After some delays, Thomas Jefferson High School will debut its fall play virtually Jan. 9-10, and audience members can kick back and enjoy the shows from the comfort of home.
“Unexpected Connections” will feature two one-act plays with a brief intermission between shows. While the entire community is invited to tune in for this online broadcast, parental guidance is suggested for younger viewers as the plays address mature themes.
The first one-act play, “Our Place” by Terry Gabbard, is a comedy/drama set on a dock where five different storylines converge as each set of characters discovers the true meaning of “our place.” In contrast, the second show, “Ghosts in the Machine” by Eric Coble, follows a group of teenagers who begin to receive unknown, cryptic messages creating a suspenseful mystery.
The annual fall play is organized by English and drama teacher Julie Tipton. Tipton said that despite this year’s challenges, there are also great revelations born from the limited number of actors and actresses involved.
“My favorite thing about this year is that it [the cast] is so small. I have seven students at practice, and it’s nice to work with such a small group as a director,” she said.
Because of this newfound intimacy between actor and director, Tipton feels confident about the performing abilities of her students.
“I think you are going to see great acting,” she said. “It will be better acting and more powerful than in the past.”
Aside from restrictions and limitations due to covid-19, Tipton said that she believes this year hosts one of the most matured productions alongside a commendable, yet small, cast.
There will be a $10 fee to access the video link, which will be posted online at www.wjhsd.net. Additional donations would be greatly appreciated due to the inability to sell tickets for a live, in-person performance. Any amount an audience member can spare will go toward financing costumes, set designs, props, and other expenses.
For more information, contact Julie Tipton at jtipton@wjhsd.net.
