Norton Students Playing their Parts in Southeastern's 'Fortress'

After looking over a number of one act plays, student co-directors and Norton residents Marissa Galloway and Shannon Duchaine knew that "Fortress," a one-act play by Michael Scanlan, was the perfect choice.

“Some of the plays were old style, others too mature, but 'Fortress' stood out as perfect for a wide range of students and (audience) viewers from children to adult”, said Shannon, a senior in the Center for Visual & Performing Arts program.

Technical support is also provided by set designer and prop director Asia Bristowe, a freshman from Mansfield; costume designer Angie Castaldi, 11^th grader from Easton; and sounds director Jonathan Berry, a sophomore from Easton.

Other cast members include Alexandra Keniston, senior from Mansfield as Mr. Lawless; Sisi Buthelezi, sophomore from Brockton as Jinny and Party Goer; Courtney LaFrance, a junior from Stoughton playing Dr. Angle and Mrs. Tomelio; Nick York, 11^th grader from Norton as Billy’s Father Herb and Marty’s sidekick Dave; Alexis Vincent-Gray, a 10^th grader from East Bridgewater performing the dual role of Sue and Aunt Margaret; Catherine Knight, a freshman from Brockton, as Billy’s mother Gladys; and Kaylyn Bosh, a freshman from Mansfield playing Marty Tomlinson.

The play, part of Southeastern’s Art Appreciation Night, is completely student directed from selection of material to auditions to performance night. Both co-directors agreed that it takes a lot of time, work and responsibility to direct a play themselves. Marissa, a senior in Cabinetmaking, was pleased with the turn out for auditions.

"The number of actors and technical support needed was equal to the number of students who auditioned, so no one was turned away," she said.

Lead male character Billy, played by Mark Wilburn, a sophomore from East Bridgewater, accidentally discovers he’s adopted, and creates his Fortress of Solitude, looking to fellow orphan Superman as a model. Kim - played by freshman Emily Kass of Foxborough - is his friend who has a positive effect on his troubling situation.

Shannon described the play as “a fine production with high moments of laughter, and moments of seriousness."

Technical director Tyler Auger, 11^th grader from Brockton, hopes the audience will gain courage from the play, or even just a good laugh.

English teacher Christopher Crossen-Sills has taken a background role of facilitator, doing those things reserved for faculty, such as purchase of materials and reserving space.

“The art at Southeastern has evolved so much over the years that it’s about time to showcase the students and their abilities," he said. "The school has been immensely supportive."

“Since the start of the program in September of 2009, we have grown by leaps and bounds," said Kerri Cooper, drama teacher. "This production is a result of the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers and the program itself. I am incredibly proud of Shannon and Marissa for successfully completing this undertaking.”

 The public is invited to come and enjoy "Fortress" as part of Southeastern’s Arts Appreciation Night, which will showcase and promote arts at the school, such as original music, visual art pieces and refreshments for sale by Culinary Arts students. It will be held Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., at the school’s cafetorium. Admission is by donation at the door.