This November, the Atherton Theater Department will be trying something new. Instead of having the traditional single fall show, they will be putting on two separate, shorter shows simultaneously. One of the plays will be the adaptation of the classic novel, “Little Women”, and the other is Oscar Wilde’s comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest”.
However, this wasn’t always the plan. Originally, the show was going to be a full-length version of “Little Women”.
“I chose the script because it said it could expand. And when I was able to thoroughly read through the script, I found that any opportunity for expansion wasn’t a really great opportunity for actors,” according to Theater Director Ms. Steege , “I had so many actors signing up to be a part of the play, I didn’t want it to be discouraging to people who couldn’t get a part. Then I thought about it and decided we could really still beautifully tell the story of Little Women as a one act, and then add another show, where more people could have an opportunity to perform.”
“Little Women” is about 4 sisters discovering who they are while their father is off fighting in the American Civil War. “The Importance of Being Earnest” is about two young men in High Society England who make up a fake person to get out of sticky social situations.
While these two plays might seem entirely different, Mrs. Steege assures, “Even though one is in America and one is set in England, they both are exploring topics of gender roles, relationships, and the way society expects us to act.”
The actors are very excited for the change of pace this year will bring.
“I think it’s great. It shows that the theater program is diverse in what we do. We can have a more serious play and a more humorous one. It gives the audience diversity,” Grace Csabai, who plays Jo March in “Little Women” said.
Silas Haendiges, who plays Jack Worthing in “The Importance of Being Earnest” agrees.
“It’s so nice to see so many people have opportunities to participate in both the shows.” He goes on to say, “It’s a great community, everyone’s really excited about it. I think it’s going to be really good,” he said.
Performances of both the shows will be on November 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th. Make sure to support the Atherton Theater Program this fall!
