By Heather Ruenz
SLN staff
Elkhorn Area High School students have put in countless hours of rehearsals in preparation for this weekend’s performances of “Pygmalion,” by George Bernard Shaw.
The play, according to David Drettwan, one of the student directors, is about “how we treat people regardless of class or background.”
Drettwan said in the play, phoenetics professor Henry Higgins (a slightly eccentric gentleman) seeks to coach Eliza Doolittle (a poor and harshly accented young woman) in order to pass her off as a genuine, well-bred lady.
“This ultimately illuminates the line between flower girl and lady is largely artificial, and that either or would feel oppression, leaving the one true route to happiness in independence,” he said.
There are 18 high school students in the play and Drettwan said his two favorite scenes are Act 2, “because of the oxymoronic character of Alfred Doolittle and Act 4 because of the intensity of message.”
Taylor Ellsworth, production manager, said her role involves helping the actors with running lines and offering ideas for the show, but mostly, she’s in charge of the t-shirt and poster designs.
Ellsworth said serving as the production manager has been rewarding.
“Being able to help with the direction of the show, help my friends with running lines in the play, and assisting in some character development, so the process ran as smoothly as possible,” she said.
The storyline, though written years ago, offers lessons that are fitting today, Ellsworth said.
“The most relatable lesson in the show is that no matter where you come from or how you speak you deserve a certain level of respect because you are still a human being,” she said.
Joining Drettwan as student director is Stephanie Rosendahl.
“Pygmalion” is scheduled for tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the James A. Wehner Auditorium at Elkhorn Area High School, 482 E. Geneva St., Elkhorn.
Tickets are $5 in advance and are on sale now in the front office at the high school or from cast and crew members. Tickets will also be available at the door for $6.
