The Rhinebeck community will laugh in exploring a series of fairytales in Bulkeley Middle School Drama Club’s production of “The Trial of the Wicked Witch.” Performances are scheduled for May 15 at 7 p.m. and May 16 at 2 p.m.
“I think it’s going great,” said eighth grader Ethan Williams, assistant stage manager, of the preparation. “Everyone is becoming friends and we’re learning lines correctly. I feel it’s just developing so fast.
“I like how funny the play is, and how everyone creates lines as we go if they get confused. It just adds to how funny it is. It’s awesome.”
In the play, the Wicked Witch is on trial for various crimes. Fairytale characters are involved in the case with the Fairy Godmother from “Cinderella” as the judge, The Three Little Pigs as the bailiffs, Little Red Riding Hood as the prosecutor and the Evil Stepmother from “Cinderella” as the defense attorney. Additional fairytale characters, such as Prince Charming, serve as witnesses.
Mia Zagami plays Jenny, one of the three pigs, and is encouraging the community to attend the play.
“It’s a great way to experience a bunch of actors forming into one big group,” said the seventh grader. “You’re meeting so many people and it’s really fun. It also can influence someone to act. I went to a play once when I was little. I saw ‘Into the Woods’ at The Center for Performing Arts. I was really influenced by the play and I started acting. It can influence adults and kids.”
Dee Kaake, drama club adviser and BMS teacher, praised her young cast and crew as the production is offering more to students for the first time.
“We have such a talented cast this year, and we have a lot of interest in crew,” said Kaake. “Our director, Kevin McCarthy, and stage manager, Liz Corey, are working with two students as assistant stage managers to show them the ropes, and Brian Cordella, our lighting and sound designer, is working with a number of technical crew students to get them started on the lighting and sound board.
“We are very excited to offer this opportunity for the first time this year to teach students all aspects of production. The show has a little improv component and audience interaction as well.”
The cast and crew are excited for the chance to perform in front of a live audience.
“Everybody has a good role in this play,” said Adelina Knapp, an eighth grader who plays the Fairy Godmother. “Our drama club is amazing. We’ve been rehearsing for a few months. We’ll always need some work, but we’re going to be ready in time.”