Even though they had big shoes to fill with their performances of a beloved holiday classic A Christmas Carol, the 2023/24 Tri-Valley Drama Club did not seem intimidated during their debut production. In fact, they brought the story to life in a way that brought smiles, and lots of chuckles to many during a nearly two-hour show that seemed to fly by as fast as a visit from the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future themselves.
Audiences were treated to three performances held in the Cafetorium at Tri-Valley High School, one on opening night on December 15 and two the following day with afternoon and evening times.
Drama Club advisor, Marley Kennedy, welcomed audiences at each of the performances. Her excitement for the play and for working with the students was evident with every word she shared. Kennedy has directed six productions since becoming the advisor for the program in 2019. Just prior, she was an assistant director working alongside Alyssa Emery during the 2018-2019 school year where she worked on two productions. Kennedy also lends her talent to The Renner Theatre in Downtown Zanesville.
2019 TVHS graduate Eve Davis returned this year to volunteer as the Assistant Director. She is the daughter of school board member Luke Davis. Davis earned a degree in education from Grove City College located in the city of the same name in Pennsylvania. Currently, she is working as a substitute teacher and nanny. She and her Fiance are planning to get married after he finishes his degree.
“Eve is an incredibly smart and happy addition to our program and we are grateful to have her help for as long as we can. I am just proud to be building a program where so many of my former students want to come back and be a part of helping the next generation of performers at Tri-Valley,” stated Kennedy.
For every production, there is a student director. For A Christmas Carol, that role was upheld by sophomore Alaina Roberts.
“Alaina has been very involved in the Drama program at TV as well as other local productions at The Renner and Zanesville Community Theatre. I like to choose at least one student each year to direct along with myself so as to further their education in leadership skills and confidence within the world of theatre. Alaina wrote a proposal with reasons and a resume of sorts to gain this position and she has been so incredible throughout this entire process. Alaina is incredibly passionate and excited to be on the other side of a production,” said Kennedy.
The cast included: Hayden Weck as the old man (grandfather), Keegan Weisman as Thomas, Cash Helser as Scrooge, Ben Dosch as Bob Cratchit, Katelyn Dotson as Mrs. Cratchit, Macey Bailey as Sister Serenity, Leea Stachler as Sister Angelene, Briella Petry as Orphan Emma #1, Bridget Stafford as Orphan Emma #2, Sariah Dunn as Orphan Lillian, Mason Vensil as Fred, Bailey Rice as Mrs. Dilber, Erica Lewis as Marley’s ghost, Sadie Finck as Past, Emerson Sandbrink as Present, Cole Vernon as Future/solicitor, Riley Gee-Miller as Boy Scrooge, Carson Rose as Tiny Tim, Ethan Nelson as Young Scrooge, Dalton Cooper as Young Scrooge/solicitor, Savannah Henthorne as Belle, Christian Byers as Topper, Ada Lorenz as Elizabeth, Alaina Paul as Mary, Amelia Koenig as Fan, Damian Ross as Old Joe, Addy Miller as Martha Cratchit, Avarie Wilson as Ensemble, Luca Albright as Fezziwig, Kody Cetrone as Peter Cratchit, and Miley Barr as Belinda Cratchit. Orphans were played by: Blair Rice, Paisley Paynter, Ammon Martin, Addie Martin, McKinley Fisher, Matthew Rice, Desiree Mullinex, Lilly Morgenstern, Tyler Mauller, Caramia Gross, and Vedah McClung. Party goers were: played by Zoey Coakwell, Carson Rose, Alivia Ross, Emma Dennis, Ariel Miskovich, Lillian Byrd, Lilly Morgenstern, and Emma Vansickle.
“I have watched some of these students go from these quiet little middle schoolers that don’t want to speak at auditions and become these powerhouse performers that are now looked up to. … I love watching their skills grow and watch how they all want to support one another in everything they all do. They never fail to make me laugh at some point during every rehearsal and I hope each and every one of them knows how proud they make me,” said Kennedy.
Members of the crew included: Alaina Roberts as the Student Director, Luca Albright and Lillian Adams as Co-Stage Managers, Sara Waggle and Alexis Geyer as Assistant Stage Managers, Emerson Sandbrink as the Costume Manager, and Emma Vansickle as the Prop Builder. Tech Crew members were: Amelia Koenig, Ethan Nelson, Mckynlie Maurer, Alonna Hendershott, Katie Hindel, Marissa King, Sophia Lantz, Sienna Marsh, Ellie Newell, Sarah Mauller, Steven Trusler, Indika Budd, Kody Cetrone, Liberty Durst, Sawyer Gifford, Caleb Hamilton, Sophie Brooks, Shenandoah Holein, and Mary Huffman.
“This group of students are just…. so talented. We have students that have painted and handmade certain props and backdrops that add to the world we are trying to create. I have students that like to give their designs and ideas to the costumes that we make or purchase, and they love seeing their visions end up on their fellow peers and on stage,” explained Kennedy.
Ten seniors were involved in the production.
“This particular group of Seniors will be the first group that I had from start to finish. We have all been together since their 7th grade year and I have watched them really create the TV Drama Club program to what it is today. Ada, Alaina, Zoey, Lennon, and Damian – without all of you and your continued passion and leadership, This program would not be what it is. It has never been my program, it has always been yours and the other Seniors that have come along as well. Thank you for making this Program the success it is,” Kennedy added.
The next show, Disney’s High School Musical, is planned for May.
