Schools
Every Minute Counts in Johnston High School's Fall Play
The production, "The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less" means cast and crew must stay on their toes to avoid running out of time when the curtains rise tonight.
Paul Miller will have an eye on his watch as well as his actors tonight as the curtains rise on ’s fall play.
"The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less" promises its viewers to adhere to a strict time limit, and Miller, the play's director, said he aims to meet that goal.
“It says 99 minutes or less, I’d hate to disappoint,” Miller said.
Find out what's happening in Johnstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The ensemble piece offers a quick run through the Greek classics with several opportunites for a large number of students to get involved.
A simple set consisting of two benches and a table means students brandish a plethora of props, such as swords, to set the mood.
Find out what's happening in Johnstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“It’s a prop-heavy show, students haven’t had a chance to work with some of these props before,” Miller said.
When Miller first read the play he knew it’d be a good fit for his drama department.
The story was something that he felt students could relate to. With a large number of characters, it also afforded the opportunity for more students to be involved.
Senior Rachel Minter, who plays several characters, said she’s really enjoyed working with such a humorous script.
“We can point out the flaws, and show people how dumb they were, to be quite honest,” she said.
Minter, who’s been involved in the drama department for four years, said playing multiple characters, and keeping track of the props for her characters, has been difficult. But, overall, she’s enjoyed the experience.
“Forging relationships, both backstage and onstage, as actors and people, we’re learning to work together,” Minter said. “This is definitely one of the most enjoyable productions that I’ve been on."
The comedy has many aspects the audience might relate to, Minter said.
“It’s just a great story, to be honest,” Minter said. “Everyone can relate to something and find something to laugh at.”
Working within the time limit has been challenging, but Minter said it’s also been entertaining.
With no time to cue an actor who’s forgotten their lines, the rest of the cast just keeps moving.
The production opens at 7 tonight in the Johnston High School auditorium. The show runs at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available at the door for $5 for students and $7 for adults.