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(arts)
Taking Sides The Reporter • October 2011
Spotlight
on a major issue
on Emily Fry Senior to make acting debut in musical, The Frogs
Photo by Natalie Franz
Juniors Zach Holtz and Cooper Sims-West argue while sophomore Sarah Phipps watches during the Sept. 24 performance of Taking Sides.
First fall play ends: musical in November shelby mcdaniel reporter For Emily Fredock, who goes to as many of the school plays as possible, going to Taking Sides was a chance to learn more about the Holocaust, a subject they were studying in English class. The production was set post-Holocaust and opened Sept. 22 and 24. “The play taught me that you have to be nice to people,” Fredock said. Many students were excited about the first of the fall plays this year. “I liked the differences in the character personalities,” Nick Newkirk, senior, said. He said he tries to go the most of the plays that the high school puts on. “I knew everybody in it…it was really good.” Amanda Hedges, junior, said. She also tries to go to as many plays as possible. The actors and actresses in the pro-
Q&A
duction were also enthusiastic about Taking Sides. “The Holocaust was a subject I was interested in.” Sarah Phipps, sophomore and actress, said. Phipps said it was a worldwide situation that affected everyone. “It also has many lessons that make people think about themselves and who they are as a person,” she said. Jordan Malone, junior and actor in Taking Sides, agrees with Phipps. “The Holocaust is something people should know about,” he said. Leslie Coats, theater teacher, said that the issues Taking Sides dealt with were important and it was a good stretch for the actors and actresses. The second production debuting this fall is a musical; it is The Frogs, an adaptation by Stephen Sondheim. “I’m excited to do this musical,” Alora Smotherman, junior and actress who plays in the chorus, said. She said that she had no worries about being a cast member. “Once I get up on a stage, my nerves float away,” she said.
“
I like to sing, and I’d always thought before that you had to be in choir to try out, but when I found out you didn’t, I was ‘woo.’ - Emily Fry, senior
”
Exchange student from Chile gets used to Kansas life beth johansen reporter
Q: How does your family feel about you leaving? Q: How are you adjusting to your host family? A: “It’s complicated; I miss them and my friends very A: “I like them, they are nice. New family, new friends
with
Nicole Neira
Kyam McCormack, junior, agreed with Smotherman. He said that it was an interesting piece, with different styles incorporated in it. McCormack also said he enjoyed his part in the musical, being the character Pluto. “I’ve always loved musicals,” he said, “And Pluto is a fun guy. He’s always making jokes and goofing off.” “I’m the only character that will not sing, but I have a dance,” Zach Holtz, junior and actor playing Shaw, said “I can’t wait.” He, too, is also excited about The Frogs debuting Nov. 17. “Musicals are an enjoyment,” Austin Smith, sophomore and actor playing another chorus member, said. He said that he did not get to be in one last year, but since he wants to be an actor, he needs the experience on the stage. “I’ve always wanted to be in a musical,” he said.
Emily Fry hasn’t been acting very long. “As of yesterday, I’ve acted one day,” Fry said. Fry has been involved with seven other plays by working in the tech department. “The Frogs is different than the other plays that have been performed, The Frogs is more modern,” Fry said. “Most are set back in the 70s and 80s.”
much. But it’s only for one year.”
and new life.”
Q: What is different than Chile? A: “Everything. We are able to eat lunch at home.
Q: Is this your first time in the United States? A: “Yes, but this is my second time traveling to a dif-
We have three different breaks during the day, and we don’t have lockers.”
Nicole Neira
ferent country. I’ve been to Argentina before.”
Q: Are you enjoying Paola? Q: Is it hard to learn English? A: “Yes the people here are nice. I enjoy playing socA: “Yes because everyone talks fast so it’s hard to cer at the school.” hear.”