Bringing 'dreams' to life
The play is a tough one. But the actors say they're up to the challenge.
Students at Cary-Grove High School will present "Twelve Dreams" as their fall play, today and Friday.
Written by James Elliot Lapine, "Twelve Dreams" is inspired by a real case history by Carl Jung.
It's an unusual and poignant play -- not the typical fare for a high school production.
"The class read a number of plays and chose this play because it poses an interesting and creative challenge," said Patrick Whalen, the Stagecrafters Drama Club faculty sponsor at Cary-Grove.
In the story, young Emma gives her psychiatrist father a special Christmas gift -- a book she has filled with her dreams. He is unable to make sense of the disturbing dreams and gives the book to his mentor, the Professor, for interpretation. The Professor comes to the conclusion that the dreams are those of an old person who is facing death.
"It is a show that is not often performed, but I really think it is a lovely story and perfect for high school students," said director Laura Whalen, a teacher's assistant in the special education department who is working toward her certification to teach English.
"While it is difficult for students to access the emotions needed for the show, it is easy for them to relate to the fear and loss associated with the death of a loved one."
The story, set in the 1930s, allows the audience a view into Emma's dreams, which are re-created by people who are part of her everyday life.
"Our interpretation travels seamlessly from the story on stage to dream sequences," Patrick said.
"I was also very lucky to have a great technical director, Christopher West, for this show," Laura Whalen said. "The lighting and set concept made it easy to delineate between the dream sequences and the 'real life' scenes.
"The actors worked hard to understand the transitions and the role that the dreams play in telling the story of this little girl and the people around her," Laura Whalen said.
The cast includes Kaitlyn Barrett as Emma Hatrick, Meghan Wleklinski as Jenny, Monica Remes as Eleanor Banton, Laura Kathrein as Dorothy Trowbridge, Taylor Smith as Rindy, Jake Lange as Dr. Charles Hatrick, Tyler Nielsen as the Professor, and Harrison Kuykendall as Sanford Putnam. The stage manager is Brae Singleton.
"The music we chose for the dreams is by American composer, Steve Reich, whose minimalist style creates a wonderful atmosphere for the dreams -- including my favorite, the 2½-minute ballet choreographed by student Monica Remes, who also plays Miss Banton (in the production)," Laura Whalen said.
"I am so proud of the work they have done."
The play will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 p.m. Friday at Cary-Grove High School, 50 W. Three Oaks Road, Cary.
It was originally scheduled for a Saturday evening performance, but because the Cary-Grove football team is continuing in the playoffs Saturday night, that performance was canceled.
Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults and can be purchased at the school during lunch hours, or at the door on the night of the performance. Student activity tickets will be accepted.
If you go
What: "Twelve Dreams"
When: 7 p.m. today and 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Cary-Grove High School, 50 W. Three Oaks Road, Cary.
How much? $5 for students; $8 for adults. Student activity tickets will be accepted.
Info: Buy tickets at lunchtime at the school, or at the door before each performance.