designer Alison Price said. “We have about two weeks to put together an entire show. It will be difficult but I have full faith in our company.”
Little time allows little opportunity for new materials, so the company plans to put together the show with what they already have.
“Although we rely on readily available materials, like our UIL set, I believe we as seniors can make this production one to remember,” set designer Axel Willis said.
Seniors have the opportunity to not only direct the show, but also decide on what type of cast members they feel best fit the role.
“You don’t understand how difficult it is until you are in the seat of the director and put in front of an insanely talented company that you see just how tough it is,” lighting designer Rain Walton said.
Directors have many responsibilities, including curating a cast list, deciding design choices when it comes to the overall concept, lights, sound, set, costumes and making sure the show runs as expected on and off stage. All of the seniors share these responsibilities.
“My favorite thing about this production is being able to work with the other seniors to help direct the show,” propmaster Zai’Chanel Anderson said. “I’m going to provide the company with my pure effort and creativity.”
This year, Michael Newman acts as both the director and technical director for the theatre company due to Alexandra Obenhaus’ maternity leave. This allows Newman to watch over the seniors and directing choices, where he would usually only focus on technical theatre. Newman is determined to allow the seniors to have as much creative freedom with this production as possible.
“With this group of seniors, I have no worries,” director Newman said. “These are four dedicated students who I know are going to put in their best effort, be creative, and include everyone.”
Each person in the production class is involved in some way, whether as a technician or an actor. This tradition makes the company stronger as a family.
“Everyone is involved from the beginning to the end and I think that is something that is great for educational theatre,” Newman said.
