Standing Ovation

Alibis," by Peter Kennedy, was the first production of the school year by Ovation, Kathleen High School's drama club.

Set in a 1940's English countryside mansion, "Alibis" enthralled the audience with shocking revelations, constant interruptions, purposely planned tacky special effects, the arrival of a mysterious visitor and continued guessing of "whodunit?" and why. The mystery was produced Dec.15 and 16.

"It was great," said sophomore Chelsea Wilson. "It kept you on the edge of your seat."

"It was really funny," added senior Allison Lanier. "All the actors did a really great job."

In the first scence, a famous actress, Primavera Donna, played by senior Ashley Grant, who kills her twin sister, a nun, and steals her identity to become Sister Bella Donna. Donna then arranges a party inviting all her "friends" who she blackmailed and stole from throughout the years.

Characters such as Sir Tanley A. Fraud, Mr. E. S. Solvved and Doctor Jacqueline Hyde come and go into the main room of Donna's mansion discussing who and why several of the characters have been murdered; albeit off stage.

It is not until the end of the play when Grant eloquently gives a soliloquy and explains to the remaining party guests that she, Primavera Donna, is the murderer attempting to regain her fortune by inheriting her own money and setting a course for Europe.

During this speech the French maid Monique, an assassin hired by self-described playboy Sandy Lynxes, who was blackmailed by Donna, brandishes a gun and proceeds to shoot Donna during the final lines of the play.

More laughs end the play as everyone exits the stage, including the dead piled up behind the couch, arguing amongst themselves about movie rights.

So as the lights came up and the audience filed out of the auditorium, the cast, crew and director, Danielle Whaley who is also the drama club adviser, gathered on stage to comment on the events of the night and tweak several lines for the next performance.

"Once the first night is out the way the students are more comfortable with the stage," said Whaley. "The second show is always better than the first."

"My dad recorded the play so I got an opportunity to watch it at home," said senior Glenisha Dinnald. "The first night I watched the show and noticed all the mistakes I made; so I corrected them the second night."

While most teachers' work days are filled with meetings, grading papers and planning activities, Whaley explains the days leading up to production were filled with two-hour rehearsals, planning, phone calls and an endless list of other things that go into making a show. In addition to her required duties, Whaley uses the day as a way to fundraise for the club.

"The drama club is a business," said Whaley. "We don't have a booster club like sports. There's minimal parental involvement and with the help of some staff members the plays are made possible. For example, all I have to do is design the layout for the set and George Irwin, Future Builders of America adviser, builds what we need. The principal's secretary, Michelle Donnelly, sews the costumes. One of the teachers even cooks for them; so I don't have to worry about spending money on food."

With the dedication of the KHS staff and Whaley, the drama club receives plenty of help.

Since the club is run like a business, students spend hours fund raising. During car-b-cues, teachers get their cars washed and have food, for a donation to the drama club.

"Fund raising itself is a full-time job," said Whaley. "We've worked Raymond James Stadium concessions at football games, hat drops at Publix and requested grant money from numerous organizations."

Some of the money raised will help pay for a special trip.

During spring break, 12 students accompanied by Whaley will board a flight to New York City where they will sightsee and attend Broadway plays.

"Each student will need $1,200," said Whaley. "As long as they can pay for the trip we'll be OK."

With the assistance of a personal tour guide, the club will visit Chinatown, Little Italy and the Statue of Liberty as well as other exciting big city attractions.

"It will be a big reward for us," said junior Bradley Harris. "I think Ms. Whaley is more excited because we've all worked so hard."

Whaley describes her drama class as chaotic fun, slightly organized with unexpected improvisation. Drama club is different from drama class. In the class students learn historical and technical aspects of theater, as well as hair, make-up and lighting.

"I try to make it very educational even though it's entertainment," said Whaley. "My goal is to get them to appreciate drama."

While some sign up for the class because they take pleasure in learning about drama, others sign up because they think it's going to be an easy "A."

Similar to the requirement for participating in sport, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to participate in plays.

Rehearsing for two hours every Tuesday and Thursday often becomes stressful.

"Drama is like a sport; you have to rehearse," said junior Kawon Hunter. "Rehearsing sometimes can be a painstaking process."

As well as their trip to New York City this spring the club will host its second play in April, "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon," by Don Zolidis. The play will consist of one act and three scenes.

"This is a very funny play. It's different from "Alibis" because it spoofs some of the Grimm brother's short stories," said Whaley. "Productions are always fun, but once the first one ends another one begins."