by Lorie Lewis Ham
This Thursday evening the play, A Servant of Two Masters, will be hitting the stage at Reedley High School. Why not come on out and enjoy the show and help support the arts in our local schools.
According to director, and Kings Canyon Unified School District Theatre Arts Coordinator Mark Norwood, A Servant of Two Masters is a “scripted” Comedia Del Arte play. True Comedia style theatre is done as improv with the actors portraying stock period characters. The actors would have a loose scenario and then make up the dialogue. “My goal was to introduce the students to a more classical style of theatre,” said Mark.
Cast of Servant
Mark went on to state that they are taking huge liberties with this show by adding modern music, dance and topical references from pop culture. “Classical theatre can be a difficult sit for a modern audience not especially familiar with the language and conventions. A spoonful of sugar (modern references) helps the medicine go down.”
There are a lot of fresh faces in this cast—-some have never been in a show before, such as Joseph Ham, others have always been ensemble up until now. However, the cast of 14 also has a few familiar faces such as junior D.J. Reimer who plays Truffaldino, the servant, in this show.
“My character is a servant who essentially is a con artist in training,” said D.J. “Persuasive, charming, and will do anything for food. I explore so many different emotions and actions throughout the play. I lie a lot. It’s fun to lie and not feel guilty about it.”
Left to right-Laramie Woolsey as Beatrice, D.J. Reimer as Truffaldino & Abby Elrod as Brighella
D.J. played Androcles in Androcles and the Lion in eighth grade and he stated that the plots are similar and the type of play (comedia del arte) is similar as well. “Both are fun to play but Truffuldino is slightly edgier than Androcles. People will enjoy the raw talent and subtle energy from the other characters and the mind blowing plot twists.”
Another familiar face is that of junior Skyler Quammen who played Daddy Warbucks in RHS’ production of Annie last spring. “The main difference between Daddy Warbucks and this character, Florindo, is that Warbucks was emotionless for much of the show, and Florindo is very full of emotion,” shared Skyler. “I think people will like the funny, interactive parts of the play.”
While every show has unique challenges, Mark said that the biggest hurdle for this production has been how busy the students are with school and other activities. “Good theatre takes a devotion and a commitment that, until you experience it first hand, is impossible to explain. It is not for everybody. Theatre is supposed to look fun and easy. It is a tremendous amount of work and the fun comes after a production is successful and the audience has enjoyed it.”
Left to right-D.J., Zach Clemmer as Pantelone & Joseph Ham as Dr. Lombardi
“I have a firm belief that it will take three to five years to build the program,” continued Mark, in regards to the future of the theatre arts program at KCUSD. “Each successful show is a brick in the foundation. My goal is to do the best work we can and hopefully more and more students will want to be involved in something truly special.”
This spring RHS will be performing the musical Bye Bye Birdie.
Performances for A Servant of Two Masters will take place at the Reedley High Performing Arts Theater, 740 West North Avenue, and are November 10, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and November 13 at 2. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults and can be purchased at the RHS finance office or at the door. Come on out and support the arts & our kids!
A Servant of Two Masters Cast List
Truffaldino ………………………………….. D.J. Reimer
Pantelone ……………………………………. Zach Clemmer
Dr. Lombardi ……………………………….. Joseph Ham
Silvio …………………………………………. Lawrence Halverson
Clarice ………………………………………… Kiara Hill
Brighella ……………………………………… Abby Elrod
Smeraldina …………………………………… Jocelyn Balladerez
Beatrice ………………………………………. Laramie Woolsey
Florindo ……………………………………… Skyler Quammen
Waiter and Porter: Franky Chapa
Dancers: Breana Nourian, Nia Martinez, Kelsey Ikemiya, Karissa Isaak
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