By Cara Martinez
Staff Writer
The Mira Costa Drama Department is presenting their second fall play, “Picnic” on Nov 6, 7, 13, and 14 in the small theatre.
Written by William Inge, “Picnic” takes place in the 1950s as seven characters prepare for a picnic in a rural Kansas town over labor day weekend. Although the play is considered an ensemble piece, the two main characters are Madge Owens and Hal Carter played by Calyssa Frankel, and Duncan Bardeau.
“I like playing the role of Madge because it is a dramatic role which is a lot different than the comedic roles I have played in the past,” Frankel said.
Auditions for the play took place in early September. Students had to recite two monologues on September 9th after school. Those who received callbacks had to return and rehearse three different scenes as three different characters.
“There was some competition into getting my role. I like my part because I feel like I can relate to Madge because she is adventurous and she goes after what she wants,” Frankel said.
The drama department has been preparing for the play for about two months. The play contains a small cast of only eleven roles. According to senior Miranda Baldo, the rehearsals provided great preparation for the play.
“I am excited to see the audience’s reactions to the scenes because this play is very dramatic and it pushes cast members to their limits,” Baldo said.
According to senior Rachel Kay, the drama students have different ways of preparing for “Picnic.” Some students practiced for weeks with an acting coach to rehearsed their lines, and while others chose to memorize their lines a few days prior to the play’s production.
“I am really enjoying the challenge my character Flo Owens is presenting me with,” senior Hadley Thomas said. “The character I am playing is providing me a good learning experience, by teaching me to dig deep, and always try the best I can.”
According to Matthews, “Picnic” is different from the past comedic play, “Check Please,” because it is far more dramatic and less comedic. Therefore, it is more difficult for the actors to learn how to properly play the roles.
“This play is a very intense acting challenge for the students to be real characters who deal with real life everyday problems,” Matthews said.”
Since Oct 19, tickets have been on sale at school or on the Mira Costa website. Tickets are on presale for $10 for students and senior citizens and $12 for adults. The tickets can also be purchased at the door for $12 per student and senior citizen and $15 for adults.
“Although “Picnic” takes place in a different time period it can still relate to this day in age, the moral is constant,” Matthews said.
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