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Westland High School to perform "The Craving"
(by Tara Figurski, staff writer - October 26, 2011)
Westland High School students are hoping to get laughs when they present “The Craving,” a comedy by Don Zolidis.
In the play, screenwriter Terry Morris has written his first screenplay. His dreams are answered when Hollywood decides to produce it, but the dream turns into a nightmare when the play is changed to a zombie flick.
In the Westland production, the character Terry was changed to a female role, Terri, played by senior Destiny Davis.
“She goes on an emotional journey,” Davis said. “She writes this lovey dovey production and it slowly changes to a zombie horror film. I slowly go crazy.”
The changes in the original script drives Davis so crazy she attempts to shoot the director. No damage is caused because Terri forgets to put bullets in the weapon, Davis said.
The most challenging part of the production for Davis was to act normal in the beginning.
“It was hard not to act,” she said. “It’s easy in the end, I scream and go crazy. In the beginning I have such a hard time being a normal person. It was hard not overacting.”
Senior Christina Rausch plays the role of Jamie, the director. Her character was easy to play because of the leadership roles she has assumed in other activities, she said.
“The play is easy,” Rausch said. “I get to boss people around.”
Rausch said playing Jamie is her first big role. Thirty lines were the most she had to memorize previously, but she learned more than 200 lines for “The Craving.”
Senior Alyssa George plays Tasha, one of the actresses staring in the screenplay. The toughest part of the play was acting like she is a terrible actress, George said.
“I’m an airhead celebrity,” she said. “I’m obsessed with my dog named Butter. I have to act like I can’t act. It was an interesting role to play.”
When looking for a production, Westland High School English teacher John Weddendorf said it is important to find a piece for a large number of students. There are 20 students on stage and 10 to 15 involved behind the scenes.
“We like to give everyone an opportunity if they audition to be on stage,” he said.
The large cast size was also an obstacle for the students, Weddendorf said. Since there are a large number of students it takes away from rehearsal time.
“They need to work independently to learn their lines and be ready to perform,” he said.
“The Craving,” was a challenge to the set crew, because it requires the use of a two- level set Weddendorf said, adding “The students had quite a task to put together the set.”
Weddendorf likes to select comedies for his students. “The Craving,” is modern and features situational comedy.
“The Craving,” will be performed Nov. 11-12 at 7 p.m. at Westland High School, 146 Galloway Road. Tickets are $4 for students and $6 for adults.
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