Lots of laughs in BHS's 'Chicken Every Sunday'

Former BHS theater director, Page McCloud, has returned to Batavia High School to direct the winter play and the spring musical. His return has many of the theater students excited and McCloud is happy to be back.

"I came to all of the plays last year and I found that I really missed being involved in the theater. I really missed the kids," said McCloud.

For his return engagement, McCloud has chosen a comedy that will chase away the February blues with laughter.

"I first saw 'Chicken Every Sunday' at the premiere season of the Summer Place in Naperville and I thought it was very funny," he said. "It's similar to 'You Can't Take It With You,' a very funny, zany comedy."

With a promo reading "More fun than you have had in a month of Sundays!" the play offers a glimpse into life in the 1920s. Mrs. Blackman, a discontented wife, played by Maureen Clancy, turns her mansion into a boardinghouse. Like every industrious wife, she does this to earn money for the family, since her husband, played by Will Burdin, has squandered all of the family's savings on get rich quick schemes.

"Maureen Clancy and Will Burdin really drive this production," said McCloud. "They work very well together."

With a cast of 21, McCloud has his hands full just putting everyone on the small cafeteria stage and there are some chaotic moments when that happens which adds to the fun of the play.

"It's very challenging during the engagement party," said Hannah Bishop. "Everyone in the cast is there."

McCloud, who formerly worked at the high school as the building trades teacher, was prepared for the scene.

"Mr. McCloud extended the stage by creating different levels for us to stand on," said Darcy Coussens.

The characters are all a bit crazy and the play has some fun twists to keep the audience entertained.

"The play is filled with sub plots and all these little things that come together in the end," said Lizzie Bertness. "It's really a comedy of errors."

You might learn a bit about young love and family values, but not much.

"There is no moral meaning to this," said David Gotfryd. "It's just a funny comedy."

For some actors the fun in theater comes with the chance to interact with other characters.

"I get to knock Jeffery's (veteran actor, Griffin Price) teeth out," said Peter De Jonghe.

"He runs at me at me and I punch him out. It's great."

Since this play is deemed appropriate for all ages, I'm sure that the punching is all in fun.

Tickets are only $5, a special "Construction Disruption Discount Price." You can't beat the price, and the productions at the high school are always outstanding.

The cast

Daniel Bach, Lizzie Bertness, Hannah Bishop, Will Burdin, Doug Burrichter, Maureen Clancy, Nick Coussens, Peter DeJongh, Will Deuerling, Matt Dolan, David Gotfryd, Ben Isacksen, Caitlin Jelm, Hannah Kettering, Julia Larson, Maddie Mueller, Griffin Price, Tyler Spitz, Denzel Tsopnang, Megan Warren.

If you go

What: Batavia High School's production of "Chicken Every Sunday"

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 and 7

Where: Batavia High School cafeteria, 1200 W. Wilson St.

Tickets: $5

Info: (630) 937-8600, ext. 7949