The Redemption of Gertie Greene presented on stage at WJHS

Post date: Oct 18, 2017 11:59:40 AM

This month, Wells Junior High School students will perform the play, The Redemption of Gertie Greene, a drama mixed with comedy written by Taryn Temple. The curtain will open to three performances, Thursday, October 26th and Friday, October 27th both at 7 p.m., and on Saturday, a matinee at 2 p.m. in the Ward Gymnasium of Wells Junior High School located on Route One in Wells. Tickets are available at the door at a cost of $5.00. Refreshments and snacks will be available. FMI, contact WJHS at 207-646-5142.

The play’s setting is a modern day junior high school, best described as a “play within a play”. Most students at WJHS can easily relate to the challenges faced by the main character herself, Gertie Greene. Specifically, Gertie is a new student of the drama class and, “thanks” to this school’s overheated rumor mill, she is believed by many in the school to be much more of a trouble maker and bully than she actually is. From the teachers’ viewpoint and fellow students, she is felt to perhaps be a “monster bully”. But is she?

This play reflects typical adolescent dilemmas and anxieties, yet yields an important message relevant to all ages as the play’s central question is answered: “Is Gertie really what everyone calls her: a freak, strange, stupid, clumsy, and mean? … As fact from fiction is separated, these students bring to light the transforming power of kindness, and the importance of standing up for people who can’t defend themselves.” (Source of quote: Theatrefolk.com)

The 50-minute production packs a bold and big punch to society, all by a cast of 24 performers and a tech crew of six, representing grades 6th, 7th and 8th. Several actors portray multiple characters and the typical stereotype students are surely visible as in the roles of “jocks”, “gossipers”, and “pigs”. And what would a classroom be without teachers? No worries. This show has them also portrayed along with a cameo appearance from one (or more) of the WJHS administration; so come and find out who!

Josie Lynn Perkins is the play’s Director, Chris Milliken the Assistant Director and Jo-Ann Bazata the Costumer/Production Assistant.

Although a small group, both cast and crew have accomplished many aspects of theater production including stage management, make-up, lights and sound, costumes, set design, and acting. As with other WJHS productions, a must see and your support is appreciated by all.

Director Perkins indicated, because of this play choice, her drama students have gained more self-confidence and have made new connections and relationships with one another which is not always possible in a regular classroom setting. Perkins points out that there are interesting parallels between her drama students and the fictitious drama students that they depict on stage. As quoted by Assistant Director Milliken, “a central theme of the play is the power of the arts."

Cast and crew of WJHS’s fall play presentation, The Redemption of Gertie Greene