Posted by: hannaheath on 02/21/2008 07:26 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 02/21/2008 07:37 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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The Phantom Strikes Again, A Bret Harte Play Production! ~ By Hanna Heath
Angels Camp, CA….Tonight drama students prepared calmly backstage for one of the most mysterious plays that Bret Harte High School has ever produced. Applying make-up, curling hair, rehearsing lines, and laughing hysterically were just a few last minute preparations students made before stepping onto the stage….
Click on Photo For Full Slide Show
The William D. Fisher comedy/mystery, “The Phantom Strikes Again,” begins high a top a rocky ledge in the Allegheny Mountains at the lonely castle Wentz, six heirs of the late August Wentz gather to hear the reading of his will. Only those present in the study at midnight on the first Friday the 13th after his death are to receive equal shares of his multi-million dollar estate. But not one of the six heirs is a relative.
The heirs include Louise, Preston, Mrs. Beeman, Graham, Wents, Mrs. Kite, and Mr. Wentworth. Graham, the first to arrive, is puzzled to find Wentworth, the dedicated butler, missing. With all the lurid happenings that follow, the group is petrified. In the dark dim hallways of the Castle Wentz, there is no shortage of suspects and Preston starts uncovering what begins to reek of a high-profile reading gone awry.
Laura Baptista, a junior who has been active in the theater before, directs the show. She said “this has probably been the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but it was worth it. Everyone in my cast is a great person, and I have had the time of my life, when I wasn’t freaking out.” The stress on Laura built because after ordering scripts, they didn’t arrive in time to begin proper rehearsals.
After visiting student actors back stage during the pre-performance they shared, “This has been a fun, and organized late chaos. It has taken a long time to come together, but I know we will give a great performance to our audience,” said Senior Sandy McClenahan.
An interesting sight to see back stage was, sophomore Anthony Dooley, applying dark eye make-up. He shared “I hate the feel of make-up, but I think I pull it off better than Johnny Depp."
The play began tonight Thursday Feb 21st, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the Bret Harte Theater in Angels Camp. Performances will also be on stage at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 and 23.
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