The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Phil Geiser, Southern High School
The Southern High School drama students put on their winter play this past week in the historic Opera House in Raritan.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening performances of Lawrence and Lee's theatre classic "Auntie Mame" brought back the late 1920's to the Opera House boards.
Director Sally Day and assistant Heather Hartman guided the cast of young performers in this interesting tale of a young boy (played by Tyler Lewis) being brought up by his free-spirited Auntie Mame, performed by Starr Robinson in the lead part. Olivia Crandall took on the contrasting role of Auntie Mame's best friend Vera Charles.
The rollicking production had many fine moments with several stand outs in the cast including Jessica Bryant-Bey, Courtney Fox, Alton Luder, Kylee Hendrickson, Alicia Yeakey, and Alicia Phillips.
Portraying upscale New Yorkers and other foils to Auntie Mame's plans were Landon Talbott, Jourdan Evans, Victoria Tapscott and Tristan Cain, Cody Lane, Elizabeth Swan, and Holly Hendrickson.
Less demanding but equally important roles went to Lynn Buss, Mikayla Wakefield, Erica Willits, Alyssa Harkness, Garrett Bowen, Austin Hartman, Ashley Lewis, Nicole Bryant-Bey, Chris Wilson, Brooke Stull, Justin Harden, and Ryan Walters.
Technical assistance for the production was managed by Garrett Bowen with assistance from Allison Peterson, Julie Stambaugh, Alton Luder, Brooke Stull, and Mackenzie Day. Jacque Fisher assisted with make-up and hair styling.
Auntie Mame introduces her nephew to her rollicking friends.