Archive for Thursday, March 8, 2007

Full House

Cast of “You Can’t Beat the House” raises roof with laughter

By Patrick Cady

March 8, 2007

Students at Eudora High School might not be able to beat the house with their spring play, but they aim to fill it.

The drama department will present Pat Cook's "You Can't Beat the House" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Eudora Middle School auditorium, 2635 Church St.

Nearly the entire cast of "You Can't Beat the House" is in for this scene during the play's second act. From left -- Tim Fredrickson, Kent Swanson, Michelle Smith, Kyle Swanson, Connor Hartpence, Mary Cox, Morgyn Carey and Maggie High.

Nearly the entire cast of "You Can't Beat the House" is in for this scene during the play's second act. From left -- Tim Fredrickson, Kent Swanson, Michelle Smith, Kyle Swanson, Connor Hartpence, Mary Cox, Morgyn Carey and Maggie High.

Cast list Merle: Paul Chaffin Howie: Tim Fredrickson Conrad Spears: Kent Swanson Glenda Spears: Michelle Smith Courtney Parfait: Brittney Graff Milo Larraby: Connor Hartpence Lillian: Maggie High Zenobia: Kyle Swanson Brittany Maria: Mary Cox Fern Larraby: Morgyn Carey Production crew Stage manager: Tasha Oakes Lights: Brittne Carey Sound: Logan Hartpence Set crew: Max Alvarez, Tim Fredrickson, Cole Massey Hair/makeup: Katelin Harrell, Lindsay Hickock, Allison Hoover, Madison Mater, Mary Miller, Abby Reynolds, Hannah Kouri Poster/program design: Stefanie Wingebach Set design: Gary Hinman Director Jeannine Sample

The play follows two hapless burglars Merle (Paul Chaffin) and Howie (Tim Fredrickson) as they break into a house only to realize they can't get out.

The burglars soon find out they have more to worry about than being trapped.

The duo discovers the house is for sale. That means Howie and Merle must weather a constant string of hopeful buyers, confused realtors, mothers and a medium in a gold turban.

"It's very funny with all the twists and a lot of ironic comedy," said Kent Swanson who plays Conrad, a potential homebuyer.

Conrad and Glenda (Michelle Smith) work through a troubled relationship on stage as the two burglars try to keep their identities a secret.

The comedy of terrors represents a return by director Jeannine Sample.

Sample took several years off from directing plays, but returned this year when no one else stepped up to take charge.

She said she didn't want to see the spring play fall through.

"This really is an unbelievable cast," she said.

She originally wanted to put on a different production for the spring play, but when so many talented students tried out, she searched for a piece that would include more of them, Sample said.

In addition to directing a new play, Sample had to work through scheduling conflicts.

The cast includes two members of the boys basketball team and a cheerleader.

Given the final games of the winter sports season, the cast found their practice time greatly reduced.

"They've done a remarkable job given the few number of rehearsals we've had," Sample said.

Despite the limited practice time, the cast has become close-knit, she said.

"I like this cast a lot," Fredrickson said.

Tickets can be purchased before the show. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for students.

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