Clifton Ridge Middle School Drama Club presented their spring play, The Witch’s Princess, by Don Zolidis.
The students prepared for this performance since the beginning of the spring semester, a full-length production featuring 16 students in the cast who portray over 40 characters on the stage. Director and seventh-grade English teacher, Ladonna Olivieri, shared insights about the play’s synopsis.
“The play is about a headstrong princess who refuses to fulfill traditional roles. She engages a group of monsters to help her slay a witch. What happens on their journey is a tale for the ages: sad, heartwarming, and hilarious,” she said.
Olivieri talked about cultivating the production.
“Working with the students in the Drama Club has been a delight. Because the story is so funny and quirky, these students have embraced their characters and given them a lot of personality,” she said.
She also noted the benefits the production has provided for the students.
“This production has engaged several students who have struggled with public speaking, which is wonderful. I couldn’t wait to share this play with our families and the community,” she said.
Directors and Clifton Ridge teachers Cole Hamilton and Charlie Wilkerson commented on the students’ growth in fine art performance and the value of performing on stage.
“It has been such a joy watching these kids grow. Acting in a show isn’t for the faint of heart. It certainly isn’t easy, but some of these students make it look easy,” Hamilton said.
He also discussed what students must do to put on a successful production.
“They have to memorize lines, embody different personalities, and enunciate. They must be unafraid of looking silly in front of their peers. These students have more than risen to the challenge,” he said.
Wilkerson spoke about the hard work the students have put in and how much they have learned.
“The students have been dedicated, memorizing lines, choreographed fights, and getting into the feel and emotions of their characters. I have enjoyed working with them, helping them run lines and discover their character motivations,” he said.
He highlighted one of his favorite aspects of the play, praising a particular student for their newly developed technical skills.
“One of my favorite moments this year was staging the fights with the kids and planning how the timing should work. I am extremely proud of Caleb McCrorey, who has trained on the sound system we are using. He has impressed me with his ability to listen for the subtle adjustments needed throughout the show,” he said.
Eighth-grade performers Reagan Crawford and Ocean Lee Dancy shared their thoughts on the experience as they approached their final production as middle school students “For this being my first and last show in the Drama Club here at CRMS, I have had nothing but a great experience. I’m so grateful to be a part of this production. I have regrets that I didn’t join Drama sooner, but I was so excited to see this production come to life,” Crawford said.
“As Drama President, I’m so sad that it is almost over. I have been in drama since sixth grade. I am finally leaving this school with my head held high and a proud drama member,” Dancy said.
