Pennsbury Drama Troupe To Showcase Student-Directed One Act Plays

April 17, 2024

Pennsbury High School’s Drama Troupe No. 830 will present a variety of student-directed One Act plays this week.

The shows will take place on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Orange Auditorium, also known as “The Cave,” at Pennsbury High School West in Falls Township.

The lineup for the weekend includes adaptations of classics and original works, each aiming to provide a unique theatrical experience in 20 minutes or less. The format is often used for competition and showcases snippets from longer narratives, organizers said.

More from Drama Troupe No. 830 on the four plays selected:

“Little Women,” adapted by Mirisha Chamberlain, based on the book by Louisa May Alcott. The story tells of how the sisters grow up, find love, and find their place in the world. Student Director Annmarie Radzinski chose this beloved play “to showcase the theme of sisterhood through the differences in each sister, and how women are stronger when supporting one another.” Anna draws from her experience as one of four siblings. Cast members include: Meghan Crohe, Charlie Block, Katya Nirschl, Rosie Reeves, Alexandra Harkiewicz, Ava Slavin, Lucas Weng, Brayden Mackey and Nathan Vereb.

“The Father,” by Florian Zeller is the story of a man that refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. As he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality. Student director Evan Capozzola chose this play based on personal experience as he intends to showcase the terrible effects dementia can have on a person and their loved ones. Cast members include: Jason Kaplan, Athena Matthes, Mazur Rambam, Sasha, Cheeseman, Tim Brachelli and Emilia Navarrete.

“A Game,” by Dennis Noble is the story of three people who accept an invitation to take part in an experiment, a game in which a small room is divided into three equal areas, one for each person. Student Directed by Shaelyn Nuschke. Shaelyn shares that “The audience should leave contemplating the absurdity of conflict over lines and the dangers of unchecked nationalism, questioning their own roles in perpetuating such ‘games in society.” Cast members include: Cecelia Troiano, Liam Neill, Ty Decker and Andrew Capozzola.

The final play is the premiere of a student written and directed play called “Southern Belle” by Pennsbury senior Ellie Umstead. Ellie shares that “This story is subtle but incredibly powerful. It showcases what women throughout the world must deal with internalized misogyny due to it being ingrained because of societal expectation.” She hopes this play will serve a wonderful, feminist lesson to the audience. Cast members include: Ava Mascio, Fae Templeton, Delaney Ryan, Maddie Levy, Hibah Abdellatif, Emma Pepe, Ellie Palsgrove, Jaymes Lewis and Matt Deem.

Pennsbury’s Drama Troup, which since the 1950s and a member of the International Thespian Society since 1967, is under the leadership of Director Matthew South, Assistant Director Damari Fallacaro, and Costume Designer Ruth Schanbacher.

For more details, visit www.pennsburydrama.org.