LCHS Theater has been working on their UIL One Act play “Monster” by Don Zolidis since December. This was a very dramatic change in style from the previous comedy shows, “King’s New Clothes” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” they worked on this year. “Monster,” a darker horror show, follows a young Mary Godwin, played by senior Rylie Gerhart, as she is challenged with the writing of Frankenstein. They used shadow puppetry and different technical elements to illustrate the story and the different emotions Mary went through.
“[Mary] is unlike any character I have played before,” Gerhart said. “[Playing this character] pushed the limits of what I can do, and I feel it made me into a better actor.”
More actors than just Gerhart were pushed out of their comfort zone. The ensemble members, nicknamed the “ghosties,” had elaborate makeup and costumes. They had white makeup with dark contours and an entirely grayscale costume with rips to make them appear as though they were ghosts. This eerie cast played out the different horror stories as the lead characters, the “livings,” as director Holly Stone put it, “read” them out.
Being part of an OAP cast such as this one, the cast and crew create strong and meaningful connections with the people who surround them.
“Our company had [been] one of the best this year,” junior Denali Ramos said, “and I’m extremely grateful to say that [my fellow company were] my favorite part.”
Their UIL story for this year was cut short as they didn’t progress past zones. However, their love and dedication to the show was still evident as the company won 13 awards. The entire ensemble won the honorable mention best performer, along with two other cast members. Additionally, Gerhart won overall best performer for her role of Mary. Even though their defeat came with great sadness, they were proud of what they had accomplished.
“I left my heart on that stage,” senior and ensemble member Ren Worley said.
