Emotions run high as the cast of Carlynton High School’s fall play, “Our Town,” rehearse for the show.
As a tight-knit group — with 11 seniors out of the 27 cast members — performing in a show about life and moving on hits close to home.
As the production’s stage manager talks about being 16 years old and in love, cast members backstage reminisce about their past crushes. And they relate to the plot line about transitioning through life and appreciating it’s most minuscule moments.
“It’s relatable in a very honest way,” said senior Kyle Auth, 17, who plays George Gibbs.
“Our Town” follows the story of a small town in the early 1900s. It follows the daily life of two main characters as they experience love and marriage, and ultimately death and eternity.
Carlynton will perform the play at 7 p.m. Dec. 5-7 and 2 p.m. Dec. 8 with a sign language interpreter.
They are also participating in Prime Stage Theatre’s inaugural High School Drama Awards, where they will get to showcase their acting and compete for awards in numerous categories.
Director Tonilyn Jackson chose “Our Town” because this year’s cast is so close.
“Because of that, they’re very nostalgic,” she said. “I knew that they would be able to emotionally tackle the things that are tough about the show.”
Carlynton’s fall plays for several years were more lighthearted, students said. They had large sets and lots of props.
This year’s show is different.
“It’s a really fun challenge,” said senior Jaimee Cabili, 18, who plays Emily Webb.
Cabili said the minimal sets allow the cast to focus on the story and their acting.
The show’s focus on life in a small town correlates with Carnegie Borough’s 125th anniversary.
Cabili, a Carnegie resident, said she researched the borough’s past to help prepare for the show. Through that, she’s learned a lot about various buildings and their histories.
The show also will feature an “Our Town Market,” where local vendors and businesses will sell food one hour prior to the play and during a 30-minute extended intermission.
Senior Dakota Mayfield, 17, was a part of Carlynton’s stage crew for several years, before last year deciding to try out for the play. He talks highly about both experiences.
“We really embody the values of the show and every character that we take on is pretty unique,” he said.
The message of this year’s show is that, “In the end, you have to appreciate every moment of your life,” said senior Hannah Clark, 17, who plays Mrs. Soames. She hopes the audience will be able to relate to the characters in the show.
Performing in “Our Town” has caused students to look at life differently.
Especially for the high school seniors, it’s caused them to reflect on the importance of every moment and that they will soon be leaving a place that has been their home for so many years.
As Auth thinks ahead to college next year, performing in the show makes everything more real.
In a way, whenever he’s nervous about the future, it’s also comforting, because he sees that everything will work out.
“I hope people go home and see their family and think that this is a short time that they have with them,” Cabili said. “Appreciate all of the time that you have now.”
*Tickets for the show are $10 for adults and $5 for students. They can be purchased at the door or at www.carlynton.k12.pa.us/.
