Springdale High School drama club to perform in front of live audience for 1st time since 2019

Springdale High School drama club students are eager to perform a production in front of a live audience for the first time since 2019.

The school will perform “The Wildman” by J. Omar Hansen. The one-act play is a comedic hillbilly retelling of the ancient folk tale “The Heartless Giant.” Twenty students from grades 7-12 will participate either onstage or with the production crew backstage.

Director Misty Mator chose “The Wildman” to provide a family-friendly production and offer laughter because of the tough times with covid.

She believes folk tales are a great way to discuss difficult life topics in a humorous and relatable way to show people how to navigate through life.

Senior and Student Head of Publicity Holly Ihnat hopes the comedic play will bring some joy during hard times.

“In times like this, a good laugh is something we all need. So I hope it serves as comical relief through this road to recovery from the pandemic,” she said.

The presence of an audience will help create a healthy pressure for students to perform at the best of their ability, Mator said. Previously, students either performed live through an online platform or prerecorded their shows.

“I want to make sure it’s not only a great evening of theater, but that everyone feels comfortable and safe,” she said.

Junior Georgia Dale said the play will be more convenient for families because some could not access the previous plays or tune in to watch.

“It was a long process for online, and we do not want to go back there,” Dale said.

Students must wear masks at all times unless they are onstage performing, according to Allegheny Valley School District’s Athletic Department Health and Safety Plan.

Students said it will be exciting and refreshing to perform in front of a live audience.

Ryder Tabacheck, a 10th grader, will play the role of the Wildman. It will be his first lead role.

“I want to make (the role) important to me,” Tabacheck said.

This play will be the last one for senior Matthew Yungwirth, who has dedicated four or five years to theater in the school district.

“I am trying to make this the best performance in the time I have been doing this,” he said.

The rehearsal process has been smoother for stage manager Kai Williams, who said everyone has been on the same page.

“I am excited for people to see the work I put in, and I am excited for it (a live production) to be back to normal,” Williams said.