Drama Club performs “The Importance of Being Earnest”
The costumes are ready, the set is designed and the Lassen High School Drama Club is ready to perform its first production since the onset of the pandemic: “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
With its first show this evening, Thursday, April 22 already sold out, there are two more performances slated for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, and the cast has been busy preparing for the stage debut.
Tatiania Munoz, as Cecily Cardew, and Amelia Kellogg, as Algernon Moncrieff, find out exactly when they got engaged.“We’re excited and nervous,” said drama teacher and club adviser Jenn Lepage.
Back in December, the drama club held auditions and the first month of rehearsals over video conferencing. Even after the roles were cast and the actors started learning their lines, however, the drama club was still unsure if they would get to perform outside, or before a crowd at all. As the curtains open this evening, though, the actors get to perform their own stage — something the crew is grateful for.
“We’re definitely glad we are in our home performing for family and friends,” Lepage added.
The club is performing Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and witty lines and alter egos paint a humorous experience for all in attendance.
Senior Amelia Kellogg is taking on the role of Algernon Moncrieff, Flint Malone plays Jack Worthing, Amira Hill is Gwendolen Fairfax, Tatiania Munoz is Cecily Cardew, Beth Nielsen is taking on the role of Lady Bracknell, “Wolf” Haynes is Lane, Whitney Kellogg is Miss Prism, Luke Beach is performing as Dr. Chasuble and Jordan “J.R.” Rice is Merriman.
Jasmine Patton is serving as understudy for Lane, Precious Dike is understudy for Merriman, and Rory Van Deventer is understudy for Dr. Chasuble.
Jack Worthing, performed by Flint Malone, proposes to Gwendolen Fairfax, played by Amira Hill.Helping bring the play together, Krista Pacheco is hair and makeup, Jeremy Nielsen is running lights and sound, Rory Van Deventer is in charge of curtains and Lepage is serving as advisor, with co-adviser Amy Malone.
Moreover, as a senior, Amelia Kellogg is helping direct the play.
While it’s been a little stressful and consuming, Kellog said, “It’s incredibly fun and rewarding to see it come together like this.
Kellogg’s favorite part of the process is getting to spend time with loved ones. The senior actor has also pitched in by creating the costumes for Gwendolen and Cecily.
The day before opening night, the cast and crew gathered in the LHS drama room to run through a dress rehearsal. The cast delivered their witty lines, emoted beyond the masks and put on a great show. It’s been a trying year for many, and Lepage noted the process has been hard work, but the effort is worth it to watch the group perform.
To obtain a ticket for the Saturday April 24 performances, call the school at 257-2141. Seats are limited. The school will attempt to live stream, or record and post, the performance to the Lassen High School Youtube page.
