SPHS Drama presents: A Night of Scenes

By Matéo Diez

On the night of may 24th, 2017 the students of the SPHS Drama I and II classes delighted members of the South Pasadena community with an extremely varied, and masterful array of scenes. Acting as a compilation of the work of the drama class over the 2016/17 school year, performances included renditions of classic scenes by incredible playwrights, such as Stephen Sondheim, Shakespeare, and Christopher Durang, juxtaposed with numbers from new and exciting musicals like “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Hamilton”. But, in spite of all these wonderful renditions of new and old classics, the highlight of the night were the original scenes and monologues written and performed by the students of SPHS. It was mesmerizing to see the students of the drama program, so passionate about their work, up on stage. Knowing that they were the sole creators of these new, innovative scenes that ranged from sad and profound, to absolutely hilarious, only enhanced the experience.

Junior, Anders Keith, remarked that although towards the end of the school year things can get chaotic that “it’s always amazing to work with Mr. Hoffa (SPHS drama teacher) and such an amazing group of people, and I think we really made something good.” The audience clearly agreed, who were brought to tears of sadness and laughter. After the conclusion of the show, Mr. Hoffa described the entire process as “throughout, hair-raising; and in the end, amazing.” He expressed his gratitude to the students and explained his excitement “to expand, and give more opportunities to kids” as the drama program at SPHS will undoubtedly continue to grow, and flourish.

The actors included Wressey Baugham, Grace Chavez, Vincent Covarrubias, Ohad Gilbert, London Lang, Jackie Macias, Adianna Paul, Ron St. John, Jeanine Talamante, Serenda Camarillo, Justin Chong, Sydney Davis Denny, Claire Kucera, Jennifer Lopez, Jackson Monical, Hordii Shkuropat, Julissa Talamante, Renata Vargas, Morgan BeVard, Jakob Cronkhite, Lucy Eller, Amelia Keeney, Joshua Nakamoto, Hailey Bugg, Betsy Eaton, Seia Gamble, Anders Keith, Andres Oyaga.

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The evening was directed by Nick Hoffa with technical direction by Jonah Beadle and Eamonn Gibson.

Message from Mr. Hoffa: “This was my first year at a high school and I would have passed out from confusion were it not for the incredible support from parents, the constant aid from the entire SPHS community (in particular Mr. Jontz, Mr. Enright, Ms Anderson, and Ms Cheyne), and of course 3rd period, who kindly didn’t judge my mistakes. Thank you all.”

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