Theater prepares for destruction
‘Mutually Assured Destruction’ to show comedic sibling stories
May 10, 2022
According to theater director Jodi Schifsky, this year’s spring show “Mutually Assured Destruction” will comedically showcase tense sibling relationships throughout 10 different decades. Schifsky said this format allows the inclusion of many actors, and may remind the audience of interactions with their own siblings.
“We have 20 students performing in the show, and 10 different stories,” Schifsky said. “It’s a way to feature those tensions between brothers and sisters or sisters and sisters, and highlight things that are familiar to all of us, but in a collective, collaborative way.”
Junior costume designer Charlie Kroells said in addition to the actors, there is a lot going on behind the scenes to make the show possible, such as designing a strong set of costumes.
“We do a bunch of research on what would be appropriate for each scene or each character,” Kroells said. “We have a bunch of clothes in the costume shop, so first we go through all of them and see if we have anything. Otherwise, we go to Goodwill and buy stuff.”
Junior Gwendolyn Rockler-Gladen said the play is very thought provoking — showing the similarity of human interactions throughout different time periods.
“I really like interacting with the other scenes and seeing how they’re different,” Rockler-Gladen said. “(I like seeing) how things are connected through different decades even if they’re completely different people in different situations.”
Students should see the show, according to Kroells, because it’s an entertaining and amusing take on issues faced by siblings.
“Each of the scenes is about siblings who are trying to solve a problem or have a problem,” Kroells said. “It’s definitely relatable, and it is very funny. I have enjoyed what I’ve gotten to see.”
According to Rockler-Gladen, the show will be nerve-racking, but fun to act in.
“I’m definitely a little bit nervous about getting everything together in time but also excited, so like a ‘nervous-excited’,” Rockler-Gladen said.
With many people coming together from the cast and crew to make this show happen, Schifsky said she is happy that students are able to have this opportunity to show off their work.
“I love working with students in all facets of theater, and tapping into something that’s always been a passion of mine and I can connect with students over,” Schifsky said. “(I like) letting kids find their potential because there’s so many great ways for students to shine even if they don’t want to be up on stage.”
The first showing of Mutually Assured Destruction is April 29 at the high school auditorium. Students can get in free with a student ID.
