Press Release, Nov. 16-Patrick County High School Drama Captures Piedmont District One-Act Competition: Plays to be Showcased This Week

Cast and Crew involving More Than 20 to Highlight Production 17, 18, & 20 of November Magna Vista High School and Stuart, VA-, Nov. 5, 17, 18, & 20, 2011 — Patrick County High School has found a winning: energy and dedication bring a show to life. That was the case on November 5 when the “Key Lime Pie,� a short comedy travelled to Magna Vista High School to receive 1st place in the Piedmont District Virginia High School League (VHSL) honors. This show by playwright Jason Milligan features the combined resources of Patrick County High School faculty and students and the Patrick County Career and Technical Center. Director Mark Donnell notes that the cast and crew which includes actors Stephanie McIntyre, Auztin Parrott, Sarah Sheppard, and Chelsey Spencer with crew members Megan Hanchey, Ryon Hylton, Paige Morrell, Amy Rodriquez, and stage manager Aspen Mickles, had the excellent support of the PC cosmetology department under the direction of teacher Melanie Culler and the Medical technology department, Tammy Gammons, teacher. “We wouldn’t have been able to do it without them,� said Donnell. “The difficult make-up required hours of extra work on the part of Mrs. Culler and student Amy Rodriguez. They have both been fantastic.� The support of the Medical technology department can be seen in the use of many actual medical props lending to the realism seen on stage and enthusiastically provided by Mrs. Gammons. “Key Lime Pie,� will be combined with two other one-act plays and can be seen by the general public this week on Thursday and Friday, November 17 and 18 at 7:01 pm and Sunday, November 20 at 3:01 pm in the PCHS auditorium. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. The two additional featured plays include, “Must The Show Go On,� and “Final Curtain,� both by Carl L. Williams. Additional stage support will be seen in the form of background art provided by the students of PCHS art teacher Tanya Mullis. Cast for “Must The Show Go On,� a quick comedy highlighting just what disasters can befall a theatrical production, includes Kevin Epperson, Shaine Eckrote, Cole Saunders, and Alexis Williams. “Final Curtain,� a gentle drama, brings the talents of Victoria Blalock, Shaine Eckrote, Amanda King, Stephanie McIntyre, and Ben Salser together to tell the touching and unique story of a family gathered at the bedside of a dying Shakespearean actor. All three shows combine to make “Fall 1 Acts 2011: An evening of Comedy and Gentle Drama� an evening of quality entertainment which the whole family will enjoy. When asked why there is no Saturday show director Donnell noted: “We had to leave our schedule open on the 19th with hopes that we would be travelling to the Regional VHSL competition at Salem High School. Such is the case and we are very excited to represent PCHS and the Career and Vocational Center when we perform at 11:00 am.� Everyone is encouraged to cheer our local actors and crew on by attending this week’s plays in preparation and celebration of their work onstage.