Sidney High School Seniors Star in "Little Women"

Sidney High School's speech and drama coach and Drama Club director Christy Pierce is especially excited about this year's spring production from April 21 through April 23. Drama Club students will star in "Little Women", based on Louisa May Alcott's classic novel chronicling four young girls transitioning to womanhood during the time of the civil war.

Though this will be the 6th show that Pierce has directed, this production is highly anticipated, featuring period costumes and authentic accents, and starring four well-practiced senior actors.

Senior Kasey Gorder is a returning actor, having been cast in at least one Sidney production each year since sixth grade. This year, Gorder has the privilege to play Jo, the lead character. Kasey also competes on the Sidney speech and drama team in the speech category, but she "but loves the drama. This is her first lead role. She has always wanted one", Pierce said. "She has played every role I gave her. She was a pregnant lady. She was a cop. She will play any role I have her play." Of her lead role Kasey said, "I'm not going to lie. I love being the center of attention. The play is one of the best parts of my year."

"Little Women" will be the first production for senior Garret Leland. Leland is excited to play Mr. Brooks, the neighbor's tutor. Though this is Leland's first and only drama production, he claims "I'm pretty good at performing in front of people". Leland pursued the role at the urging of Pierce, and to follow his brother, a speech and drama alumnus.

Laura Elmore is also a speech and drama team participant, having recently placed third in the state for her dramatic solo. It is only natural, then, that Elmore takes on the role of Beth, who falls ill in the story. Pierce said of Elmore, "She has grown the most of all the seniors, acting-wise. She has been willing to try anything I've asked her to try". Like Leland, Elmore pursued acting after watching her older brother in several productions, and has been acting since sixth grade. Her favorite memory of her high school career is being scolded by Pierce for chronic lateness.

Last of the senior actors is Peachlyn Simons, playing the role of Meg. "Originally I anticipated giving the role of Meg to Laura, but Peachlyn auditioned, and it was just her part. She nailed the audition", Pierce said. In the story, Meg is the character who falls in love with Leland's character, Mr. Brooks. Pierce claims this is where Simons' talent really shines. "It's been interesting. Every time I have her work with Garrett it is completely authentic".

The four actors speak fondly of their advisor as well. When asked about the success of the play, Gorder said, "Christy is really the fuel behind this. She is why they turn out so well".

Adding to the excitement are the new updates done to the Middle School auditorium. A new auditorium manager allowed Pierce to clean up the space with fresh paint. "It finally looks like a theatre. The kids are excited about the costume changes, the makeup, the wigs. It really feels like a production, and everyone has input, so we are really excited", Pierce said.

Students will take the stage at 7PM on April 21st and 22nd, followed by the seniors' final high school performance at 2PM on April 23rd, at Sidney Middle School auditorium. Tickets are available at the door, and are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students.