Vol. 40, Issue 4 by The Knightly News

Vol. 40, Issue #4

The

December 12, 2014

Knightly News

p. 3 Five Minutes with Donn Bodie

p. 4 Pace Hidden Talents Revealed

p. 9 Discover “People of the Peach”

‘Into the Woods’ Dazzles Viewers of All Ages Photos: Fred Assaf and Neil Bainton

Joe Loughran Sports Editor Class of 2016

After the huge success of “Peter Pan” last year, the Pace theatre program went back to fairytale land for this year’s production of “Into the Woods.” Written by Steven Sondheim, “Into the Woods” combines all of your favorite childhood fairy tales into one crazy adventure mixed with excitement, danger and even a touch of adultery. The first act is more of your traditional bedtime story, with all of the characters obtaining what their hearts desire, and everyone living happily ever after. It is the second act that differentiates the musical from other happily-ever-after stories such as “Peter Pan.” Several main characters die as their stories are ruined, and only a few characters are able to save themselves and their kingdom while finding happiness in what remains. While this might seem like a fairly macabre ending, it is satisfying for the older members of the audience who are able to enjoy the complexity of the emotions in the characters.

The magical world of “Into the Woods” entranced the viewers with dynamic, multi-dimensional characters. The upperclassmen stood out as the stars of the play, with singing and acting performances that were as impressive as any other Pace production, if not

better. Seniors Rebecca Husk, Caillin Cooke and Cooper Drose commanded the stage with their convincing performances as the Witch, Cinderella and the Baker,

respectively. While these three musical stalwarts were excellent as always, several juniors shined in their prominent roles. Juniors Tory Dancu and Ryan Duvall

stood out for their acting, singing solos and on-stage chemistry. Freshman Cole McCorkle also impressed in his role as Jack. As a whole, the cast did a fantastic job with their singing. The songs in “Into the Woods” were much more intricate and complicated than last year’s in “Peter Pan.” Despite the difficulty level, the cast didn’t miss a beat. The acting was also fantastic, as the emotions of the characters were palpable and the dialogue proved to be both dramatic and witty. The audience remained engrossed in the complex, winding plot that took characters from one fairy tale and plopped them down right in the path of another character. The only problems that arose on opening night were a couple of microphone issues, but the cast carried on without pause. While the show might have been a bit more mature in theme and plot than past Pace performances, the cast stepped up and pulled off another masterful production. The seniors delivered their best performances in their last musical, and a strong group of underclassmen bodes well for the future of Pace drama.

New Minimesters Sure To Excite Students Staff Writer Class of 2016

As Spirit Week is just around the corner, so are minimesters. Students seem eager to explore these temporary classes that are held in lieu of their regularly held science classes for one eight-day rotation at the start of second semester. Students who have participated in minimesters in the past learned in November that their favorite classes from the past are not returning for this year. “The instructions that I gave this year, and the requirements we gave ourselves, were if it hasn’t changed in the last few years, then it needs to change this year,” said Mr. Day. This year’s sign-up options feature all new choices, including ones from new science teachers, and also from teachers in other departments. Mrs. Hall and Ms. Stevens

will be teaching a joint class on medieval weaponry, in which they plan to build catapults and trebuchets and test them out. Mrs. Korb is teaching a class on engineering and designing different structures, similar to Dr. Pearson’s bridge building class, but with more of a focus on structural and mechanical engineering. Dr. Pearson is teaching an origami class, and will include the science of paper making, recycling and what we can learn through origami. “Instead of doing my wildlife class, I want to do a woodworking for wildlife class where we build birdhouses and go and put them up outside,” said Mr. Day. “We would take the same trip up to the swamp, but with a different perspective.” There are a couple of new science teachers this year who plan to join in on the minimester fun. Mr. Sandoe, a new tenth grade chemistry teacher, has a strong interest in water chemistry. He has developed a class to

go along with the Isdell Center for Global Leadership theme, to incorporate chemistry and water, and do hands-on projects. “Another rule that I gave this year is to produce something, whether that’s a poster or piece of origami, just make something,” said Mr. Day. “We want to limit the lectures and do more hands-on projects. It is hard to do that because teachers want to talk about their interests so badly that it ends up just being lectures.” English teacher Mr. Carson is teaching a class called Renegade Writing. This class will include all different kinds of writing, with pieces that are totally off the wall. If you want to write raps, advertisements, a speech with no repercussions (with a limit on decency), then this class is for you. These additional “non-science” options will add spice to minimesters. “For one cycle, just do something different. Do class differently, do school differently,

Photo: Sean Murtaugh

Sean Murtaugh

Ms. Stevens and senior Matt Tannenblatt discuss the pros and cons of medieval weaponry. and do subject matter that you’re not going to do otherwise,” said Mr. Day. “You do your reading, writing, and arithmetic, but what about this other cool stuff?

Minimesters are about exposure, doing things differently, and teaching in a different way.” Sign up for mini-mesters closes today, Dec. 12.