A Dark and Stormy Night

We are transported back to October, 1944. We, the audience, play the role of a studio audience to witness an evening’s entertainment – 3 Halloween playlets interspersed with some songs and commercials. Despite the flaws in the production, it was an interesting hour or so.

What worked best was the singing of three of the girls in the troupe of ten performers. Heather Smith, Kristin Anderson and Paige Hansen successfully recreated the Andrews Sisters ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

What worked least well were the three dramatic playlets by Kipling, Wilde and Poe respectively. These were read by up to six of the performers, whilst the remainder produced the sound effects. Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Mark of the Beast’ was an unfortunate beginning. Since the play was being read in front of microphones, the effect was confusing as to who was who. As it was not acted, the expression was wooden and laboured. It sounded like a rehearsal run through.

Despite the defects there was a certain entertainment value. The commercials were acted with more energy and did provide some light humour.

**

B

Fringe Programme Page No

184

Company

American High School Theatre Festival  

Venue Name and Number

Greenside V 231

Dates and Times

6,8,9,11 August (Times vary see programme )

Comedy 2007

Music 2007

Others 2007

Theatre 2007

Musicals 2007

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