2022/2023 Season
Fall
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD
adapted by Autumn Joule. Based on the George Romero & John Russo film
Student directed by Autumn Joule
October 28 - 31
Fall out from a satellite probe shot to Venus returns to Earth carrying a mysterious radiation that transforms the unburied dead into flesh-eating zombies. Seven people trapped in an isolated farmhouse, held hostage by the ravenous ghouls, begin to turn on each other as the dead encroach. A gripping terror-filled monochromatic play that brings all the fright of the cult classic to life. This blend of thrilling horror laced with touches of black humor envelops the audience in the action and unfolds into a shocking theatrical ending. Referencing the dramatic social upheaval of the 1960s (from McCarthy’s Red Scare to the Civil Rights movement) with a sly political undercurrent, the film has become a classic, with a message that has become as important today as it ever was; “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” In 1999, the Night of the Living Dead was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress and the National Film Registry.
MISS BENNET (Christmas at Pemberley)
by Lauren Gunderson & Margot Melcon
Directed by John Monteverde
dinner theater production presented in collaboration with SEHS's culinary arts program
December 1 - 10
A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set two years after the novel ends, MISS BENNET continues the story, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine. Mary is growing tired of her role as dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings’ romantic escapades. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even romance? “Droll and delicious, MISS BENNET is a charming, confectionary celebration of fan favorite characters from Pride and Prejudice, multi-generationally honoring the legacy of Jane Austen’s humor, playfulness and wit in a warm-spirited holiday theatrical production.” --DCMetroTheaterArts.com. “…a perfectly constructed love story…” —San Francisco Chronicle. “…an unstuffy, highly entertaining and warm-spirited work, the kind of thing multiple generations can enjoy together.” —Chicago Tribune.
Winter
DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE
adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson
Student directed by Jesse Brown
February 10 - 19
A new version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. On the fog-bound streets of Victorian London, Henry Jekyll’s experiments with exotic “powders and tinctures” have brought forth his other self— Edward Hyde, a villain free to commit the sins Jekyll is too civilized to comprehend. When Hyde meets a woman who stirs his interest, Jekyll fears for her life and decides to end his experiments. But Hyde has other ideas, and so the two sides battle each other in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse to determine who shall be the master and who his slave. Presented on a bare stage with a small ensemble of actors and a few props. “A smart, tense and suspenseful new take on Stevenson’s look at the evil that lurks in the hearts of men… a suspense almost as affecting as it is intense.” —San Francisco Chronicle. “An elegant re-telling of the classic tale. Hatcher has a sure hand with tone and suspense.” —San Jose Mercury News.
9 TO 5
music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and Book by Patricia Resnick
Directed by John Monteverde
Musical Direction by Chris Dobson
Featuring Kim Melby and members of the SEHS band
March 2 - 18
Based on the hit movie starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton, this hilarious feminist classic is a tale of both friendship and revenge! At the dawn of the Reagan era three secretaries are pushed to the breaking point and concoct a plan to get even with “the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss. Mr. Hart, the boot! While Hart remains "otherwise engaged," the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can't she? This high-energy show features a trio of female leading ladies and Parton’s original score is jubilant! An uplifting tale of girl power and ultimately women’s rights that still resonates today!
Spring
Auditions March 14 & 15
FUDDY MEERS
by David Lindsay-Abaire
Student directed by Quinnlyn Turnbull
May 11-20
Fuddy Meers tells the story of an amnesiac, Claire, who awakens each morning as a blank slate on which her husband and teenage son must imprint the facts of her life. One morning, Claire is abducted by a limping, lisping man who claims her husband wants to kill her. The audience views the ensuing mayhem through the kaleidoscope of Claire's world. The play culminates in a cacophony of revelations, proving that everything is not what it appears to be.
“…heady fun…fresh, zingy dialogue, which revels in warping the language of self-help books…Like the resourceful chef who turns leftovers into haute cuisine, Mr. Lindsay-Abaire blends clichéd ingredients into something savory and distinctive…[a] dark, sweet and thoroughly engaging comedy.” - NY Times.
“…an antically zany new play…” - Variety.
SHERWOOD: The Adventures of Robin Hood
by Ken Ludwig
Directed by John Monteverde
May 26 – June 4
Packed with thrills, romance, laughter, and immortal characters like Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian, Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood tells the enduring story of a hero of the people who takes on the ruthless powers that be. So get ready to duck a quarterstaff or two – you won’t want to miss a moment of the swashbuckling fun!
"Critic’s Choice! A brightly colored, lighthearted take on the legend, which audiences may find just right for a summer evening."
- San Diego Union-Tribune
“Whether you relish swashbuckling adventure, amorous exploits, or good triumphing over evil, you'll find what you're looking for here. The humor consistently hits the mark.” - KSDS Jazz 88
