One-Act Plays are on the Way!

Rehearsals are underway. 

 Five fast and funny plays make up Firestone Theatre’s annual One-Act Play Festival. This fun event is to be held in the Linda B. Kersker Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2012. All tickets cost $5.00 and will be available only at the door on the night of the show. 

The festival is comprised of five short comedies including Bride and Gloom by Rich Orloff, Dreaming of Sugar Plums and Maintanence Men by Jen Letherer, From the River by Jessica Reese and The Omolet Murder Case by Tim Kelley, and On the Porch One Crisp Spring Morning by Alex Dremann.

Bride and Gloom is directed by FHS junior Zoe Sapienza and features a cast comprised of junior Greg Hill ad freshman Morgan Csejtey. Bride and Gloom is a play about a nervous bride whose fear of divorce prevents her from getting married.

Dreaming of Sugar Plums and Maintenance Men is directed by Ray Brown and features a cast comprised of senior Marissa Wilson, juniors Deandre Hairston and Erika Johnson; and freshmen Olivia Doria, Tyler Gillespie, and Nalani Rodgers. In Dreaming of Sugar Plums and Maintenance Men, a group of mixed nuts are on the way home for the holidays when a technical glitch traps them in a broken down dorm elevator.

From the River is directed by FHS sophomore Shea Lee and features a cast comprised of junior Aaron Eckhardt and sophomore Lani Skelley. From the River is features the story of two newly graduated students who come to find they are in love but cannot experience it.

The Omelet Murder Case is directed by FHS graduate Jeremy Clarke and features a cast comprised of juniors Emily Carlier and Katie Johanni; sophomores Sam Puglia and Rikayla Wright; and freshman Lee Carr, Zal Daneshgari, Kate Piscetta, and Sataira Williams. The Omolet Murder Case re-imagines Shakespeare’s Hamlet as a modern murder mystery.

On the Porch One Crisp Spring Morning is directed by Elynmarie Kazle and features sophomore Francine Parr and freshman Kyla Davis. In On the Porch One Crisp Spring Morning a mother and daughter sip coffee on the porch one gloriously crisp spring morning . . . and then try to kill each other

SHOWvember Continues with Two More Performances

Mark your calendar for the following Firestone Theatre performances:


Improv Troupe Performance: Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 7:00 p.m.

The debut performance of our (as yet) unnamed Improvisation Troupe. This group of eight talented students has been working with a professional, Akron-area actor/artist, Eric Lualdi, to hone their improvisational skills. This short performance is sure to tickle your funny bone.

Winter Play, Black Girl by JE Franklin: December 1, 2, and 3, 2011, 7:30 p.m..

Trapped in a life that can lead nowhere, Billie Jean has dropped out of school and taken a dead-end job in the local bar. Her ambitions bring her into conflict with her envious sisters, both of whom have been locked into dreary marriages too early, and her mother, who has given up on her own children and now lavishes her care and affection on her "foster daughters.” Billie Jean must fight a multiplicity of prejudices to win an education and forge her own identity.

One-Act Play Festival: Thursday, January 12, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

The always popular one-act festival features five short plays under the direction of staff, students and guest artists. It is an affair not to be missed by any lover of theatre or pure entertainment.

Legally Blonde: February 29 – March 3, 2012 (Previously announced as How to Succeed in Business)

Sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Complete details can be found on our website at www.FirestoneTheatre.com

The Show Must Go On ! . . . in just ONE day!!!

The show must go on  . . .   and we only have one day!

Firestone High School will present the culmination of their 24-Hour Theatre Project at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2011 in the school’s Linda B. Kersker Auditorium. All tickets are general admission and cost just $5.00. Tickets will be available at the door starting at 7:00 p.m. No advanced tickets will be available.  Firestone High School is located at 333 Rampart Avenue, Akron.

The 24-Hour Theatre Project is a creative concept in which students undertake the entire theatrical creative expression in a single 24-hour period. Students will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and begin the process by casting plays that have not yet been written. When the actors return early the next day, the plays will have been written by student writers and will ready to rehearse. The morning and afternoon are spent staging, memorizing, rehearsing, and preparing all the technical elements.

