Advanced acting will perform the plays To Kill a Mockingbird and Den of Thieves, alternately, from Nov. 14-17, at 7:30 p.m.
“I think [acting teacher] Kim Taylor probably decided to do these two plays because they are so different,” senior Grant Gadbois said. “To Kill A Mockingbird deals with some very heavy topics, while Den of Thieves hits the audience with ridiculous comedy from the very first minute.”
An actor in the latter play, Gadbois plays Flaco, a small time criminal who convinces Paul and Maggie, played respectively by seniors Gabe Bolio and Julia Sweeney, to help him steal $750,000.
“I hope that people find it funny,” Gadbois said. “Flaco is a different character than I’m used to playing, so I’ll do the best I can and hope people enjoy it.”
Sweeney, too, hopes that the audience will find the play funny and sympathize with her tough character. She said she thinks that people will be able to connect to the play.
“[Den of Thieves] is definitely funny and absurd, but there’s also a lot of truth to it,” Sweeney said. “Even though the audience will, hopefully, be laughing out loud, [the play] also deals with a lot of relatable topics like relationships and loneliness.”
From To Kill a Mockingbird, senior Zane Haney, who is playing Atticus, said that he is looking forward to a superb show with an amazing cast. He has plans for his role.
“Audience-wise, I hope to show the true morality of Atticus’s character, not so much as a hero, but as a firm, ethical and moral human being,” Haney said. “Acting-wise, I hope to capture the cool, calm and collected aspects of the character. Not too cool though; I want there to be a simmering eternal emotion inside.”
Though both casts have only recently begun rehearsing, Sweeney said that she is already having an incredible time working with her cast.
“I love being surrounded with such hilarious people and getting the chance to play around and try different things,” Sweeney said.
Gadbois said that Den of Thieves is not a play to miss.
“It’s going to be hilarious and loads of fun,” Gadbois said.
