Comedy and loss combine
The play tells the somber story of three families
January 17, 2015
The theater’s latest production “Infinite Black Suitcase” strings together tragedy and comedy into a three-part story line featuring three families and their battles with death.
Some humor adds a lighthearted feeling to the play according to Jodi Hatzenbeller, director of the production. She said the cast has been able to overcome the wide emotional spectrum.
“It’s definitely emotional, and we have to focus on being really believable in those emotions,” Hatzenbeller said. “The cast is mature and I think they are really committed to telling these stories.”
Senior and stage manager Anne Lambert said the play deals with hard topics, but the actors do a good job of lightening the mood.
“It’s been really hard sometimes to deal with the emotions. I have even seen Hatz get teary during scenes,” Lambert said.
Senior and thespian president, Charis Tshihamba said the play is different from any others the theater has done, and all of the feeling involved builds a great play.
“I think it’s a really good play, and it’s filled with a lot of emotion,” Tshihamba said. “It shows people as they mourn and deal with death. It’s not usually the type of play we choose.”
To support the three different story lines, the crew has been working on different set pieces to help the story transition. Hatzenbeller said the changes take the audience from story to story.
“There could be a five minute scene and then we change it to a different situation, and then we change it back,” Hatzenbeller said.
The theater is also participating in a One-Act competition Jan. 29. Hatzenbeller said the theater competes to showcase their talent in high school theater.
“It’s an honor to do well, but it is more about seeing other schools and celebrating theater than being a competition,” she said.
The home performance will take place 7 p.m. Jan. 16 and 17 and 2 p.m. Jan. 18 in the Auditorium. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.