The 24-Hour Theatre Project is part of Firestone Theatre’s “SHOWvember” in which four student productions are presented within 4 weeks. The 24-Hour Theatre Project is included in the subscription series so patrons holding a season ticket will be admitted at no additional charge. Subscriptions are still available at an affordable price for students and adults.  See details about the Firestone Theatre season online at www.FirestoneTheatre.com.

Don't Miss Our Show -- Three Performances this Week!

Elephant’s Graveyard by George Brant; October 13, 14, and 15, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

Elephant’s Graveyard is the true tale of the tragic collision of a struggling circus and a tiny town in Tennessee, which resulted in the only known lynching of an elephant. Set in September of 1916, the play combines historical fact and legend, exploring the deep-seated American craving for spectacle, violence and revenge.

“The script—based on a true story about a traveling circus that, in 1916, stumbled into gory disaster in a muddy Tennessee town—is, like the best art, microscopically specific with echoes that radiate outward across time. It conjures a world with its own atmosphere and terrible internal logic. It’s mesmerizing... symphonic in its emotional variations on a tragic theme. Elephant’s Graveyard buzzes with truth about the consequences of misunderstanding, the invisible but enormous gap between artists and their audiences, and the infernal beauty of vaudeville.” -The Stranger, Seattle

See full details about our season at www.FirestoneTheatre.com.

Subscribe to our 2011-2012 Season of Champions

Our new season is about to begin and you can subscribe to the whole thing. Adults can subscribe for as little as $28.00 and students can do the same for just $20.00. Eight fantastic theatre events await you for a super-low price. There is no better way to support free, public theatre education than by subscribing to our season. Visit www.FirestoneTheatre.com for details.

Here is our season:

Elephant’s Graveyard by George Brant

October 13, 14, and 15, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

24-Hour Theatre Project

November 12, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

(First) One Night of Improv

November 22, 2011, 7:00 p.m.

Black Girl by J.E. Franklin

December 1, 2, and 3, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

Legally Blonde The Musical

Music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, Book by Heather Latch

Based on the movie Legally Blonde

February 29, 2012, 7:00 p.m.

March 1 and 2, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

March 3, 2012, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Spring Dance Concert

March 23 and 24, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Akron HS Film Festival

April 26, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Great Cast Leads a Great Play

Here are the bios for this week's production of ELEPHANT'S GRAVEYARD by George Brant. Make plans to see our production at 7:30 p.m. on October 13, 14, and 15, 2011.


Emily Carlier (Ballet Girl) is a junior member of the VPA Dance program. She is vice president of Student Council and is a member of National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Emily is excited to appear in her first fall play. She thanks her family and friends for their support.

Aaron Eckhardt (Preacher) is a junior VPA Theatre student. He has previously appeared in FHS productions of Sweeney Todd, 1001 Afternoons in Chicago, and Dear Gabby. Aaron hopes to one day become a professional actor.

Morgan Csejtey (stage manager) is a freshman VPA Theatre student working on her first FHS as a high school student. She was previously involved with our summer production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as an 8th grader.

Zal Daneshgari (Railroad Engineer) is a freshman VPA Theatre student appearing in his first FHS production. He likes to play basketball, watch movies, and hang out with his friends. Zal is a graduate of Spring Garden Waldorf School.

Jacquie Hailstock (Marshal) is a senior VPA Theatre student appearing in her fifth FHS production. She is also a member of DECA and is captain of the FHS Step Team. Jacquie served as an assistant stage manager for the FHS production of Hairspray.

Greg Hill (Hungry Townsperson) is a junior VPA Theatre student appearing in his 5th FHS production. He has previously appeared in The Piano Lesson, 1001 Afternoons in Chicago, Dear Gabby, and the One-Act Play Festival.

Jordan Bryce James (Steamshovel Operator) is a sophomore VPA Theatre student appearing in his second main stage production. He appeared  in our production of Hairspray and recently competed in an Individual Theatre event at the International Thespian Festival.

Erika Johnson (Muddy Townsperson) is a junior VPA Theatre student appearing in her third FHS production.  She has appeared with the Ohio Shakespeare Festival for three seasons and has appeared onstage and off at Weathervane Playhouse.

