Amherst to perform Christmas classic
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

Senior Devon Borowski, left, reacts as Ebenezer Scrooge to junior Jake Bradley's Jacob Marley in the Christmas classic "A Christmas Carol." Photo by John Rusac Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

The Amherst Central High School Drama Club will present Charles Dickens' seasonal classic, "A Christmas Carol," at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 and at 1 p.m. Dec. 1 at the high school, 4301 Main St., across from Daemen College.

The student actors are looking forward to a packed house this weekend because of the seasonal nature of the play and the well-known story line.

"A lot of people know the play, and it's more fun to play…to a big audience," said senior Devon Borowski, who plays Scrooge.

Borowski, no stranger to the school's stage, noted that the lead role has been one that's stretched his acting chops.

"He's very angry, but then he has to get giddy, almost childish, and I haven't done that before," he said of his character. "It was hard at first, but I'm getting the hang of it."

Junior Samantha Sugarman, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, also had some work to do for her role.

"She's different than anyone I've ever had to play," the 16-year-old noted. "She has a mix of empathy, and she's very ethereal."

Sugarman also had to deal with her character's mood changes, which were challenging at first.

"She's harsh at times because she wants (Scrooge) to learn," she said.

The play's cast includes not only high school students but also middle and elementary pupils, a move that Borowski noted is building the next generation of actors for the high school productions.

"We try to incorporate young schools to get as many people involved as possible," he said. "It's something the younger kids will enjoy, even as they get older. They're amazing kids, and they're really excited about being here."

Borowski is co-president of the Amherst Drama Club with fellow senior Annise Celano, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Present.

"It's a really nice holiday story," she noted. "And it applies to all denominations."

Amherst's drama productions use students in all aspects of the theater process, including student directors, set design and construction, costumes and lighting.

For the past few productions, junior Jake Bradley was behind the scenes, and he had smaller roles in previous productions. This year, however, he will step onto the stage in his first big role as Jacob Marley.

"I like being on stage better," Bradley noted. "It's more serious, and it's helped me grow as an actor."

Because of the story and the timing of performances, the students are confident of a respectable turnout for their productions.

"It's an extremely well-known story," Sugarman said. "You can read the story, but when you see it you can get a lot more from the lesson."

Tickets for the show are $6 at the door, and the drama club will also accept donations for its annual food drive,.

For more information, call the school at 362-8100.