JANUARY 14, 1972
Seniors Sharon, Ben Discuss Senior Play
Although the entire student body was allowed to participate, it will be the seniors who produce and direct the play. Mr. Ronald Mills, director of the play, feels this is a step forward as "senior class plays as such went out with the turn of the century."
Sharon Gragg '72, who plays the part of Alice Kinnian, is glad that the roles have been cast in this way because "Priority was given to seniors; only one lead is not a senior. I don't feel enough seniors even tried out."
Ben Adair '72, who plays the plan as he feels it "works part of Charlie, agrees with the plan as he feels it "works toward getting the best results. I think it might get more support if the whole school were in it."
"At first," Sharon confessed, "I had some doubts as to how I felt about Alice. I just couldn't get into the character because she changed moods so often. But now... yes, I really like it. Alice isn't like me at all, and I find that really challenging.
"What allowed me to get into the character of Alice was the fact that she isn't perfect. Her patience is far from it" was Sharon's comment on her role and some of the problems she encountered.
Sharon feels that the most striking of these is that it will not be played on the stage but rather on a three quarters round theatre, which is open to the audience on three sides. This stage will be situated in the middle of the auditorium. Because of this there will be only 350 tickets a night.
When Ben was asked about his opinion of the three quarters round theatre, he was enthused. "The audience can relate much more because they are so close to the actors. They can see what is going on better; but I worry, about the things I do, more because of this. Actually, I think it is easier for the actors because it is more open, more real to life."
He really likes the play, feeling it is "a good play with good parts for everyone. The play is easy to do but hard to do well, and I like that challenge. I do not identify with Charlie at all because we are so different."
Ben is filled with anticipation about the play. "I think seeing a retarded person become intelligent will really draw people to the play."
Both Sharon and Ben have been very active in theatric performances throughout their four years here but say they chose acting as a secondary choice of careers. Ben was going into acting but has chosen the ministry instead.