Brandon Kline (Clown) is a sophomore VPA Theatre student appearing in his second FHS production. He has appeared onstage all over Northeast Ohio including Weathervane Playhouse, Carousel, and Miller South School. Brandon has been a dancer for 14 years.

Shea Lee (Trainer) is a sophomore VPA Theatre and IB student appearing in her fourth FHS production. She has appeared at numerous area theatres including Weathervane Playhouse and Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory (FPAC).

Josh Leslie (percussion) is an eighth grade student at Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts. He enjoys playing percussion and has done so for three years. Josh is a welcome addition to our production.

Samantha Lewis (assistant stage manager) is a sophomore VPA Theatre student working backstage on her second FHS production. She is a member of Firestone’s softball team. Samantha thanks her parents for their support.

Josh Mansfield (Strongman) is a junior VPA Theatre student appearing in his second FHS production.  He is a graduate of Miller South’s drama program and has also appeared onstage and off at Weathervane Playhouse, among other theatres.

Imokhai Okolo (student sound designer) is a junior serving on the sound crew for the first time. He is a member of DECA and Student Council as well as the Debate and Mock Trial Team. Imokhai has worked tech for many FHS productions.

Zoe Sapienza (Young Townsperson) is a junior VPA Theatre student appearing onstage in her fourth FHS main stage production. She has appeared onstage at Weathervane Playhouse and other theatres in the area.

Stanley Smith (guitarist) is a junior appearing in his first FHS theatre production. He is a member of  Men’s Chorus and sings back-up vocals for a band called Monza. Stanley has played guitar for three years and made an appearance in last year’s school talent show.

Ben Wilson (Ringmaster) is a junior VPA Technical Theatre student appearing in his second main stage production. He appeared in last year’s production of Henry V and has worked backstage on many others. Ben is also a member of the Engineering program.

Max Winer (Tour Manager) is a junior VPA Theatre student appearing in his seventh FHS production.  He is also a member of Firestone’s Tennis Team. Ben has appeared onstage at Weathervane Playhouse and works at the Physical Therapy Center.

Second Stage Performances Expanded in 2011-2012 Theatre Season

This year's second stage season has been expanded and included in the subscription series. For instance, the 24-Hour Theatre Project is an exciting, new event that is a highlight of the fall for many students in Firestone’s successful arts program.  It is joined by the first annual Akron High School Film Festival and the formation of an all-new improvisation troupe comprised of students in Firestone’s nationally recognized theatre program. These performances along with the always popular One-Act Play Festival make up the Second State theatre season.

The 24-Hour Theatre Project will be held at the school at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2011. This single performance will culminate a whirlwind or activity that includes the creation and writing of five one-act plays as well as their staging and rehearsal in a single 24-hour period of time. One Night of Improv will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. This event features our newly formed improvisation troupe under the direction of Cleveland actor/director Marc Moritz. A second performance of the improvisational troupe will be scheduled in the spring. The always popular One-Act Play Festival will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2012. The first annual Akron High School Film Festival will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, 2012. This event will feature short films created by students from a variety of Akron schools. Submissions for this event are due no later than February 10, 2012. Complete rules and submission forms are available for download at www.FirestoneTheatre.com.

General admission tickets for each of these events cost $5.00 and will available only at the door. Each show is included in the season subscription.

Firestone Theatre is dedicated to keeping ticket prices low and affordable to the widest range of patrons. An additional savings is available through a season subscription that is available for the entire season at a largely reduced rate. An adult subscription is $28.00 and represents a savings of over 40 percent. A VIP, reserved subscription is also available for $32.00. A student subscription is available for just $20.00 and represents a savings of over 60 percent off the regular ticket price. A subscription order form is available for download at www.FirestoneTheatre.com. 

The Table is Set with Delicious Theatrical Dishes

MAIN STAGE SEASON

Firestone Theatre is set to undertake its biggest theatre season yet. The several new projects are featured in the 2011-2012 theatre season that also includes three Main Stage productions in addition to a series of smaller performances in a Second Stage series. An affordable subscription is available at an adult and student price.

