Waupaca High School’s Drama Department will provide a unique theater experience for its audience with its upcoming play, “Chemical Bonding.”
Unlike traditional seating, a stage design similar to those in studio theaters, will allow the audience to sit directly on the stage to watch the play. This creates an intimate setting for the audience and actors. Because of this design, seating is limited to 90 people per show.
The show will open at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the WHS Performing Arts Center, with additional performances scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13-14; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15.
“Chemical Bonding” centers on Dani, a class salutatorian slated to study photography at NYU and who has a summer job working at a small-town chemical factory. While her friends are readying for college with road trips and Facebook updates, Dani struggles with her new job, a new relationship and a serious illness in her family.
“Suitable for all ages, the play has a nice balance of comedy and drama,” director Monica Reeves said. “The students have been rehearsing since late December and invite the community to support their efforts. The following Waupaca organizations have donated props and set pieces for the production: Riverside Medical Center, Waupaca Foundry and Mobility 4 Veterans.”
Purchasing tickets in advance at the Waupaca High School office is recommended due to the limited seating. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and can also be purchased at the door one hour prior to each show.
The cast includes senior Alexa Johnson as Dani, Maleva Butkiewicz as Kay, Mike Hagen as Jack and Parker Sweeney as Grandpa Otis.
Additional cast members include Isaac Barden, Ryan Weise, Nate Schuler-Jones, Vaughan Barden, Jackson Newell, Brooke Jacquet, Christian Bump, Mackenzie Morey, Dakota Marlega, Maddy Frank, Courtney Miller, Samantha Sivertsen, Rachel Brewer, Hannah Novak, Brandon White, Elle Miller, Jamie Hess, Simon Baumgart, Gell Christensen and Marty Marlega.
Cole Pankratz, Jackson Newell, Marissa Johnson and Sam Sivertsen will run the technical aspects of the show and the stage crew consists of Samuel Baumgart, Alandra Heidger, Sandra Jorgensen, Anna Lehman, Max Johnson, Lara Broderick, Rebecca Timm and Mariah Peterson.