Goodrich – When the school board cut funding for Goodrich High School’s spring musical, drama students? hopes were dimmed.
GHS drama teacher Steve Mitchell turned the loss to gain for students like Janelle Story, who is directing next week’s production of Lucille Fletcher’s ‘Sorry, Wrong Number?. Student-directed productions were an idea Mitchell had been considering.
‘I told students about it last year, but budget cuts definitely pushed it to the forefront,? he said.
This spring’s production’which Mitchell says is 100 percent student-produced’is an opportunity worth seizing for Janelle, an animated senior aspiring to be a film-maker.
‘I took Mr. Mitchell’s acting class in 10th grade where I, at some point, decided I really just wanted to be the one behind it all,? she said.
The one-act mystery drama features Caitlin Yancho as the bedridden Mrs. Stephenson, who accidently overhears a murder being planned on the telephone.
Along with a plot twist and interesting ending, ‘it’s also interesting how big of a role the telephone and all of its technical aspects play in the production,? said Janelle.
The scenario has been an eye-opener.
‘I have a ton of respect for the theatre now that I see how much work is really involved,? Janelle said. ‘There’s so much behind the scenes that I never even realized.?
‘It’s a nice way to gauge what they’ve learned too,? said Mitchell, who left everything entirely up to the students until recently.
‘I had this type of experience in college, but I wanted them to have it in high school. They’ve taken the proverbial bull by the horns.?
‘I have complete faith in my cast and crew,? said Janelle. ‘Everyone has worked so hard and I know the teamwork will pay off.?
‘Sorry, Wrong Number? takes the stage at 7 p.m. April 21 through 24, with a matinee performance 2:30 p.m. April 24.
The April 23 show will also feature ‘Hidden in this Picture,? a one-act play directed and performed by the students of Flint Central High School.
All performances take place in the auditorium of Goodrich High School, located at 8029 S. Gale Road in Goodrich.
Tickets, $5, are available at the door or may be reserved in advance. Box office is open 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or leave a message.
Details: (810) 591-2220.
‘Sorry, Wrong Number? cast and crew
Cast: Joel Cahill, Rob Freer, Anneliese Goetz, Nathan Noll, Amber Pool, John Tremblay, Justin Wheeler, Breann White, Caitlin Yancho.
Crew: Alison Arwood, Ryan Cardneau, Devin Dixon, Jill Doctor, Ryan Gannon, Asa Lane, Paul Melrose, Katie Moser, Kristi Moser, Brian Rivette, Emily Seymour, Ryan Starski, Janelle Story, Lacy Tate, Ella Thorp, Gabe Yancho, Jessica York, Alan Wojtylko.