“Up the Down Staircase” Performed by PCM

With the Fall Play coming to an end, the senior group had a lot to say about the production, “Up the Down Staircase.” The performances took place last week on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. With this production having a more serious topic compared to the past few years many audience members did not know whether or not to clap or continue to be silent at a joke about a serious issue. 

Many of the seniors that participated in the performances stated that they are looking forward to the reactions that they will get from the audience and the questions that they will receive after. 

Junior Olivia Kinnoman took on the biggest role, Sylvia Barrett. Senior Ashlyn Alleger took on the role of two characters, Alice Blake and Sadie Finch. Senior Eleight Davis played the character Joey Ferone, while Senior Isabelle Lorton took on the roles of Linda Rosen and Ellen. Senior Jeri Eisbrenner played the role of Bea Schacter. 

“One thing that I am looking forward to would be the laughs and the reactions that we will get.” stated Alleger. “It is different than what we normally do, it is more serious, and an easier thing for me to do and with an important message.”

Lorton thinks that this is one of the toughest plays that they have put on compared to the last three years. One of her favorite productions that they have put on was Mamma Mia. 

In preparation for the performances, the crew has been having practice everyday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. running through everything that they think they need to work on. One of the most important things to do on a daily basis outside of practice is looking at your lines and spending time running through it on your own. 

Everyone prepares differently, but Kinnoman states, “I do a lot of looking through my book and reading through my line over and over again.” 

One thing that is important in performing is a person’s attitude. Dedicating a ton of time to practicing and perfecting all of the actions and lines takes a positive attitude. 

“Having practices 5-8 everyday and studying over lines and showing up with a good attitude” stated Davis.

After only the first night, there are many things that they are hoping to change for future performances. Davis believes that they could have done better on the first night, but it is only the beginning.

Eisbrenner states, “I think that every night every person develops a little more into their character and adds a little more even with the emotions with the seniors leaving and it being the end of the show season and so every night the show gets better and better and we make more memories and have more fun.”

Having the main character can be very difficult, but with the help of others it can be made into an easier task.

Kinnoman exclaims, “I am really thankful and it was a great opportunity. I am really happy with how everything turned out. Keeping the team morale up and keeping everyone working together even without the seniors will help us next year.”