The Main Stage season kicks off with the fall play, Elephant’s Graveyard by George Brant. This powerful production will be presented on stage in Firestone High School’s Linda B. Kersker Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 13; Friday, October 14; and Saturday, October 15, 2011. This short play is the true tale of the tragic collision of a struggling circus and a tiny Tennessee town. The series continues with Black Girl by J.E. Franklin. This play about a young woman trapped in a life that leads nowhere will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 1; Friday, December 2; and Saturday, December 3, 2011. The General admission tickets for both plays are $5.00 if bought in advance and $7.00 at the door. VIP, reserved tickets are also available for $9.00 and include a reserved seat in the front of the auditorium as well as access to the special VIP room prior to the show and at intermission, if applicable.

Also included in the Main Stage season is the annual musical and the Spring Dance Concert. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying with a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert as well as music and lyrics by Frank Loesser will be presented at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 29; at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 1; at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 2; and at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday March 3, 2012. This popular musical follows the rise of a young executive who uses the titular handbook to climb the corporate ladder. The General admission for the musical is $8.00 if bought in advance and $10.00 at the door. VIP, reserved tickets are also available for $13.00 and include a reserved seat in the front of the auditorium as well as access to the special VIP room prior to the show and at intermission, if applicable.

The Main Stage season concludes with the annual Spring Dance Concert. This event will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24, 2011. The concert is an annual event that features Firestone’s dancers in a program of original choreography by students, faculty, and guest artists.

Firestone Theatre is dedicated to keeping ticket prices low and affordable to the widest range of patrons. An additional savings is available through a season subscription that is available for the entire season at a largely reduced rate. An adult subscription is $28.00 and represents a savings of over 40 percent. A VIP, reserved subscription is also available for $32.00. A student subscription is available for just $20.00 and represents a savings of over 60 percent off the regular ticket price. A subscription order form is available for download at www.FirestoneTheatre.com. 

Are You reaady to Rock?

Firestone High School continues to rock hard with the latest edition of Stone Stock: The Firestone High School Rock and Roll Festival. This fantastic event featuring the popular local band Maid Myriad will be held at Musica from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, 2011.

All tickets are general admission and cost $7.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door. Tickets are available at Square Records in Highland Square and also in the school commons from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily starting Monday, April 11, 2011. Call the Firestone Theatre office at 330-873-3408 for additional information


The exciting line-up of bands includes two local bands as well as four bands comprised of mostly current Firestone students. The event is headlined by Maid Myriad who rocked the house at last year’s event and graciously agreed to play again this year. Other bands include local duo Polymerization as well as student bands The Granite Union, Terraplane, The Electric Gentlemen, and Extra Spooky.

This now annual event is designed to put student bands onstage with more established acts and to raise money for the arts programs at the school.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of Firestone VPA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization created to provide financial support to all arts at Firestone High School. This organization was founded in 2007 and has already provided funds for guest artists and master classes in addition to over $5000.00 in college scholarships to students who continue their arts education in college. Firestone is the high school campus for visual and performing arts in the Akron Public Schools.

Students from all over the city and throughout the area come to Firestone High School to undertake a rigorous course of study in choral music, dance, instrumental music, theatre, or visual art. Call the Fine Arts Office at 330-761-3189 for information about enrolling in Firestone High School’s exciting arts program.

Join Firestone Theatre for a lovely dinner before or after a show on Saturday, March 5, 2011.

Between the matinee and the evening performance of HAIRSPRAY, Firestone’s Stage Parents are hosting a fundraising Spaghetti Dinner. The price is right and the food is good so make plans now to sit in our beautifully transformed cafeteria and enjoy a delicious, hand-crafted spaghetti dinner.

A single meal can be purchased for just $7.00 and includes salads, assorted breads, assorted sauces, beverage, and fruit. A couple can eat for just $12.00. A family of four can eat for just $22.00. Download an order form from our website so you can reserve your seat.

Only 100 meals will be served for this event so reserve yours now.

maz

Great kids make our HAIRSPRAY fantastic

We have a great cast for our upcoming production of HAIRSPRAY. I know they won't let a snow day or two get in the way of a fantastic production. Below is the list of talented kids working on our show. My apologies to anyone left out.

