Yosemite High School Players

PETE CLARKE - PCLARKE@SIERRASTAR

The cast and crew ham it up during rehearsals for YHS’s upcoming production of “Star.”
photo credit: PETE CLARKE/SIERRA STAR

The Yosemite High School Players will be presenting their first play production of the season, “Star”, beginning on October 3. The script of the play was adapted by YHS drama teacher Lars Thorson and his wife, Kimberlee, from the work, “American Days”, by Stephen Poliakoff. Direction is by Lars Thorson.

“The play follows a group of young hopefuls as they participate in a talent search put on by a large music company,” writes Director Thorson about his play. “Three young people make a final cut and meet with and audition for a top executive. They learn about the difficulties and capriciousness of succeeding in show business. The play features some live music, singing and dancing.”

Evan Commins, a senior in his fourth year with the drama department, plays producer Don Sherman. Amanda Bridgeford, another senior, sings her way into the final three as Tallulah. Senior Cole Burnett plays rock and roller Gary, and Junior Jenna Barney fills the role of shy underdog Lorraine.

From early drama beginnings in the fifth grade, “when there wasn’t anything elso to do,” said Commins, “drama has become a passion.”

Burnett is the cut-up of the group. “I’m an over-the-top guy,” said Burnett, who never expected to be singing Nevertheless, he has stepped with confidence into his role as the leader of a speed metal band who makes it to the final three of the “Star” competition.

As Tallulah, Amanda Bridgeford dances and sings behind Burnett in some of his big numbers. She is the controversial member of the group. “I’m nervous when I go on,” said Bridgeford.

Jenna Barney, who loves to play guitar, said that she is “more nervous than ever” about her part. Barney is shy like her character.

“I’m shy, she’s shy, but I like to be put on the spot,” said Barney, “Like my character, I have to be stronger.”

This will be the last production of the drama facility in its present form. It will be gutted and reshaped into a complete “Performance Center.”

“So we want to go out with a bang,” laughed director Thorson, “because our next work will be done on truck beds outside in the school’s park.”

The play runs October 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. and October 5 at 2 p.m.
Information/reservations: 683-4667, ext. 256.

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