Everyone could use a good laugh. That’s what director Will Schaub is banking on this week when Neuqua Valley High School presents “Inspecting Carol,” a comedy by American playwright Daniel Sullivan.
“I wanted to do a comedy and I wanted to fill the seats,” Schaub said. “People like to laugh, so I really wanted to put out something that people would be excited to see and where they’d have a good time.”
“Inspecting Carol” delivers a double dose of comedy. The play within a play that will be staged Thursday through Saturday examines a small professional theater company that is on the verge of going broke as they are set to open a production of “A Christmas Carol.” When they learn an inspector will determine if they will receive a grant to keep them in business, a mistaken identity leads to mayhem.
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“It’s one of those shows where you aren’t just laughing in your head; it’s hilarious,” sophomore Kate Waldron, 15, said. “It’s different and because it’s a show within a show, there are so many dynamics and characters you can relate to.”
Waldron plays the role of Zorah Bloch, Soapbox Playhouse’s owner and founding director, who is juggling the theater’s financial woes and the drama among her troupe of actors
“Zorah is definitely stretching me in a lot of different ways,” Waldron said. “I’ve played characters, but it’s different to deliver lines in a more human way rather than as a character.”
Schaub shared the sentiment, saying that the roles in “Inspecting Carol” have challenged the teen actors.
“They are playing outside their life experience — roles ranging from ages 12 to 70 — and they have proven themselves to be very capable,” Schaub said. “Like they say, comedy is serious business, and the cast has embraced it.”
Twelve student actors and a crew of about 30 have been working on the production since early October. Senior Dylan Bryant, who plays the role of Larry, said it’s a tight-knit group and that makes “Inspecting Carol” even better.
“I love the small cast size because it allows time for chemistry to develop,” Bryant, 17, said. “If you are going to portray an excellent show, you need that chemistry and those relationships. Everyone here cares and values each other and wants to make you a better actor.”
Waldron shared the sentiment.
“It’s a cool mix of people; some people are in their first show and others have been in a number of shows,” Waldron said. “We have been able to connect so well as a cast and that makes things even better on stage. I am very proud of this production.”
‘Inspecting Carol’
When: 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Where: Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St., Naperville
How much: $8-$11
Information: www.NVHStheatre.com or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2712470