For Bowsher High School senior Chelsie Cree, writing a manuscript during the summer was just something to pass the time. She never thought her just-for-fun play would end up on stage — and that she’d be running the show.

“Falling” is a completely student-driven production debuting at Bowsher High School, 2200 Arlington Ave., on Nov. 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Cree, who’s been involved with Bowsher theater since her sophomore year, oversaw the creative process while friend and 2010 graduate Erica Lockard wrote the dialogue for the two-act play.

Jessica Williams and Andrew Keller rehearse ‘Falling.’

“I thought it was just something to write and something to do, to actually finish a project that I’d been thinking about,” Cree said. “I didn’t realize that it would turn into the fall play for Bowsher. I did not expect that at all.”

The department was looking for a fall production, Cree said, so she approached them with her play idea and they were eager to read the script.

“I went home [and] called Erica excited saying, ‘Oh my goodness, they want it, they want to see it,’” she said.

Cindy Harrison, Bowsher theater teacher and adviser, said she was immediately impressed.

“There were some very clever things and I thought a lot of kids might be able to identify and relate to things going on in the show,” she said.

“Falling” follows a closeknit group of friends as they endure changes and hardships their senior year. The characters represent all the typical high school niches, Cree said, like jocks, preps, nerds and cheerleaders.

BHS students and recent grads are running every aspect of the show from promotions and marketing to set design, lighting and, of course, the acting. Jason Jones, a recent Bowsher graduate, is the technical director and Scott McGorty, a 2010 grad, is the media coordinator for the show. Student members of DECA, an international marketing program, are using posters and fliers to spread the word.

The play was funded through donations and the school’s theater department fund. Because most of the dialogue takes place amid everyday activities, the show’s sets and costumes are minimal.

“It’s an opportunity for the audience to create what they see,” Cree said.

“Falling” represents a strong sense of morality, she said, and she hopes audience members leave with a new perspective on friendship and forgiveness.

“There are some twists and turns that the show takes,” Cree said. “There’s so much more than just what’s said.”

Tragedy rips the group apart when one character becomes terminally ill. But it’s not all tears and tragedy.

“There’s a swordfight in the hallway for goodness sakes,” Cree said. “There are very funny things that also happen within the show. We could be at the most dramatic moment of the show and somebody will crack a joke.”

Senior Emerencia Dudas, who plays sassy cheerleader Miranda, said rehearsals run smoothly despite the absence of an adult director.

“Surprisingly everybody listens,” Dudas said. “Everybody’s very respectful. We know how important it is to make it as good as it needs to be, so we all put our best foot forward.”

Tickets are $7 at the door and admission is free for senior citizens.

Tags: Bowsher High School, Chelsie Cree

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 9th, 2010 at 9:57 am and is filed under Star, Theater.
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