James Clemens Theatre to preview one-act play Oct.29
MADISON – On Oct. 29, James Clemens Theatre will preview their work for District Trumbauer Competition.
Like a dress rehearsal, the performances at 6 p.m. will include Individual Events or IEs with students from different levels of theatre in dramatic/comedic/interpretative acting.
“It’s really such a great ‘opener.’ You’ll see seniors who have competed for four years and freshmen who are just getting started,” drama teacher and Director Amy Patel said. “They can showcase monologues, songs, reader’s theatre and technical designs for an audience at James Clemens before performing for judges on Nov. 2 at District Trumbauer Competition.”
Then at 7 p.m., the Jets will perform their one-act play, “Failure: A Love Story” by Philip Dawkins. According to student Brooke Canada, the play is set in 1920’s Chicago with character Mortimer Mortimer, a charming man who falls in love with the three Fail sisters, from one to the next as they die.
“The story highlights that love endures beyond the grave and emphasizes themes of time, fate and family. However, (the play) focuses on the beauty of life and love. It’s fleeting; anything can happen. Our time is limited, but what we choose to do with that time is important,” Canada said.
Patel saw the play several years ago. “It’s funny, sad, sweet and incorporated magical realism, which always gives opportunities for actors and technicians’ creativity and originality. We’ve incorporated music, foley sound (custom sound effects) and puppetry.”
“From the very first line, you know the sisters are going to die. The story begins with death and ends with death, which may sound morbid but feels more like a fairy tale than a horror story,” Patel said.
Playwright Philip Dawkins conceptualized the play while visiting a cemetery in Indiana. Seeing numerous tombstones with last name ‘FAIL,’ he wondered what happened to the family. While returning to Chicago, Dawkins realized the sisters’ fates and storyline.
The ensemble-based show has actors in multiple characters — even objects, like clocks and doors. Portraying the sisters are Claire Landers, Juliet Carr and Lena Racelis. Simon Tsikalas plays their brother. Qyler Bowie is cast as the sister’s love interest.
The production crew includes Student Directors Arden Sindel and Connor McDougal; Stage Manager Sade Csontos; Assistant Stage Managers Journey Sailsman and Kai Minsk; and Student Technical Directors Samantha Adkins and Vlad Sorokin.
This year, James Clemens will host area schools for District Trumbauer Competition on Nov. 1-2.
Student Emma Liverett (Grantland Rice/Front Door/ Chorus 15) said the play is “ensemble heavy. Our class has very strong actors. They’ll find ways to bring the character to a new level . . . The theme portrays to the audience that our time is limited. Our lives must be lived to the fullest.”
Student Producer Amara Hare (Chorus 8, Gramophone Leadership) said the one-act’s theme is “love is often found in places we aren’t looking . . . and important nonverbal cues aren’t actually said.”
“We’re really thankful to Redstone Federal Credit Union and Yellowhammer Roofing. Our booster parents are just incredible. There’s no way that Mr. Bryan Comer, Technical Director, and I could do (everything) they do for us. They’re great people,” Patel said.
Tickets cost $5 at the event, or visit linktr.ee/jctheatre, and click “Failure: A Love Story Tickets.” For more information, visit Facebook/James Clemens Theatre.
