The stage is set, the curtains are down, and the lights are bright.
Once again, the LOHS Drama Department takes the stage in a fantastic and hilarious farce: “Beating A Dead Horse”.
Written by Jenny Stafford, this comedic production follows the lives of two brothers who run a pet funeral home, desperate for money and fame. In a flurry of failing relationships, busted careers, and hopeless futures, Steve and Marty Martin are faced with a miracle.
An old lady, in love with her dear horse, makes the sudden decision to host a funeral for her companion, handing Sir Trots-A-Lot over to the Martin Brothers.
There’s just one foil in this wonderful plan: the horse won’t die.
Eight spectacular students take this hilarious comedy by the reins, leaving it all onstage every single time.
Randy Shorts, the astounding director of this production, has done it again, setting his students up only for success. Backed by two stupendous Assistant Directors, the three of them make the impossible possible, and I’m pretty sure they have super powers.
Assistant Director Junior Evynn Domenech said, “Get ready for this show! … My favorite part specifically is Act Two Scene One. It’s fun.” As the date draws closer for this cast to perform, it is obvious everyone is excited to get a peek at this production. Domenech definitely knows what she’s talking about! The opening to Act Two is a blast and will bring you to tears laughing.
Senior Lucas Elliott plays Steve Martin, the more professional brother of the pair, and he brings an air of both poise and excitement to the role. Elliott said, “I’m really excited for all of our props and working with them because they’re all really fun.” All props, or items used by actors onstage, in this play are definitely creative and entertaining. From taxidermy to shovels, the props will leave audiences giggling at the absurd hilarity of it all.
Senior Savion Johnson plays Marty Martin, the wild-card of a brother, and is astounding on the stage. “I’m most excited to be in a leading role this time… and to showcase my abilities and make my character come to life,” said Johnson. Personally, I am also exhilarated to see Johnson onstage again, and am looking forward to his character choices in this production.
“I joined the Drama Department to get rid of my stage fright and improve my accents,” said Sophomore Dani Relph, who plays the character Erica in the farce. Erica is a free-spirited and fun girl, ready to take on the challenges of the Martin’s Pet Funeral Home. Shorts’ department definitely fosters a community for confidence, self-appreciation, and self-growth. I’m so excited to see Relph shine onstage in her debut production at LOHS, and hope to see her in many more!
Sophomore Tristan Rodriguez plays Todd, a taxidermist down on his luck. I am definitely looking forward to seeing him onstage again, bringing his character to life and wowing the audience with his delivery and acting. Rodriguez said, “I’m most excited for the props, since my character has so many props and I’m so excited to see what tech’s going to do.”
Like Elliott (actor who plays Steve Martin), Rodriguez is looking forward to the creative aspects of the show. Theatre Tech, our vivacious behind-the-scenes program executes each and every job with perfect precision, and I am so delighted to see what they come up with next!
Their designs are always so highly anticipated, whether that be costumes, sets, or sound and lighting.
“I joined the drama department because as a freshman it’s important to get involved at school… and I wanted to continue something that I loved, [theatre],” said Freshman Ashlyn McCorckle, who plays Marianne, the old lady who loves her horse. This play marks her debut on LOHS’ stage, and I am so excited to see what she brings to the table.
Involvement at school is definitely essential to the high school experience, whether that be school dances, football games, or drama productions, and I’m so happy McCorkle is already so included in this beautiful sect of LOHS culture.
Freshman Dylan Brace plays Marcus and Fritz in “Beating a Dead Horse”, and I’m ready to see him shine onstage with his fellow cast mates. “My favorite part of the process is the blocking, because I like to figure out the movement, have fun onstage, and figure out my character,” said Brace.
The rehearsal process is one of the most memorable and favorite parts of building a theatrical production. Loved by so many theatre people, rehearsal is for bonding, memories, and creativity, like blocking the show.
I would like to wish everyone on the cast a fantastic and magical opening night. “Beating a Dead Horse” breathes comedic life into the LOHS theatre’s walls, leaving everyone revelling in enjoyment and smiles.
Bring your family and friends to this beautiful and hilarious production. From belly-aching laughter to tearful grin, this play knows how to make one bust up laughing.
“Beating a Dead Horse” will be performed in the LOHS Theatre on November 7, 8, and 9, starting at 7:00 p.m..
Break a leg to the cast, technicians, and directors, and have so much fun!