"Sixteen" a funny, heartwarming glimpse at teen life
A sudden snowstorm didn't stop theatergoers from enjoying
"Sixteen in 10 Minutes of Less" Saturday night at the Four County
Players.
The play, featuring a teenage cast and director, is being performed in Four County's black box theater The Cellar and is a collection of 10 10-minute plays combined into one humorous, yet heartwarming look at what it means to be 16 years old. The play tackles everything from the pitfalls of braces to divorce and bullying.
Vance (Sheridan Parkinson) is the wheelchair-bound teenager, slightly insecure due to both his condition and his status as a new student. His insecurities are expressed in "Friend Request," when he befriends fellow new student Cindy (Dora Baker), but is too afraid to show her that he's wheelchair bound. Meanwhile, Cindy falls into the mean girl scene with fellow student and mean girl ring leader Piper (Jenneca Graber-Grace). Then there's shy, artsy Laura (Grace Hynes) who is unfortunately the brunt of their jokes, something she shares with her dog Jeff (Bradley Shipp), whom she refers to as "her true friend." Sweet, talkative Samantha (Julia Hatter) and her boyfriend, Brody (Jacob DeLoriea) round out the cast, along with Piper's brother James (Shipp).
All of the young actors do an exceptional job of making the audience feel what it's like to be 16 years old. Particularly poignant is "Payphone," a scene in which James (Shipp) experiences a nightmare concerning his role in the divorce of his parents. Brody (DeLoriea) also has a scene expressing his feelings about the divorce of his parents in "Wheels." "Bench Warrant" is also gripping in its portrayal of bullying as Samantha (Hatter) stands up to both Cindy (Baker) and Piper (Graber-Grace) when they harass Laura (Hynes). And both "Friend Request" and "Status Update: A Symphony" address the cyber culture of today's teenagers. The play also has its light moments, particularly seen in "Brace Yourself" as James (Shipp) tries to remove an unknown object from his braces. "Tumblefur" is also sure to get some laughs as Shipp portrays Laura's dog Jeff.
"Sixteen in 10 Minutes or Less" by Bradley Hayward is the directorial debut of 17-year-old Hannah Mawyer. Having been involved in numerous Four County productions, this play marks Mawyer's first attempt at directing. It likely won't be her last though, as she seems to excel at her new role. Mawyer was mentored during the process by Geri Carlson Sauls, who along with Tres Wells, serves as producer.
Scene designer Elyse Bennett uses minimal sets and props for this production, placing all the focus on the characters and their stories. Lighting designer Rowena Halpin especially excels during a scene in which lighting is used to replicate fireworks.
"Sixteen in 10 Minutes or Less" runs weekends through Feb. 17. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows begin at 2:30 p.m. All tickets are $12. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 832-5355 or visit www.fourcp.org.
The play, featuring a teenage cast and director, is being performed in Four County's black box theater The Cellar and is a collection of 10 10-minute plays combined into one humorous, yet heartwarming look at what it means to be 16 years old. The play tackles everything from the pitfalls of braces to divorce and bullying.
Vance (Sheridan Parkinson) is the wheelchair-bound teenager, slightly insecure due to both his condition and his status as a new student. His insecurities are expressed in "Friend Request," when he befriends fellow new student Cindy (Dora Baker), but is too afraid to show her that he's wheelchair bound. Meanwhile, Cindy falls into the mean girl scene with fellow student and mean girl ring leader Piper (Jenneca Graber-Grace). Then there's shy, artsy Laura (Grace Hynes) who is unfortunately the brunt of their jokes, something she shares with her dog Jeff (Bradley Shipp), whom she refers to as "her true friend." Sweet, talkative Samantha (Julia Hatter) and her boyfriend, Brody (Jacob DeLoriea) round out the cast, along with Piper's brother James (Shipp).
All of the young actors do an exceptional job of making the audience feel what it's like to be 16 years old. Particularly poignant is "Payphone," a scene in which James (Shipp) experiences a nightmare concerning his role in the divorce of his parents. Brody (DeLoriea) also has a scene expressing his feelings about the divorce of his parents in "Wheels." "Bench Warrant" is also gripping in its portrayal of bullying as Samantha (Hatter) stands up to both Cindy (Baker) and Piper (Graber-Grace) when they harass Laura (Hynes). And both "Friend Request" and "Status Update: A Symphony" address the cyber culture of today's teenagers. The play also has its light moments, particularly seen in "Brace Yourself" as James (Shipp) tries to remove an unknown object from his braces. "Tumblefur" is also sure to get some laughs as Shipp portrays Laura's dog Jeff.
"Sixteen in 10 Minutes or Less" by Bradley Hayward is the directorial debut of 17-year-old Hannah Mawyer. Having been involved in numerous Four County productions, this play marks Mawyer's first attempt at directing. It likely won't be her last though, as she seems to excel at her new role. Mawyer was mentored during the process by Geri Carlson Sauls, who along with Tres Wells, serves as producer.
Scene designer Elyse Bennett uses minimal sets and props for this production, placing all the focus on the characters and their stories. Lighting designer Rowena Halpin especially excels during a scene in which lighting is used to replicate fireworks.
"Sixteen in 10 Minutes or Less" runs weekends through Feb. 17. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows begin at 2:30 p.m. All tickets are $12. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 832-5355 or visit www.fourcp.org.
Sounds like a great production! I know what you mean--- whenever I hear from people putting on my plays, I wish I could be there to cheer them on and feel like a part of their experience.
ReplyDeleteDon’t think I saw this when the show was happening (I was a senior in high school directing a play and finishing my senior swimming season and way overworked), but I’m Hannah the director!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting about the show! I am so impressed it even crossed your radar and am so happy to hear you liked some of our ideas. I was trying to find the article you linked to in order to confirm the cast list. My mom asked about it today and I had to fact check myself.
Anyway, I hope many more of your plays are being performed. Thanks for writing a fun one to direct as my first! :)