James Clemens Theatre to compete with Greek comedy, ‘The Frogs’

“The Frogs” entire cast and crew includes more than 60 James Clemens High School students and volunteers. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Actors in James Clemens Theatre are returning to the classics with “The Frogs,” their one-act play that will vie for honors in the Walter J. Trumbauer Theatre Festival this weekend.

“The Frogs,” adapted by I.E. Clark, “focuses on Dionysus & Xanthias’ trip to Hades in pursuit of bringing back Euripides from the dead,” M. Clinton ‘Clint’ Merritt said. Merritt is working as technical director for the show and teaches technical theatre at James Clemens.

“Dionysus believes that all the great poets of his time have died so he is determined to bring some great poets back to Earth,” Merritt said. “James Clemens decided to do this play to help educate the youth of 2014 about Greek theatre and Greek mythology.”

Drama teacher Amy Pugh Patel is directing the show. Kenzie Browne is serving as student director.

James Clemens will host the Trumbauer Theatre Festival for District 1 schools on Nov. 7-8. “‘The Frogs’ will be featured alongside five other one-acts from District 1,” Merritt said.

Skylar Mittman is portraying the lead character Dionysus, and Nadia Harden is also in a lead role as Xanthias. Other characters in “The Frogs” include Hercules, Charon, Eacus, Eacus’ “Igor,” Sklebias, Pardokas, Pallbearers, Frogs, Townspeople and Prosperine’s Maids.

Merritt believes the comedy is one that all audiences will enjoy.

“Mason Overcash has been instrumental in the development of the set pieces and technical direction of the show,” Merritt said. “Greg Ennis and his engineering students designed and built the boat lift for the journey across the River Styx.”

Sherri Shamwell and her fashion design students planned and constructed costumes. Visual arts teacher Elizabeth Vaughn assisted in painting and scenic artistry.

“Mark Eccleston helped us with the design and construction of columns. Mrs. Layman was pivotal in helping to develop our costumes with our technical students,” Merritt said.

“The Frogs” cast and crew includes more than 60 James Clemens students and volunteers.