What’s Behind the Curtains This Fall?

As the new school year begins, it’s only fitting that students and staff in the drama department are beginning to curate a distinctive production to put on later this fall. Whether it’s on the stage, behind the stage or in the pit, actors, crew members and musicians are collaborating to put on One Man, Two Guvnors as this year’s fall play.

In late October and early November, the department will be ready to put on seven showings after countless hours of hard work during rehearsals.

This play is different from other productions at PVHS: it’s a comedy. 

“I felt it was the right time and I felt that I had the actors to do it,” director Nicole Thompson said. 

“There was a lot of sadness and dark things that came out of the pandemic for a lot of people, so it’s nice to have an escape. The comedy and characters are larger than life.”

The actors have similar views, and are enthusiastic to be a part of this novel production.

“It is unique in the way that it is very heavy on physical comedy,” junior and actor Dash Tyler said. 

“It is very well-written and is a lot of fun to be a part of. It’s very fun to watch and interact with [as an audience member].” 

Actress Rachel McGinty plays a witty bookkeeper and the main antagonist’s love interest, a character named Dolly. 

“My character Dolly is smart, poised and passionate,” the junior said. 

“I can relate to her in being a very passionate person; there’s a lot I’m learning from her and how she is able to speak up for herself and others.”

Besides playing a character on stage, working behind the scenes can give students a different perspective on what goes into the making of a show.

Sophomore Senna Neiman, the show’s assistant director, has noticed how different her new role is from performing on stage.

“There’s a lot to do,” she said. “For example, [we had to make] sure we have enough props for rehearsals and [take] note of any script changes so that we have a record of everything. It’s really cool to see the behind the scenes and how much work goes into it. There’s lots of taking initiative and not waiting to be told to do something, and, in addition, having confidence.”

Other than being a part of the stage crew, a handful of student musicians also work hard behind the curtains to play live music and sound effects.

“Leading pit is challenging but also very rewarding,” electric-guitarist and senior Pixie Kinsolving said. 

“I think that live music feels so much more real and it makes every show a little more unique.”

With the hard work of actors, stage crew and musicians, students all over campus should look forward to the upcoming production the drama department has in store for the fall.

“I think people should come see [the show] because it’s a great production; our cast, crew and creative teams are so fantastic and we’re really excited to be able to put on this show,” McGinty said.