Download your ticket order form at www.FirestoneTheatre.com.


The cast of Hairspray is led by seniors Jeremy Clarke (Link Larkin), Shamara Costa (Motormouth Maybelle), Tessa DiTirro (Velma von Tussle), Krissa Duhon (Amber von Tussle), Ally Freel (Tracy Turnblad), Hayley Hineline (Prudy Pingleton), and Denzel Washington (Seaweed).

Other seniors in the cast include Kaitlinn Brewer, Eamon Dougherty, Paul Gegick, Miryam Johnson, and Christopher Sharkey.

Junior students appearing in Hairspray include Jon Bozeka (Edna Turnblad), Conor Downey (Wilbur Turnblad), Tiffany Fulks (Shelley), Matt Harp (Brad), Gabey Hicks (Dynamite), Bronte Jeffries (ensemble), Olivia Landry (Little Inez), Suzanne Magazzini (Luann), Eric McDonnell (Sketch), Geonah Miller (ensemble) David Petry (Mr. Pinky), Hannah Pryseski (Penny Pingleton), Madison Williams (Dynamite), and Evan Yetter (Corny Collins).

Sophomore students appearing in Hairspray include Emily Carlier (Tammy), DeAndre Hairston (Gilbert), Jacob Jones (Duane), Jada Langston (Dynomite), Moe McHargh (Cindy Watkins), Jalen Mitchell (Stooie), Maddie Piscetta (ensemble), Zoe Sapienza (ensemble), Kylie Thanasiu (ensemble), Elizabeth Wainwright (ensemble), and Max Winer (IQ).

Freshmen students appearing in Hairspray include Sarah Hineline (ensemble), Jordan James (Thad), Bichelle Jeffries (ensemble), Brandon Kline (Fender), Shea Lee (matron), Francine Parr (ensemble), D’Angelo Sanders (ensemble), and Leah Struhsaker (Brenda).

Members of the orchestra include the following students: Caitlin Ballinger (trumpet), Bryan Bates (trumpet), Cameron Bickley (percussion), Will Blake (keyboards), Ashton Blake (saxophone), Tre’onna Boone (violin), Jack Brady (drums), Josh Brewer (percussion), Christopher Collins, Jessie Cook (flute), Josh Cox (keyboards), Tyra Dickerson (clarinet), Oliver Evans (guitar), Emily Fagen (saxophone), Tyler Hawes (guitar), Stephanie Hopper (trumpet), Hannah Laubscher (saxophone), Katie Lawrence (violin), Ellen Mitchell (clarinet), Olivia Moss, (flute) Zach Nagi-Schehl (electric bass), Devin Simmons (saxophone), and Rachel Weibel (trombone).


maz

HAIRSPRAY Tickets on Sale

No one can stop the beat when the Sixties-themed musical Hairspray takes the Firestone stage in March. 

This popular show was recently made available for amateur and school performances and Firestone Theatre is among the first to present it starting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Additional performances of Hairspray will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5, 2011. A single matinee will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2011.

            

General admission tickets for all performances cost $8.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door. Premium, reserved seats are available for Hairspray at a cost of $13.00. Advanced tickets for Hairspray can be purchased by mail. 

A ticket order form can be downloaded at www.FirestoneTheatre.com. Advanced tickets can also be purchased in the school commons from app. 11:00 a.m. to app. 1:00 p.m. on school days starting no later than Monday, February 21, 2011. 

All seats for the Wednesday evening performance cost $8.00 and are available in advance and at the door. 

Call the Firestone Theatre office at 330.873.3408 for ticket information.

The Show Must Go On . . . Personal Illness does not stop the SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK express

The third performance for Schoolhouse Rock! Live, Jr. went very well, considering our circumstances. 


When you have only five cast members, every role is vitally important. One of our actors was sick on Tuesday, the day of the show. The actor came anyway, of course, and did the best they could. The rest of us helped them cover their songs and get through the show. 


It was difficult – we all had to be on our toes – but this cast has a real team spirit. We may deal with other actors not at their peak for future performances. We will need to rally together the same way we did on Tuesday, to help them pull through.

