Students embrace many roles in South fall play
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

Senior Mary Boatman and sophomore Nathan Fox rehearse for Williamsville South's fall drama production, "The Dining Room." The students have had to stretch their acting abilities with this year's endeavor because each are playing several different characters in different time periods. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

It's a coveted thing to get a role in your high school's drama club production.

It's another thing to have several roles.

The Williamsville South High School Drama Club will present A.R. Gurney's "The Dining Room" at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 1-3, at the high school, 5950 Main St., Williamsville.

Tickets are $6 and will be available at the door.

The 12 students who are acting in the play each play a variety of characters that range in age and time period.

"It's a good balance between drama and humor," said senior Nia Williams, 17. "You get to see the dining room from different perspectives."

With Williams, the cast includes Anna Womack, Rachel Shatkin, Lauren Frank, Tyler Huber, Mark Perkins, Pat Allison, Colleen Kielich, Megan Kwietniewski, Mary Boatman, Margaux Huart, Cathy Boatman, Alex Boek, Nathan Fox and Billy Meyers. Student director is Steven Dulanski and stage manager is Victoria McCauley.

The play is directed by South librarian Roger Paolini.

While the play is an exercise of the drama club, the cast was not without its knowledge of the social aspect of the play.

"It's about the de-evolution of the dining room," said Alison, a senior.

"It lists the pros and cons of having - or not having - somewhere to sit down for dinner," added Womack, a sophomore.

After Thursday's performance, the audience will have an opportunity to participate in a "talk-back" with the cast and director.

While many of the cast of the fall play will be involved with the spring musical as well, several noted that the dramatic production is for more serious actors, while the musical is a venue for showcasing a wider variety of talents.

"The musical definitely shows a more versatile range," said Fox.

However, the students all noted how appealing the drama will be to audiences.

"They'll see the rich humanity and compassionate humor of the play," said Meyers.

Before Friday's performance, a Chivetta's chicken dinner will be available in the cafeteria from 3 to 7 p.m. Cost for the dinner is $8 and all proceeds go to the senior class of 2008.

For more information, call Paolini at 626-8237.