The Munster Theatre Department is offering a unique performance for its annual fall show. Two one-act plays — a drama, “The Sequence,” and a comedy, “It’s Not You, It’s Me” — are scheduled for Thursday through Sunday.
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“I chose ‘The Sequence’ because students at Munster High School were asking for a dramatic show, and since this show is being entered into competition, it also is a competitive piece in that regard,” said theater director and producer Ray Palasz. “‘It’s Not You, It’s Me’ was chosen from several scripts by the students who are directing that piece because they enjoyed the humor in it. With all of the different circumstances under which couples break up, they felt that audiences — from middle school all the way up through adults — could understand it.”
In an effort to expose students to a wide array of dramatic literature, Palasz thought the two unique plays fit. Also, they are not presented in the traditional auditorium setting.
“They do not rely heavily on technical elements at all. In fact, both productions are being performed in front of the main curtain with minimal set,” Palasz said. “This allows our students to be able to focus on how the actors can create the environment of the plays.”
“The Sequence” is set in a post-apocalyptic society where everyone lives in climate-controlled domes. Teenagers have their DNA strands read, and based on what the DNA shows, they are either placed in an appropriate place in society or exiled out to, “The Sequence” side of the domes into the imperfect world to survive.
“It’s Not You, It’s Me” explores a series of relationships and the myriad of ways that they end.
Munster High School freshman Andrew Wittkamp, 14, is in both of the shows, playing a waiter in “It’s Not You, It’s Me” and Carl in “The Sequence”.
“This is the first time I have gotten a big part, and I’m super excited,” he said. “But the hardest thing about performing is trying not to laugh on stage.”
Freshman Demetrios Fotopoulos,15, will appear as Todd in “It’s Not You, It’s Me.”
“I enjoy being able to act with my friends and show my family what we have done,” he said. “Also, this play is covering a fun (and sadly relatable) idea that almost anyone can enjoy.”
In addition to acquiring acting and technical skills, students in these performances are learning how to put on a show in little time, according to Palasz.
“We cast the show in mid-September, and then had one rehearsal in September. At that time, we were working on our season-opener, ‘The Trials of Robin Hood’,” he said. “All told, we will have had 12 rehearsals from the read-through in September until opening night. Everyone is progressing extremely well and we will be ready for opening night.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
One-act plays
What: “The Sequence” and “It’s Not You, It’s Me”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Munster High School Auditorium, 8808 Columbia Ave.
Tickets: $6 online and in advance; at the door, $8 for adults and Munster High School students, $6 all other students and seniors. Admission is free for School Town of Munster employees, the military, and their families.
Information: Go to www.munaud.org or call 219-836-3200.
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