Archive for Sunday, February 25, 2007

Archive for Sunday, February 25, 2007

The simple life

MCHS thespians say Craig audience can relate to newest play

February 25, 2007

It may not have the glitz and glam of some of their other productions, but Moffat County High School students say "Our Town" has its own charm.

"I just think it's really cute," sophomore Challyn Pfifer said. "I guess I'm just a big romantic."

The play centers around George and Emily -- whom Pfifer portrays -- who have known each other for years and finally fall in love. The story follows the characters and their town through their lives and deaths.

"I like this play because there's a lot of poignancy in what it's talking about," director Amy Pottinger said. "Life is beautiful because it's simple.

Moffat County students perform the play this week, with evening performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday and a matinee Saturday afternoon.

The set, costumes and props are basic and sparing, Pottinger said. The backdrop is a plain sheet, the furniture is wood and costumes are long dresses and slacks.

"It's all about breaking things down to their very fundamentals," Pottinger said. "Life is in those fundamentals, not all that stuff we shove into it."

The director said she chose "Our Town" for that reason. She thinks the Craig audience will appreciate the play for its message and tone.

So does senior Dean Harvey, who plays Wally Webb in the play.

"They'll probably relate the town of Craig to this play," Harvey said. "It's a lot like Craig I guess. It's a small town. Everybody knows everybody."

Compared to some of MCHS's other productions, namely the most recent "Beauty and the Beast," Pottinger said "Our Town" focuses on acting principles.

"'Beauty and the Beast' was such a big undertaking that the kids were exhausted," Pottinger said. "And I think asking them to do something like that again would be draining."

She saw "Our Town" as a way to expose the students to another type of theater, and possibly to even teach them a life lesson.

Pottinger hopes she can convey the play's message -- to live life to the fullest because you can't go back -- to the actors during their time together. The students said they understand.

"You figure out how it is to die and to not appreciate life while you're there," Pfifer said of the play. "To stop and look at each other while you have a chance before it slips away."

If you go

What: Moffat County High School's production of "Our Town"

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: MCHS auditorium, 900 Finley Lane

Cost: $5 general admission. Craig Middle School and MCHS students admitted free with student ID.

Cast list

Stage Manager -- Katie Morris and Emily Norris

George Gibbs -- Andrew Field and Trevor Romney

Rebecca Gibbs -- Melody Butler and Samantha Smith

Mrs. Gibbs -- Emily Hepworth and Emily Krogman

Dr. Gibbs/Joe Stoddard -- David McClellan and Trenton Taylor

Emily Webb -- Challyn Pfifer and Tanya Rinehart

Mrs. Webb -- Rachel Hebert and Sarah Kirk

Mr. Webb -- Wyatt Pacheco

Wally Webb -- Dean Harvey

Joe Crowell/Si Crowell -- Alex McKey

Howie Newsome/Man in the Auditorium -- Kyle Hawkins

Professor Willard/ Simon Stimson -- Daniel McClellan

Mrs. Soames/Woman in the Balcony -- Emma Attolini

Constable Warren -- Tyler Sherman

Sam Craig/Lady in the box -- Clarissa Dilldine and Alexandria Sherman



Michelle Perry can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 213, or mperry@craigdailypress.com.

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