“Beverly Hillbillies is like no other show this school has done. It is full of humor that anyone will find hilarious,” Alana Harmon, senior, said.
Performances of the stage version of “The Beverly Hillbillies” will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 and 14; and 2 and 7 p.m. on Nov. 15. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.
Based on the television show, the play starts off with the Clampett family, who are country folk, living in a mountain cabin, which happens to be on a gold mine of oil. They sell their cabin to an oil company and move to “California” since they are now rich. The rest of the play is a comedy about their ridiculous encounters with high society.
“The Beverly Hillbillies is a show that is known by many of our parents and grandparents, also the script as well as the TV show is hilarious,” Anderson Riley, junior, said.
The sitcom first aired in1962 and ran for nine years, ending in 1971. The satirical comedy entertains individuals of all ages and holds the record for T.V’s highest rated television show.
“I think people will enjoy it because the Beverly Hillbillies is such a funny show,” Mary Cushing, senior, said. Plus we have a close-knit cast so we’ll bring the show alive.”
The cast has been auditioning and rehearsing for the fall play since late September.
“When we had our first Saturday rehearsal where we were off books and getting costumes, it was very fun and busy,” Taetum Pfingston, sophomore, said.
All of the actors put in a lot of effort in order to become their character and give the best performance possible.
“I researched my character’s background and watched the TV show to prepare,” Cushing said.
becoming a different person is had to master, so the students all find a way to “get into character.”
“Getting into costume and make-up and hair really helps. Even for the first few rehearsals, I couldn’t become Granny without glasses or something,” Harmon said.
“We all do warm-ups before we start but preferably it comes natural. I go on stage and just become the character,” Ticala Sheldon, sophomore, said.
Theater is not just an extra activity for the members. It is a way for students to express themselves and show others what they are capable of.
“For me, there is always this one day where everything just clicks. It’s different with every show, but everyone just gives it their all on this one day and it’s the best feeling when it all comes together on this day,” Harmon said.
Even the experienced actors suffer from minor stage fright.
“I’ve been on stage for 13 years and still get nervous,” Cushing said. “I overcome it by thinking that I’m on stage with my best friends and no matter what happens, they have my back.”
All of the late night rehearsals and hard work is displayed on opening day. The cast showcases their built stamina by being able to provide the same quality for all four shows.
“Once the curtain opens and I say my first line, the atmosphere becomes more comfortable,” Anderson said.
“It’s amazing to see the whole cast come together and see all of our hours and work pay off,” Cushing said.