It’s something the Young Thespian Players have not done before — a melodrama complete with cowboy hats and boots, toy guns and old-fashioned stick horses that neigh as they are “galloped” across the state.
This melodrama is set in the Wild West and has enough dramatic moments to suit just about any theatre-goer.
Penni Hansen, director of “The Wild, Wild, Wildest West ... or How the West was Dun,” said she strives to try out different styles with the kids and this time it was time to try the melodrama. This production is the Young Thespian Playersí biggest one yet with 33 kids in the show.
When the show and all the Wild West glamour hits the stage, it will be totally up to the players, Hansen said. This gives the kids responsibility and pride in what they are doing.
“There is nobody backstage saying ‘it’s time to go onstage,’ she said. ‘It’s all them.’
Hannah Watkins, 15, is in her sixth show with the Young Thespian Players. She plays Sasparilla Sal, the saloon owner.
“My character is a real tough lady,” Watkins said. “She saves the day with her spot.”
Watkins is enjoying the melodrama, she said.
“It’s a really good show,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Reagan Tippett, 8, is enjoying being in her first show as saloon girl number two. Tippett said the production does get crazy at times.
“I get to dance and sing,” Tippet said, with a smile. “I like that it’s from the Old West.”
Taylor Mayers, 14, has been with Young Thespian Players since its inception. Mayers plays Bo Best, who is the owner and manager of the hotel.
“She is kinda the optimist,” Mayers said. “But when things go wrong, she’s not happy.”
This attitude is reflected when Mayers is onstage as Best and some guests unexpectedly check out, much to Best’s disappointment.
Mayers said she is excited about the production.
“We have never done a western,” she said. “There is definitely a line between good and evil.”
Samuel Deere, 12, another first-timer to Young Thespian Players, said it has always been his dream to be an actor. For Deere, the production is about laying a foundation for that path to being an actor.
“I’m going to try out for the rest of them,” Deere said. “This is a very fun experience.”
Deere plays Kid/Kid, who is described as little but tough as nails.
“He acts like a little brat,” Deere said. “He has to be mad all the time. It’s really funny.”
Deere encouraged other kids to come and try Young Thespian Players out.
“They can just come and do their best,” he said. “It will help me if I’m an actor. When I get an award I’m going to remember this.”
This production hasn’t come without its challenges. The Young Thespian Players had to start from scratch when Hansen came into the theatre area and realized the stage and theatre had been completely gutted.
“It made me sad,” she said. “But I took the opportunity to turn it into something positive for the kids.”
The kids painted the floors and the walls, one of which was red. The stage placement and audience placement will allow for more seating, Hansen said. The audience will be seated on floor level.
“It will allow the kids to go out into the audience,” she said. “And I’m going to bring hay bales to (go with) the Wild West theme.”
“The Wild, Wild, WIldest West” starts at 7:30 p.m. July 12, 13 and 14. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee on July 14. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for kids.
The YTP will also perform selections from the show during the sesquicentennial celebration at noon July 4. The group will march in the July 4 parade.
According to information provided by the YTP, cast members are Wyatt Bolen, Olivia Coulson, Sarah Coulson, Robby Crone, Cameron Crouch, Mercedes Davis, Samuel Deere, Libby Fowler, Ashley Glover, Alyssa Glover, Holly Hansford, Oasis Hernandez, Melissa Heinitz, Sam Johnson, Morgan Kauffman, Emma LeGault, Austin Leiss, Sydney Main, Taylor Mayers, Miranda McKinney, Tarah Pearson, Jamie Schmidt, Dallas Shafer, Ashley Sherwood, Dylan Sherwood, Drew Surmeier, Sage Thurston, Tatum Thurston, Lauren Tippett, Reagan Tippett, Tagan Trahoon, Hannah Watkins and Sophie Watkins.