By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Hudson – Hudson High School (HHS) Drama will present “The Importance of Being Earnest,” a classic, humorous play written by Oscar Wilde, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9. The show will be held in the mini theater at the high school, 69 Brigham Street, at 7 p.m. for both performances. The show is appropriate for all ages and tickets are $10.
“The show’s director, Sarah Worrest, who teaches choir at Quinn Middle School, has been working with the high school drama department since 2013. She has wanted to direct this particular show for several years now and could not be more excited. She is also a graduate of this school and returned as a faculty member after graduating from NYU,” said Kathleen McKenzie, director of theater at HHS.
“I have been a fan of Oscar Wilde for many years,” Worrest noted. “I think that the particular way he uses witty dialogue to comment on society is fascinating. I love the layers of meaning that he wrote into the conversations. This show is timeless to me, for good or ill and I always find something different each time I work on it or see it.”
Each fall, HHS puts on two productions. One is a non-musical and the other is a musical. This fall, in addition to “The Importance of Being Earnest” the department will perform “Mamma Mia,” Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m.; and Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 6:30 p.m.
All of the shows at Hudson High School are self-funded and every dollar is used to fund the next year’s productions.
“We sell ads and one-liners in the show’s program. The ticket sale royalties help to cover the cost of costumes, sets, props and more. All of the money directly benefits the HHS Drama Society,” said McKenzie.
The audition process seems to be unique in that every student who chooses to try out for a fall show gets a part.
“Both Sarah and I really try to make the best fit for each show and each student,” McKenzie explained. “Our goal is to make the student shine and we take a lot of things into consideration in order to make that happen. The students let us know which show they would prefer to be a part of and, at times, there is no preference. The audition lasts basically fifteen seconds.”
“This has been a good learning experience for me, being able to work in accent is a challenge but a good way to experiment with new things,” said George Sachs-Walor, a cast member who plays Algernon Moncrieff.
McKenzie said that the kids have been working hard on these productions and seem to enjoy it. “The students need something that motivates them to get up and out of bed. I think that they all need and want to feel a sense of belonging and theater, music, art and more also help to provide that,” she said.
Said student Casey Carlino, who plays the governess in the play: “In this show, and in theater in general, I have been able to broaden my view of the world by playing characters I have played and the experiences I’ve had.”