North Montgomery High School has put together their rendition of “The Outsiders” for their fall play.
The play is unlike previous works the students have performed throughout the years, it has serious and dramatic undertones. The play takes place in the 1960s in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The theme of the story is focused on the struggle of power and status and centers around a young greaser called Pony Boy. Throughout the play, Pony Boy is trying to maintain his innocence, and the story has some violent themes and involves death and coming of age.
The lead actor is Crew Cole, a senior. He said the audience should be aware that the play is sadder than what they may expect.
“There can be parts that can be very sad, but it’s so intense that it just, it’s such a good show. And like all these people around here, they’re just amazing people and it’s going to be fun,” Cole said. “And there are times when you’re cheering, there are times when you could be crying.”
Director Michael Melvin is excited for people to watch the final result of what has been a huge collaborative project.
There is a big fight scene in the play and to perfect it Ryan Galloway, who is a combat specialist, helped choreograph and train the students involved in the scene.
The manufacturing class also contributed to the production by making some of the stage props.
“We gave them the designs and the students, along with his (Mr. Clements) guidance, created these magnificent set pieces,” Melvin said.
Another big piece of making a theater production work is having a good technical team. There were several students involved with the behind the scene aspect of the play, making sure lighting, sound and visuals all flowed perfectly.
Clauddia Smedley is a senior and a part of the technical team putting all of the visuals and sounds together. She works behind the scenes making sure the actors are heard and other noise effects are sound checked.
“I feel like tech is so brushed off when it comes to theater,” Smedley said. “People don’t think about it as a big part of theater, but it really helps. Having those visual effects really helps. And being able to hear people really helps when you want to watch the play.”
Smedley said even though this play is a drastic difference from the typical plays they put on, everyone has worked well with transitioning to a different type of energy that a serious play requires. During past production rehearsals there have been effects mess-ups, but she said this time around everything has been running smoothly.
Ben Oppy, a freshman who is portraying the role of Randy, said that another partnership that has gotten students through long nights of rehearsals is the parents.
“Food’s great. Parents bring in foods. Yesterday we had like Jimmy John’s, which is really nice. I mean, it’s some long nights. The last two nights have been until 8:30,” Oppy said.
Parents have helped in other ways too, like making sure every student have a safe way home after rehearsal each night.
Performances are planned for 7 p.m. today and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
“The Outsiders” was sponsored by Greg and Lisa Budd, Larry Kunkel and Spicer Farms.
To purchase tickets, visit on line at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/eventlist/
