Cue the spotlight: High schools ready spring plays

DeeJay

Administrator
Staff member
A determined mermaid, a showgirl hiding out in a habit and Wednesday Addams in love are among the characters that will tell their stories in spring’s high school plays. Actors and behind-the-scenes crews in Charles County Public Schools’ (CCPS) seven high schools are readying shows that are fanciful, romantic and funny.

St. Charles High School opens the season with “Once on this Island,” an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” The play is tinged with a Caribbean flair and tells the story of Ti Moune, a poor girl who rescues and falls for Daniel, a rich boy from the other part of the island. The gods who rule the island shepherd Ti Moune on a mission that will test her love of Daniel against prejudice, hatred and death. Shows are 7 p.m. March 9, and 2 and 7 p.m. March 10. There will be a matinee 2 p.m. March 11. Tickets are $5 for students, seniors and military members and $8 for general admission. CCPS identification badges will be honored for one free admission. For more information, call 301-753-2090.

There is more than this provincial life at Thomas Stone High School when “Beauty and the Beast” opens March 22 and runs through March 24. When Belle, a well-read, small town girl, attempts to rescue her beloved father from a mysterious castle, she finds herself captured by a Beast. He has his own issues — he must love and be loved in return or be cursed as the Beast forever. With his enchanted household on the case, Belle and the Beast begin to develop feelings for each other. Shows are at 7 pm. March 22 to 24. Tickets are $5. For more information, call 301-645-2601.

Maurice J. McDonough High School will stage “High School Musical” April 12 to 15. The love story between jock Troy and new girl Gabriella is the backbone of the play. The two plan to audition together for the school play, but won’t succeed if Queen Bee Sharpay has anything to say about it. Troy, Gabriella and their friends explore themes of friendship, first love and acceptance. For show times and tickets, go to www.mcdonoughdrama.com.

Things at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are restless when the new superintendent Sid Sorokin clashes with Babe Williams, the head of the union grievance committee. Sparks fly between the two and come to a head when Williams and the workers strike for a 7.5 percent pay increase. The strike sets off a conflict between management and labor while igniting a battle of the sexes. Shows are 6:30 p.m. April 19 to 21. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for students, seniors and military members, and $6 for thespians with identification. CCPS identification badges will be honored.

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky and they’re at North Point High School for “The Addams Family” 7 p.m. April 19 to 21. A 1 p.m. matinee will be staged April 21. Spend a couple of hours with Mortica and Gomez as they deal with their 18-year-old daughter, Wednesday, falling in love with a nice boy from a respectable family. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens.
Join Westlake High School and singer Deloris Van Cartier as she goes on the run from her married gangster boyfriend after witnessing him commit a murder in “Sister Act.” Working with police, Deloris hides out in a convent whose parish is in trouble. Struggling to fit in without her sequins and heels, she takes over the choir bringing life back into the parish while finding a true sisterhood. Shows are 7 p.m. April 26 to 28. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Two free tickets for those with a CCPS badge. For more information, call 301-645-8857.

Be part of La Plata High School’s “The Little Mermaid” world May 3 to 5 when it stages the show about Ariel and her desire to live on land. She gets her wish when Ursula the Sea Witch strikes a deal with her — Ariel must trade her beautiful voice for a pair of legs and get Prince Eric to fall in love with her within three days — or Ursula gets to keep Ariel’s soul. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, the play features songs from the popular Disney animated feature. Shows are 6:30 p.m. May 3 and 4 with a 2:30 p.m. matinee and 6:30 p.m. show on May 5. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults and CCPS badges will be honored.
 
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