Student-Directed One Acts Receive Standing Ovations

Six talented student directors succeeded in taking six completely different one-acts and turning them into an outstanding show packed with laughs, tears and music at .

Since November, Dublin High drama students have practically called the Little Theatre home, spending hours and hours rehearsing their scenes and making sure every note was right. Last weekend (Friday - Sunday), the actors and actresses in the six one-acts came together to create a show that received fabulous reviews from the audience.

The Philadelphia, by David Ives, was the first performance. The lights came up to the frantic character Mark asking why he couldn’t get anything he wanted. His friend Al figured out that Mark had found himself in a “Philadelphia” and that Mark must ask for the opposite to get what he wants. Directed by junior Sarah Finn, The Philadelphia became one of the funniest acts of the night with hilarious dialogue and a great plot.

Next, the lights dimmed and the actors and actress of the darkest one act took the stage. Directed by senior Rhiannon Kay, Electric Roses by David Howard tackled spousal abuse. After a horrific night, Sara decides that she must run away from her husband, Russ. While Sara’s friend Darrell tries to comfort her on the left side of the stage, Russ sits in his jail cell and tells the audience a heartfelt story about himself and Sara. It was extremely powerful and left many holding back tears at the end.  

The mood lifted with “Putting It Together” from the musical Sunday in the Park with George. Senior Claire Shiell met the challenge of directing an extremely challenging musical number written by Stephen Sondheim. In the act, George unveils his latest creation, Chromolume #7, to patrons at a museum. During the reception, George sings about how difficult it is to create modern art. The performance was outstanding and the hard work and talent of the ambitious singers and director showed.

After intermission, the show resumed with the most romantic one act, Heart of Hearing by Joseph Zeccola. Two past lovers, Angie and Josh, call each other for the first time after not speaking. While they talk about their past, Angie has a fantasy of them together that gives the audience a view into their relationship. Directed by junior Chris Harral, Heart of Hearing got the audience to fall in love with Angie and Josh and beg that they date again.

Next, the whimsical comedy Small World by Tracey Scott Wilson stirred up tons of laughs. The one act involved three couples on their first date all describing each other in a series of syncopated flashbacks. Senior Alexis Neideffer expertly directed the quick paced one act that kept the audience laughing the entire way through.

The show ended with the musical number “Light” from Next to Normal. Natalie comes on stage to comfort her father, Dan, after her mother, Diana, left because of her struggles with bipolar disorder. Directed by senior Sonia Bradley, the musical one act featured strong vocals and an uplifting message that brought a smile to the audience’s faces.

Despite the inevitable surprises of live theatre that ranged from unexpected cell phone rings to the partial collapse of the set during a scene change, the show went on. Once again, Dublin High drama students put on an amazing production that impressed many and brought members of the audience to their feet.