Although countless creepy creatures have chilled and captivated audiences over the years, it is impossible to deny the overwhelming popularity of the zombie. Since George A. Romero’s horror classic Night of The Living Dead first terrified viewers back in 1968, the world has been infected with zombie fever. I do not think it’s a stretch to say that most of us have discussed with friends, or at least daydreamed about our plans in the event of a zombie apocalypse. That is, which locations can be easily fortified, where to find rations, which weapons are the most effective, and so on.
For those of you yet to make your plans, or looking for inspiration, the Fouke High School Drama Department has the perfect production to kick-start a brainstorming session. Don Zolidis’ 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse is a hilarious and helpful field guide for navigating an Undead Armageddon. Consisting of ten short skit-like segments that demonstrate handy hints for staying alive, this silly and spooky show is sure to tickle your funny bone.
Director Josh “Coach” Jones chose this show in the spirit of the Halloween season, allowing the kids to let loose with something “quick and fun” before they start on their heavier and more intense shows. Unlike many productions in which the dialogue is set in stone and actors don’t get any say in their costumes, Jones has given his actors a higher degree of creative control. In this production, the actors were in charge of designing their own costumes, and improvisation has been encouraged (which I am told includes many references to classic zombie flicks). Although most of the actors are in high school, FHS has a tradition of casting elementary and middle school students in the spirit of inclusivity. This cast of eighteen consists of seasoned FHS Drama Department veterans, as well as fresh meat.
Performances of 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse will be:
When it comes to entertainment, many people here assume you have to travel to a big city to find quality live shows or exposure to art or culture. Texarkana may be relatively small, but it is not short on entertainment, art, or culture. We have multiple venues for live music, museums, and various incredibly talented theatre troupes. Among these troupes is Pleasant Grove High School (PGHS) Curtain Call Productions. Under the direction of Deborah Sutton, the award-winning theatre department at PGHS never fails to impress. This year’s major production will be Aladdin Jr, a musical adaptation of the Academy-Award winning 1992 Disney film.
Originally adapted for the stage in 2011, Aladdin opened on Broadway in 2014. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin (book by Beguelin) the stage show does an excellent job of translating the spirit and feel of the film. It is a tale about a “street rat” named Aladdin, a poor young man who dreams of fortune and fame. After rescuing a genie from a lamp, he is given three wishes. Aladdin uses these wishes to pretend to be a prince in order to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine of Agrabah, while facing the evil Jafar, who plots to marry her and steal the throne. It is a story about friendship, love, and the discovery that one’s wealth does not define their worth. Like any adaptation, changes have been made to the story, but Mrs. Sutton assures that, “The heart, integrity and grace of the film is definitely captured in the stage version.” New musical numbers and characters only add to the fun in this wild, larger-than-life magic carpet ride. PGHS’ production certainly sounds like it will live up to the hype.
PG students in rehearsal. (PGHS Curtain Call Productions Facebook page)
When asked about the selection process, Mrs. Sutton explained that, “A good high school director never directs the show that he or she wants to direct— They direct the show that fits their kids!” In order to choose a show that best fits her company, she first assesses their talents and searches for a production that will best display them. “This year,” she continued, “We have the trio: Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine. All three must be strong, seasoned performers. We are blessed with a great company that can support our lead trio.” The sheer size of the company alone is impressive, with a total of three hundred cast members, ranging from sixth to twelfth grade.
With a show as big as this, preparations can be intense. The cast went through “musical boot camp”, where they were introduced to the show, as well as the design concept and the movement requirements. The cast was also given instruction on vocal work, as well as an extended workout regimen to be performed daily. In addition, the students had to prepare their background history and family tree, as they studied customs and traditions of the Arab nations. In addition to rehearsals during school hours, the company also rehearses three nights a week, where they go over scene work and choreography.
