UNITY— Unity Composite High School drama team is excited to provide a double bill show for audiences opening in May.
Showdown at Palm Tree Pines and Crushed will take to the stage May 6 in a 7 p.m. show and again May 8 offered as a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m., perfect for Mother’s Day. The Sunday matinee includes the popular dessert theatre option.
Seventeen cast members will be supported by seven crew members along with UCHS staff co-ordinators of Kyle Wood, Heather Poitras and Kyra Huber.
Mr. Wood outlines the premise of the first performance saying, “Showdown at Palm Tree Pines is focused around the conflict in a quiet retirement community as a couple that has just recently moved in attempt to seize control of the home owners’ association. As they vow to make changes that could disrupt the pace of the community, the addition of more new people to the community imposes an even greater threat. “
Wood says Crushed explores the struggle of modern dating as a guy and girl attempt to navigate the pitfalls of expectations, awkward situations and miscommunications. Though aided by the mysterious disembodied narrators, the pair begin to realize that divine intervention may not be all it is cracked up to be when it comes to the topic of love. “
“When it comes to COVID protocols this year, we were fortunate that the limits on indoor gatherings were lifted, allowing us to have a limited in-person audience for our performances. This semester, we're operating with lighter restrictions and while we encourage the audience to wear masks, it is optional in accordance with the protocols outline for schools.”
The UCHS drama team chose not to compete in the Saskatchewan Drama Association festival this year because it was their first year without Mr. Bick and Mrs. Gilbert, longtime drama directors. Wood says this meant they were adapting to a new schedule as well as being unsure if travel restrictions would be a factor in the spring. They thought it was best to err on the side of caution and keep drama performances at home this year.
“This allowed us to have greater flexibility in play selection as well, resulting in our double bill for the spring.”
Wood says of last semester, “December production went very well, and it was the first time in a while that we had done a Christmas play. We were also joined by the UCHS Rock Band, managed by Greg Bick, so that was a great chance to showcase a variety of talents. Mainly, the students were just thrilled to be back in front of a live audience.”
The UCHS drama team say they are excited to be performing two comedies to bring some energy and levity to match the warmer weather. They will be joined by the Rock Band again on Friday evening. This is the first time they have had an opportunity to perform a Sunday matinee.
The UCHS drama team has been part of the high school experience for students for decades. Fans of live theatre get to experience the culmination of their work that the UCHS drama team has put into the productions themselves including the performance, the sets, costumes and backstage additions that help the complement the show. Months of practises come together for their “big game.”
