Directed by teachers Jill Hoesing and Mary Teresa Green, the play tells the story of a man, John, known as “witch boy” (played by sophomore Roger Bunnell) who falls in love with Barbara Allen (senior Brianna Hoesing) and seeks the help of a conjur man (senior Kevin Hardin) to turn him into a human. The conjur man denies John’s wish, but as the conjur man denies him, conjur woman (junior Saige Benton) grants his wish, with the warning that Barbara must stay true to John or else he will return forever to the world of the mountain witches.
“Dark of the Moon” is a very challenging play that offers a variety of scenes, gives the students an opportunity to experience drama over comedy, and integrates music. The set is also challenging; because it’s a three act play that needs to be cut into one,” says Mrs. Hoesing. “The first performances will be November 10, 11, and 12 in the AHS multipurpose room along with performances by Mrs. Green’s drama class,” said Mrs. Hoesing. “But then, the following week, we will be performing in the new Performing Arts building competing against the class A schools: Grand Island, Grand Island Northwest, Kearney, Hastings, Lexington, North Platte, and Scottsbluff.”
There are several cast strengths and weaknesses, according to Mrs. Hoesing, “One weakness is that the cast is young and one other is that we are now class A; therefore, we have no room for error. The class A students in other schools can only do drama, but, at AHS, we have to work through our students schedules and activities which is okay, but means we have a few more challenges than the other schools that compete against us. Our strengths are that we have some very good veteran students that have already done this play before and are helping some of the younger students.”
Mrs. Green believes “…this year the one acts play is such a beautiful story. It will incorporate music as well, and, with over 50 participants doing a very excellent job and working very hard, the play will hopefully go far in competition as well.” Some other Alliance residents making this play possible are the light and sound technician Earl Jones, and also Karen Aerts-Curtiss and Jill Tolstedt who assist with costumes and make-up.
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