Drama club has big dreams for ‘Little Women’ as spring play kicks off
You’ve heard of One Stoplight Town. You’ve heard of 9 to 5. Maybe you’ve never heard of Big Men, but it’s time to get ready to know Little Women. Drama teacher Scott Thurwatcher will be taking on the classic production, this time with additional help from a familiar face. Senior Preston Munsch will be taking a step up in the play, as the official student assistant director.
“There was a vacancy that needed to be filled, so I took this opportunity,” he said. “I am the stage manager as well, so I take on the responsibilities of both.”
Little Women marks the first time Munsch will be taking on this role. He has some concerns with the learning process.
“I think the biggest challenge will be giving my opinion in a way that is honest but not hurtful to fellow actors.”
Thurwatcher sees this new play as an opportunity to really show what the drama department has to offer.
photo from Notebook
Drama advisor Scott Thurwatcher has set the cast for this year’s spring play, Little Women. Thurwatcher ooks forward to an ambitious, period piece that will make full use of his cast.
“I guess I’m hoping to show our talent after One Stoplight Town, because I know what these kids are capable of,” he said.
Thurwatcher felt drawn to the show based on its strong female leads.
“I really want to do Little Women because we have so many talented female actors,” he said. “I really need a show to showcase all of that talent.”
The cast is ready and eager to get going. Junior Alexandria Gardiner expressed the common buzz amongst fellow theater kids.
“They had like four people for each callback, and this was in high demand,” she said. “We had so many people signing up for it.”
Sophomore Ember Davis reciprocated Gardiner’s feelings.
“I’m most excited for the opportunity to finally be behind a stage for the first time since 8th grade.”
Gardiner has a long history with West’s drama department.
“I was in One Stoplight Town and that was great,” she said. “I actually got a cast role, and I was in the variety show.”
Many cast members in Little Women were also involved in the fall one-act. Sophomore Meriam Tajeddine will be playing the lead, Jo, after being a part of last year’s play, Antigone, and doing lights for One Stoplight Town.
“I just really want it to go well,” she said. “I’ve never had the lead before, so I just want to show my worth. I just want everyone to get along, and this will be a fun experience for everyone.”
New faces include sophomore Melia Olesen, who will be playing the March family’s house maid, Hannah. Oleson participated in the 2022 musical and is ready to take part in another production.
“When I read the cast list, I was so excited for everyone and because it was my first named role,” she said. “This is the first show I have lines in, so it's going to be challenging. I want to gain more experience and become a better actress embodying the role.”
But performing isn’t the only thing amping the cast up. Oleson and others are excited for the collaboration aspect.
“I am looking forward to meeting new people and making friends along the way,” she said.
Overall, hopes and expectations are high, and the cast is enthusiastic about putting together the show. Gardiner is ready to take on challenges and can’t wait to see the fruition of the hard weeks of work to come.
“I think it’s gonna be amazing, she said. “The cast is very talented and I’m super excited to see it all together in its final form, and to work on it together.”
By Addi Isley and Erin Fox
Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue V
February 22, 2022