Lennox High School’s drama department is gearing up for its One Act play performance of “BOXES,” written by award-winning playwright Kendra Thomas. The play, directed by Christi Sayler, promises to leave audiences with a moral to ponder and a memorable theatrical experience.
“I really like Kendra Thomas’s writing style,” Sayler shared. “She also wrote the One Act ‘WHISPERS’ that we performed two years ago. Her One Acts always have a good moral to them and leave the audience with something to consider.”
“BOXES” invites the audience into a world where teens come of age by receiving an empty box. Jack, portrayed by Noah Sayler, grapples with the pressures and expectations placed on him as his box he received as a birthday present fills with hopes and dreams from family and friends. As the box fills with their expectations for him, Jack feels increasingly weighed down by the burden. However, with the help of a supportive group of friends, Jack learns to sift through the contents and discover what truly matters. Ultimately, he realizes that the box doesn’t represent the expectations of others but their hopes for him to pursue his own dreams and ambitions.
The cast of “BOXES” includes a talented group of LHS students ready to bring this unique drama to life.
Jack will be played by Noah Sayler. Chris will be played by Zander Hazuka. Laura will be played by Alek Kilene. Neddy will be played by Isaiah Sayler. Rachel will be played by Sophia Sanchez. Holly will be played by Miriam Welch. Lucy will be played by Ariana Poppens and Luke will be played by Riley Nelson.
The chorus features Emersen Lee, Madix Oltmanns, Duncan Johnson, Maddigan Van Sickle, Karson Iken, and Carter Dose.
Behind the scenes, the stage and tech crew comprises of Isaak Booker, Grant Buhta, Liz Hanisch, and Leo Aesoph, with Graycee Postma as Stage Manager and Wyatt Crichton as Assistant Stage Manager. The tech team also includes Tyler Strasser, Jacob Carlson, and Chase Hazuka. Charlee Jorgensen and Reanna Decker head up set design.
Rehearsals for the production have been intense and meticulously planned to accommodate the students’ busy schedules. “We rehearse 3-5 days a week for an hour to an 1 ½ hours depending on other school activities. Because the One Act is shorter than a full play, we rehearse at various times of day as well,” said Sayler. “I try to work rehearsal in around the other activities these kids participate in and it is no small feat! These kids are very involved! We started rehearsals two weeks before Christmas break and the kids were to have all lines memorized by January 2 when we met up again. For the most part, they came to that rehearsal well prepared.”
This year’s production poses its own set of challenges, including a complex scene change that must occur mid-action.
“This show has a scene change within a scene that happens while the action is still taking place. We have figured out the stage movement for it and will start to add lights this week to hopefully pull off a smooth transition that doesn’t detract from the main action on stage,” said Sayler. “It will be like a well orchestrated dance if it comes together. I’m still a little nervous about it because it’s something I haven’t done before but I have faith the kids will make it happen!”
The public performance of “BOXES” will take place on January 20 at 7 p.m. in the high school cafetorium. Regions follows on January 28 in Canton, with the goal of securing one of the top two spots to qualify for the state competition. Competition “starts at 9 a.m.
“We were third last year by a slim margin, so we are really hoping to secure one of those two spots this year,” Sayler said.
With a runtime of approximately 42 minutes, “BOXES” is sure to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and inspiring story.
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