The JAG Middle School Drama Club is all set to dazzle the audience once again with their adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, “Princess and the Pea.” The production is slated to commence in just a couple of weeks, with the opening night scheduled for Friday, November 3rd, at 7 p.m. If you can’t make it to the premiere, worry not! There are three more showings.
On Saturday, you can attend the matinee at 3 p.m., or opt for the final 7 p.m. performance of the weekend. The cast will conclude the run with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, the 5th, before breaking down the set to prepare for the High School Drama Club’s upcoming play. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and $5 for students. Ticket sales play a crucial role in funding the theater program and ensuring the continuation of these fantastic performances.
One compelling reason to attend this production is the uniqueness of the story. This was the primary factor in Director Jackie Lovelace’s selection of the play. “I read ‘Princess and the Pea’ and immediately fell in love with it. It’s unlike any other production you’ll see, in a positive way.” Lovelace, who oversees both the middle and high school productions, is enthusiastic about this year’s play and has complete confidence in her cast.
“Princess and the Pea” is a timeless fairy tale that boasts a royal love story and a deeper underlying message. Lovelace isn’t the only one excited about the play. Victoria Leonard, who plays Princess Rose, is eagerly anticipating her lead role. Initially reluctant to take on a major role, Leonard’s audition impressed Lovelace to such an extent that she persuaded her to accept the lead part. Months later, Leonard is well ahead in memorizing her lines and is off-book, meaning she no longer relies on the script to deliver her lines. She achieved this milestone well before it was mandatory for the cast.
In addition to having her lines memorized, Leonard has also been helping her fellow cast members become familiar with their lines. She is drawn to drama as a means of expressing herself through the art of emotion and acting. Leonard intends to continue her involvement in drama during high school and is even contemplating participating in the high school musical next spring.
Another student in the production, Abby Fergis, takes on the role of Queen Sophia. While she may not share the same enthusiasm for pursuing drama or musicals in the long term, she is thoroughly enjoying this year’s play and the opportunity to spend time with her friends.
The importance of the crew behind the scenes is just as significant as the cast on the stage in ensuring a smooth production. The Kristoff Crew will diligently manage the backstage operations for the middle school, guaranteeing that everything proceeds according to plan.
The middle school drama club doesn’t just deliver quality performances; it also plays a vital role in attracting the interest of younger students in the high school programs. Lovelace has already encountered numerous inquiries from her students about the high school musical, even though the posters were only recently posted around the school. The goal is to foster early interest among students, thereby ensuring the longevity of the theater program with dedicated student involvement.
To witness an exceptional performance and support the program, plan to attend “Princess and the Pea” presented by the Garfield Middle School Drama Club.
