As fall turns to winter and the football season ends, Spring Grove theater students suffer through the rigmarole of auditions, rehearsals, and tech week as they prepare to take the stage and perform in the fall play. With the opening of SG’s production of A Wrinkle in Time just a week away, I talked to and interviewed three members of the play regarding the show and their experiences surrounding the show. The students each offer their own unique and distinctive perspectives on the upcoming production that is sure to give you a new perspective on life itself and the world around us.
“First of all, can you introduce yourself and share who you play in the show? Who is this character and what is their purpose in the story?”
Brynn Brossman: Hello I’m Brynn and I play Aunt Beast with two other students. We play sort of a guardian angel to the main character, Meg.
Amelia Messinger: I’m Amelia and I play Mrs. Who! Mrs. Who’s purpose in A Wrinkle in Time is to serve as a guide and source of wisdom to the children on their quest.
Tessa Hare: My name is Tessa Hare and I play one of the twins, Dennys, and am also a member of the ensemble. Dennys is the one of Meg’s brothers and I appear in a flashback and towards the end of the show. The ensemble plays a large role in the story as well, acting as characters’ inner thoughts and also doing a lot of movement throughout the show.
“What’s your favorite thing about playing this character?”
Brynn Brossman: “I think my favorite thing about playing Aunt Beast is her kindness. I also enjoy getting to hang out with the other girls who play her.”
Amelia Messinger: “My favorite thing is that she’s very witty and pretty sassy so I love playing her attitude.”
Tessa Hare: I don’t get to play Dennys much even though it is scarily fun to climb up and down the set since it’s so high. In the ensemble it’s really fun to act with a group of people, especially since a lot of them are my friends. Acting is fun alone, but being with friends makes it even better.
“How is the rehearsal process going so far? Do you feel as if you will have a show by Nov. 22?”
Brynn Brossman: “We have a small portion of time left, but I feel like we will be able to pull it together with the direction we are headed by. Everyone in the cast pulls their weight and I’m proud about how hard we are working.”
Amelia Messinger: “It’s going slow but it’s getting put together. We’ve had a small amount of time but I believe we will have a show by then. Everyone is doing their part and putting together a show and its sets!”
Tessa Hare: “I think the cast is working really hard right now memorizing everything in a short amount of time, and the crew coming in next week will probably make everything even better and faster. I do think we will have a show by Nov. 22. Our cast is filled with incredibly talented and smart kids, and they always find a way to get a show no matter what the circumstances are.”
“Do you have a favorite part of rehearsal?”
Brynn Brossman: “I love getting to hang out with my cast mates during down time. I like getting to know them and getting to bond with them.”
Amelia Messinger: “I love getting to talk and mess around with my friends during rehearsal.”
Tessa Hare: “I do really love trying on costumes with Mrs. Steph and seeing what works and what doesn’t. Also tech week is a miserable experience, but the feeling that we’re all grumpy and tired together makes me feel united with everyone else in a way.”
“Without giving too much away, what’s your favorite scene to perform? Do you think there will be a scene that has a profound effect on the audience?”
Brynn Brossman: “I love the scene in Camazotz where Levi (Altland) plays my son personally. And yes, there is an emotional scene regarding family close to the end that I think will warm a lot of hearts.”
Amelia Messinger: “My favorite scene to perform is scene 4. I think there maybe be one or two scenes that will have the audience a little sad for the lead character.”
Tessa Hare: “Oh this is a really hard one. I actually don’t think I have one just because they’re all so fun to act in. There are a few scenes that I think will cause the audience to feel a range of emotions.”
“What do you hope audiences take away from this show?”
Brynn Brossman: “I believe the synopsis says it best: love can overcome evil and there is such tesseract.”
Amelia Messinger: “I hope the audience discovers the idea of love, self-acceptance, and the power of inner strength.”
Tessa Hare: “I hope they get more involved in theatre, since it’s a very amazing art form and not many people realize it. Ever since I joined I’ve made so many friends and have enjoyed so many fun experiences.”
“And lastly, why should members of our community here in Spring Grove come see A Wrinkle in Time?”
Brynn Brossman; “It’s good to support young artists and we put a lot of effort into this project and this show.”
Amelia Messinger: “I think it’s overall a great show. It’s fun, yet creepy and all of our actors are amazing and put in a lot of hard work and effort for these shows!”
Tessa Hare: “I think people should come see the show to support the arts. A lot of people in our community disregard our arts because they think it’s a waste of time. I can’t change the opinion much, but it’s a great experience in general to see something performed live.”
The show runs from Friday, Nov. 22 till Sunday, Nov. 24. Enjoy a show about the values of knowledge and courage when faced with danger and fear, all while supporting the theater students of SGHS. Tickets are available for advanced sale now on https://www.sgasd.org/calendar/posts-calendar-events/~occur-id/2656723