We pulled through this time, and the resulting performance was quite good. 


We made hardly any mistakes of any kind. The teachers were appreciative; the children were thrilled. As Schoolhouse Rock! Live progresses through its run, we continue to improve with each performance, and audiences are becoming more and more responsive. 


We enjoy watching them as much as they enjoy watching us.


shea lee

You Can't Stop the Beat -- HAIRSPRAY rehearsal progresses nicely

HAIRSPRAY rehearsal is pretty crazy. 


Having blocking, vocal rehersal, and dance all in one rehersal makes it sure that you have a good night sleep. Going over the music for HAIRSPRAY is pretty difficult at times. The piano is playing one tune and you're singing another, then backround singers come in and it's crazy. Though when it all comes together it sounds awesome! 


I love blocking. Standing on stage trying to figure out your character voice and how your character moves and acts is a lot of fun. I really enjoy working with Denzel, he is easy to get a long with and is always a happy soul at rehearsal.


The dancing. My goodness the dancing. I'm not the best at it but so far I seem to be catching on fast. When the cast dances together with all their energy and just has fun with it, it's a blast. I really enjoy the cast of this show. Everyone works hard, cheers each other on and just goes crazy with it. 


So far I have to say the enjoyment of working with the cast as a whole and blocking my scenes with denzel have got to be my favorite.


ally freel

SCHOOLHOUSE rocks on Despite a Few Stumbles

Schoolhouse Rock! Live, Jr. had its second performance this past week, for Case Elementary School. 

Over the previous long weekend, we held a few brush-up rehearsals. This prepared us for the shows much better than independent morning rehearsals had just before the first show.

We did have some unexpected surprises on Tuesday, the day of our show. About thirty seconds into the performance, our music didn’t turn on. We improvised for a few minutes while Imokhai and LaSosha tried to fix the problem, but eventually we just plunged into the first number a cappella. We sang our first two songs without our accompaniment, until Imokhai found a second boom box to play our CD.

Other than those few glitches, our performance went very well. We knew the lines and songs much better than we had before. The students waved to us from the audience, called out spontaneously, and one or two danced along. This is the biggest joy of performing for such young audiences – they are so open and enthusiastic. 

We look forward to that enthusiasm at our third performance next week.

shea lee

She does not have the Answers but She asks the Right Questions.

Firestone Theatre is set to present Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever at the Akron Civic Theatre. You should make plans now to see this single public performance of a fantastic play.

Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever tells the story of a teen-aged girl who confronts a series of important life-lessons as she writes the advice column for her school’s paper. This powerfully funny and poignant play will be presented at the Civic Theatre in Downtown Akron for a single performance on Wednesday, February 2, 2011. 

Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for all students and are available by calling the Civic box office at 330.253.2488 or online at www.akroncivic.com.  Seating is limited so patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance.

            Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever is by Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie, who serve as co-Artistic Directors of the Santa Monica Playhouse in California. They describe their play as an interactive theatre experience, which explores such teen concerns as first love, peer pressure, rejection, relationships, drugs, cheating, self-esteem, and the passion and pain of piano lessons.

Dear Gabby is under the direction of guest artist Elynmarie Kazle who has already directed the play three times at Firestone High School. She worked at the Santa Monica Playhouse at the time of Dear Gabby’s original performances and tours. Firestone Theatre has presented the play six times over ten years to a wide variety of audiences. One production toured to the Dayton, Ohio, area as well as returned home to the Santa Monica Playhouse for two fund-raising performances. Kazle has served as the school’s Stage Management Trainer and Mentor for 10 years and recently worked with the Cleveland Playhouse.

The cast of Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever is lead by seniors Hayley Hineline and Caeli Droge. They are supported by sophomores Amelia Britton, Aaron Eckhardt, Deandre Hairston, Sierrah Jesiolowski, Jada Langston, Moe McHargh; and freshman Lani Skelley. SophomoreWill Banno Rothman serves as the stage manager. Junior Marissa Wilson serves as the student director.

Call the Firestone HS theatre office at 330-873-3408 for additional information.

maz