High school stages Shakespeare comedy

Theatre arts are expanding at Sisters High School this winter with the stage production of William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night or What You Will."

The play runs Wednesday-Friday, February 25-27 in the Sisters High School Drama Room.

This five-act comedy is being directed by Gary Bowne, instructor of Theatre Arts and The Americana Project.

The cast includes actors from Bowne's Play Production class.

Chrissy Pullig-Gomez, James Lewis, Bryant Lasken and Julia Rahm lead the cast of classic characters while Grayson Gould, Chris Epperson, Brooke Rosauer, Dallas Frederick, Adam Cash, Brett Pray and Sarah McKinney are featured in the supporting roles.

Speaking in the archaic language of the Elizabethan era playwright is always a challenge and cast members admitted that it is initially hard to learn lines and to get into the flow of the language. However, they eventually find the process rewarding.

"I like it, personally," said James Lewis, who plays Duke Orsino. "I like the poetic style. You get into a rhythm and most of the lines have the same rhythm, so it's easier for me."

"I think it's harder though, if you miss a line to improv a line," said Sarah McKinney. "You don't really know the style so well."

Lewis agreed.

"If you drop a line, you can miss a joke," he said.

The story begins when Viola, a shipwrecked gentlewoman, is separated from her twin brother during a storm at sea.

Assuming he is drowned, she disguises herself as a young man, Cesario, and becomes page to Duke Orsino. The Duke is hopelessly in love with the rich Countess, Olivia, who denies his advances. To further present his affections, he sends his envoy Cesario to the Countess who falls passionately in love with him, the disguised Viola.

In the subplot, Olivia's uncle, Sir Toby Belch sponges on her chiefly in drinking with her clown Feste and with his dupe, Sir Andrew Aguecheek. With the help of the chambermaid, Maria, they make mischief for Malvolio, Olivia's arrogant steward. In classic Shakespearian style, the case of mistaken identity turns topsy-turvy when Sebastian, Viola's twin brother, appears and dumbfounds everyone.

Other cast members include Seth Flanders, Katie Dumolt, Kaylen Haynes and Race Erwin. Leading the production team as Technical Director is Dawsen Helms with members of the new Technical Theatre Class making up the student crew to pull props and costumes, create make-up, run lights and sound.

Tickets are available a the door: $6 for adults, $3 for students with valid ID.

To see video from rehearsal of "Twelfth Night," visit http://www.nuggetnews.com.