Drama will present two-night show
by Styvalizh Uribe
Drama students will be showcasing their last performances of the year with their rendition of four episodes from “The Twilight Zone” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” entitled “Beyond the Phantom Zone.”
Fifty cast members will perform May 10 and 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. The first night will include three episodes of “The Twilight Zone”: “Five Characters in Search of an Exit,” “The Chaser” and “Living Doll.” It will be changed to “The Dummy” the following night, and will be concluded by “The Phantom of the Opera” musical.
Seating will be first-come-first-served, but no children under the age of 4 will be admitted.
“The reason why we’re doing two separate shows as one is because we have so many good actors, and I wanted everybody to have the opportunity to shine,” said Daniel Gonzalez, drama teacher and play director.
Leads include senior Sebastian Rodriquez, playing the Major from “The Twilight Zone” episode “Five Characters in Search of an Exit” and Richard, the opera owner and storyteller from “The Phantom of the Opera;” senior Joe David as the clown and the Phantom who falls in love with the obscure chorus singer, Christine. Her character will be double-cast by senior Makayla Talavera (May 10) and Drama President Tatiana Duckworth (May 11). Seniors Pablo Rivera and Celissa Sanchez narrate both shows.
“To me, this show is all about our program going back to its root, which is dark productions with little to no happy endings. We want to show the audience something other than some fairy tale, and we hope they appreciate our interpretations of these two classics,” said David.
Influenced by the original 1960s version of the two films and the German expressionist movement in the 1930s, the production will be presented in a film noir setting, filled with dark corners, shadows and little lighting, illustrating the somber mood of the production.
Tickets will cost $7 presale in Room M-1 and will be $8 at the door.