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Theater thriving at Calabasas High School
Bill Garrett, theater teacher in his eighth year at CHS, said he selected this play, written before his students' parents were born, for its witty dialogue and cast of great parts that would allow his students a chance to shine. The script was penned by Moss Hart and George Kaufman, described by Garrett as "the best writing duo of the golden era of Broadway." The "man" of the title, Sheridan Whiteside, is based on reallife theater critic, radio wit and celebrity insider Alexander Wollcott, "a selfish man with charm," said Garrett. Inspiration for the play came when Wollcott visited Hart's estate one day and caused havoc with his unreasonable demands. Later, Hart commented to Kaufman that he wondered what would have happen if Wollcott had broken his leg and couldn't leave. In the play, Whiteside breaks his hip while visiting a middle-class home in Ohio. He stays in the house while he recovers, confined to a wheelchair and disrupting the family with his rants, business activities, and drop-in celebrity guests. He also schemes to prevent his long-time secretary from leaving him for a local newspaper reporter. Some of the play's characters are based on stars of the 1930s, such as Beverly Carlton representing Noel Coward and Banjo for Harpo Marx. Garrett double cast the play because of the school's rich talent pool and to give as many students as possible a chance to perform. The casting also provides an understudy if a student is sick and unable to make a rehearsal or performance. The actors can watch and learn from the other student's interpretation of the role. Period plays such as "Dinner" are more expensive to produce than contemporary shows, Garrett said. Warner Brothers Studio is providing furniture rental and the company History for Hire is supplying the hand props. Support staff for the show is Eric Wood, technical director and Terry Simons, costumer. Nearly 200 students are involved in the drama program through classes, performances, improv or competition. A number of drama classes are available. Students study playwrighting and dramatic structure to "take the written word and bring it to life," Garrett said. The youths also work on stagecraft as well as acting technique through scene work and improvisation. Students may compete in weekend theater festivals sponsored by the Drama Teachers Association of Southern California. CHS has earned several first-place awards among the 65 schools that compete. The school sponsors a chapter of the International Thespian Society, an honorary club. Students join by accumulating points through participation in plays and activities. The Comedy Sportz improv team is a member of the high school league sponsored by the professional Comedy Sportz of Los Angeles. Students also write, produce and direct a murder mystery night. The program is supported by the Theater Boosters parents, who are "tremendous" for the help they give, Garrett said. Garrett finds his work very rewarding as he watches his students develop during four years from their first auditions to senior shows. He sees the youths improve not only as performers, but "grow as people." Some CHS drama alumni are performing in regional theater and Broadway and touring companies. Garrett is looking forward to the new Performing Arts Center set for completion next year, which will provide expanded space and updated facilities. Garrett invites the public to attend CHS productions, stating that the school "could not do the shows without community support." "Dinner" is recommended for ages 12 and up. The show runs from Tues. to Sat., Nov. 6 to 10 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee Nov. 10 at 22855 Mulholland Hwy. Tickets are $12 adults, $8 students. Call (818) 222-9991. For more about the drama program, visit www.chstheater.com. The spring show is "Fiddler on the Roof." |
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