Cast members pose for a picture while rehearsing the tap number for “Friend Like Me”. (PGHS Curtain Call Productions Facebook page)
Mrs. Sutton’s favorite part of the rehearsal process, are what she calls “Light Bulb” moments, which can come after a particularly difficult scene or bit of choreography. “Any moment that ‘light bulb’ pops on and a student ‘gets it’ – That’s our favorite moment!” she explained. When asked about the cast members’ favorite number in the show, she said that they particularly enjoy “Friend Like Me”, which she describes as “Eight minutes of amazing fun”.
The best part of all? Admission is completely free! The organization prides themselves on being “Family-Friendly and Always Free”. However, with a production of this size, you must have a ticket to ensure entry. Free tickets will be available in the PGHS Main Office starting October 25th. For more information, or questions, please call 903-832-8005.
In the meantime, be sure to follow PGHS Curtain Call Productions’ on Facebook for more information and some cool content, like behind-the-scenes pictures and videos of the cast— Like this video of Aladdin Jr cast members flash-mobbing a PG Faculty meeting.You can also find them on Instagram.
In a world as negative as ours can be, it is wonderful to know that places like The Silvermoon Children’s Theatre (SCT) still exist. Located in downtown Texarkana on Broad Street, SCT is truly a staple of our community. SCT has given children a safe and positive environment in which to learn and grow, offering what they aptly call “Life training in disguise”. It is a place to be silly and creative, as well as a place to discover abilities, encourage imagination, learn life skills, make lasting
The cast meets with the directors for the first time. (Credit: SCT Facebook page)
friendships, and sharpen talents. It is also a place to find and foster a lifelong passion in an art that is often overlooked in the age of movies, video games, television, and streaming services. Do not let the words “Children’s Theatre” fool you. You would be hard-pressed to find a more talented, passionate, dedicated and professional group of people.
The final show of SCT’s 2019 season is a musical adaptation of one of the most beloved (and perhaps most quoted) holiday movies of all time, A Christmas Story: The Musical. With music and lyrics by Pasek & Paul ( Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman and James and The Giant Peach) and book by Joseph Robinette (Charlotte’s Web, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Anne of Green Gables), this show should be a blast. Although their version of the musical opened on Broadway in 2012, the show is still touring nationally. Just like the film, the story takes place in Indiana in the
Iconic scenes from A Christmas Story. (Credit: MGM / Warner Bros.)
1940s. It follows young Ralphie Parker, who tells everyone who will listen (generally in one breath) that he wants a Red Ryder Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle “with a compass in the stock and a thing that tells time” for Christmas, despite protests from every adult he encounters. The film accurately and hilariously captures the madcap whirlwind that is the holiday season, growing up in a crazy family, and how tough it is to be a kid.
The kick-line rehearsing for “A Major Award”. (Credit: SCT Facebook page)
Rehearsals for this production began shortly after the casting announcement at the end of August. The show boasts an impressive cast of thirty-five actors. The principal cast of nine and the Adult/Kid Ensembles of twenty-six range in age from 7-50 years old. When discussing the show how the stage version compares to the film, Susannah Linnett, one of SCT’s directors, explained that the story doesn’t differ much from the movie, but the scenes where Ralphie’s imagination run away with him get a big musical treatment. She also explained that you get more insight into Ralphie’s parents (Mom and the Old Man), which you don’t really get in the film. “There’s even a greater sense of closure with the musical,” she said, “[You get] A feel good moment instead of ‘He got his gun, yay!'”. Mrs. Linnett’s two favorite musical numbers from the show are “Up on Santa’s Lap”, which will feature an actual slide on stage, and “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”, a tap dancing number named after the main catchphrase from the film, which is performed by Ralphie’s teacher. The Silvermoon Children’s Theatre will bring this treasured story to life in late November.
Performances of A Christmas Story: The Musical will be:
Thursday, November 21 – 7 p.m.
Friday, November 22 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 23 – 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 24 – 2 p.m.
Tickets will go on sale soon. For more information on this production, or the Silvermoon Children’s Theatre in general, you may email them or find SCT on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website.
hilarious and helpful field guide for navigating an Undead Armageddon. Consisting of ten short skit-like segments that demonstrate handy hints for staying alive, this silly and spooky show is sure to tickle your funny bone.
