Colusa High School’s Theatre Class performed their first play of the school year, “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.”
The class presented the comedy for two different showings on Thursday and Saturday.
The play was first released as a book in 2007 and depicts the story of two narrators attempting to connect all 209 fairytales into one unique plot. The tales include Snow White, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Lean Lisa, Rumpelstiltskin, and more. With narrators, Marco Valdez, a Colusa High School junior, and Roberto Resendez, setting the scene and navigating through the story, the transitions were smooth and the audience shared many laughs with the actors.
“I think we had an amazing turnout and everyone backstage was incredibly supportive,” Ania Malone, who played Rapunzel and the Queen, said.
The ensemble included Salma Gonzales, as the dirt merchant, Gretel, and the evil queen; Bella Badaluco, as Snow White and Cinderella; Ania Malone, as Rapunzel and the Queen; Tessa Edwards, as the girl; Gayle Blackwell, as Johannes; Audrey Giffin, as a raven; Evelyn Stever, as the actor; Charlotte Stever, as the witch; Abby Cross, as an enchantress; Jeremiah Reister, as the devil and Plinkie Plie; Shannen Manor, as a prince; Mason Sutton, as a dwarf, Rumpelstiltskin, and Hansel; Jason Waldron, as a dwarf and king; Francisco Hernandez, as a prince; and Adan Baca, as an audience member.
Colusa High School theater teacher Mitchell Nail,co-directed the production with former theater alumni, Sophia Stocks. The assistant director and stage manager was Salma Gonzales.
It was clear from watching the production that the actors were passionate about their performances, and found a true calling in the acting world. Since the audience could not stop laughing, the show can be noted as a successful comedy.
Bella Badaluco, who played Cinderella and Snow White, said, “The best part about being in the play was the bonding with people I probably wouldn’t have without it.”
The play kept a smile on both the cast’s and audience’s faces, while also producing a rollercoaster of a plot that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
“What a great performance,” said community member and actress Kelli Randolph. “The hard work the students put into the play really showed. Everyone had great comedic timing and the audience loved it. I am looking forward to the next play.”
The production had a creative set design including a forest, Hansel and Gretel’s home, and even the fireplace in Cinderella. The design was incredibly flexible, and the stage crew made sure all were ready for their performances and that the stage kept up with the change of setting.
This group of students included Tristan Manor, as the props manager; Savanna Rochette and Joshua Blackwell, as lightning technicians; Guilmar Cruz and Jadyn Castro, as sound technicians; Vianey Farias, Mario Reyes, Jasmine Vazquez, and Madison Burtleson, as costume and makeup; with Olivia Nair, Giselle Valdes, and Ashley Perez in the marketing department. They were in charge of everything from lights, to sound, to making sure all boxes were checked backstage.
“The play was beyond fun to watch,” former student Elyse Silva said. “It was great to see the students up there having fun and doing what they love.”
The actors were well-rehearsed and knew their lines very well, audience members said. The impersonation of characters showed roles were picked nearly perfectly.
“The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon was extremely entertaining to watch,” said student Jennifer Garcia. “I think the students did a great job getting into their character and fully embracing their role. The show was overall really funny, and well put together.” ■