QHS Drama Performs "The Outsiders"

By Kayli Vallely

     QHS drama performed "The Outsiders", a play written by Christopher Sergel on November 17- 19 at 7:30 pm in the QHS Theatre. The play, about the social dilemma between Socs (short for Socials) and Greasers, was based upon S.E. Hinton’s novel. Kim Carroll was the director of the play, and Mrs. Gallagher was the assistant director. Mrs. Carroll, who has directed youth theatre for Dramaworks since 1998, and has also acted in many dramatic plays, says that "The Outsiders" was the first time that she directed a dramatic play.
     Josh Carroll played Ponyboy Curtis, the main character. Taylor Stine played the part of Johnny, Kevin Logan was Sodapop, Allen Gruner played Darry, Lance Schmid was Dally, Shauna Bitzer was Cherry, and Max Egloff played the part of Two-bit. Much of the rest of the drama class performed as Greasers or Socs, and also helped backstage.
     To prepare for the play, Senior High drama rehearsed on Mondays and Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30, and as the evenings in which the play was to be performed drew nearer, drama practiced every evening, excluding Fridays. They also rehearsed each day during their drama class.
     This play was the first for many of the drama students, who were excited about performing for the first time. One student said that he was looking forward to performing the play because "…it is my first year in drama so it will be fun." The more experienced portion of the drama class was also looking forward to performing, but for generally different reasons. Jenna Kuipers, who played the part of Marcia, said "I am looking forward to being part of the play because I love entertaining an audience…"
     Mrs. Gallagher stated prior to the play that it takes commitment to perform the play well. "You have to be willing to put in the time and work hard," she said. Another drama student said of the play, "… it is a well-written story and can appeal to many. [The drama class is] a wonderful class of students trying their best to become the characters in order to give a great performance."
     Mrs. Carroll said that, for actors, it is important to be able to take directions. She also commented that confidence, reliability, and dependability are significantly needed qualities for actors, as well as the ability to remember their lines. Mrs. Carroll said, "it is absolutely great seeing the cast develop their characters and continue to grow stronger with each rehearsal."
     Watching QHS drama perform "The Outsiders" was an enjoyable and exciting experience for all who attended. The hard work and dedication that Mrs. Carroll, Mrs. Gallagher and the QHS drama students put into the play definitely paid off, and the play was a success.