Director says spring play is uplifting
A cast of 23 FHS students is set to bring a ‘kooky family’ to life when they perform “You Can’t Take It With You,” in the Nell McPherson Theatre on May 7th and 8th.
Caitie Hays, the drama teacher at FHS and the director of the spring play, said the timing couldn’t be better for this show.
“It’s a favorite of mine,” said Hays. “We all need a pick-me-up. This is a really light, fun show that just makes you feel good. I think it’s the best kind of show to counteract everything that’s going on right now.”
Hays said the story follows the trials and tribulations of two widely opposing families and their interactions together.
“One of the daughter’s falls in love with her Wall Street boss’s son,” said Hays. “We see about their (Alice and Tony’s) relationship. The main action that happens is when he brings his family over. There’s fireworks, FBI agents, and everybody ends-up in jail. It’s great.”
After cast sizes of 10 and 16 the last two years, this year’s spring play will be one of the largest.
“We have 70 people in the spring play,” Hays said, “so many that we’re stretching ourselves to find stuff to give everybody, but in the best way possible.”
Hays described this year’s spring play as an ensemble show.
“There’s not really a bunch of leads necessarily,” she said, “but I’d say the biggest roles are Grandpa (played by senior John Stutznegger), the daughter Alice and her boyfriend Tony (who are being played by seniors Holly Robinson and Noah Sorensen).”
Eric Kimberly, the assistant director of the spring play, said he hopes this show will grow the drama department at FHS.
“One of our biggest goals, in my opinion, is growing our department and basically finding new and excited people to grow over the next few years with us,” said Kimberly. “We’re losing a big class of monumental people this year (both the performers and tech).”
One new twist to the show this year is that there will be a live-streaming option available for purchase.
Tickets for live-streaming will be $5, while in-person tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for students.
“Unfortunately in the years that I’ve been here, we haven’t been able to sell half of the theatre,” said Hays. “I would love it if we could this year. We’ve only got two shows. That’s 600 people in each show and I’d love to get as many people socially-distance-ly packed in the theatre as possible. It would be really cool and it would say a lot to our students that we not only appreciate what they’re doing, but that the community appreciates it as well.”
Hays said she is really looking forward to the show.
“I think we’re going to have a fabulous show,” said Hays. “I think all the people on our crews are outstanding and we’ve got a lot going for us right now. Being in a show is our favorite time of year.” Story by Rowan VanOsdel
Caitie Hays, the drama teacher at FHS and the director of the spring play, said the timing couldn’t be better for this show.
“It’s a favorite of mine,” said Hays. “We all need a pick-me-up. This is a really light, fun show that just makes you feel good. I think it’s the best kind of show to counteract everything that’s going on right now.”
Hays said the story follows the trials and tribulations of two widely opposing families and their interactions together.
“One of the daughter’s falls in love with her Wall Street boss’s son,” said Hays. “We see about their (Alice and Tony’s) relationship. The main action that happens is when he brings his family over. There’s fireworks, FBI agents, and everybody ends-up in jail. It’s great.”
After cast sizes of 10 and 16 the last two years, this year’s spring play will be one of the largest.
“We have 70 people in the spring play,” Hays said, “so many that we’re stretching ourselves to find stuff to give everybody, but in the best way possible.”
Hays described this year’s spring play as an ensemble show.
“There’s not really a bunch of leads necessarily,” she said, “but I’d say the biggest roles are Grandpa (played by senior John Stutznegger), the daughter Alice and her boyfriend Tony (who are being played by seniors Holly Robinson and Noah Sorensen).”
Eric Kimberly, the assistant director of the spring play, said he hopes this show will grow the drama department at FHS.
“One of our biggest goals, in my opinion, is growing our department and basically finding new and excited people to grow over the next few years with us,” said Kimberly. “We’re losing a big class of monumental people this year (both the performers and tech).”
One new twist to the show this year is that there will be a live-streaming option available for purchase.
Tickets for live-streaming will be $5, while in-person tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for students.
“Unfortunately in the years that I’ve been here, we haven’t been able to sell half of the theatre,” said Hays. “I would love it if we could this year. We’ve only got two shows. That’s 600 people in each show and I’d love to get as many people socially-distance-ly packed in the theatre as possible. It would be really cool and it would say a lot to our students that we not only appreciate what they’re doing, but that the community appreciates it as well.”
Hays said she is really looking forward to the show.
“I think we’re going to have a fabulous show,” said Hays. “I think all the people on our crews are outstanding and we’ve got a lot going for us right now. Being in a show is our favorite time of year.” Story by Rowan VanOsdel
FHS drama teacher Caitie Hays, the director of the spring play, offers the cast some stage notes. The spring play will take place on May 7th and 8th in the FHS auditorium. Photo by Rowan VanOsdel
Health takes precedence
As the pandemic continues to reign supreme, LeeAnn Kingry, one of the nurses at Fremont High School, said it is still imperative to take care of yourself and others during these unsettled times.
Kingry said there are many ways to take care of yourself, but one of the most effective ways to do so is through eating properly and exercise.
“The type of exercise is up to the person,” said Kingry. “You can do hard cardio with stretching for a workout. You can also go for a 30-minute swim, walk, bike ride, yoga, plus other types of exercise. You should try to do these at least three days a week. You need to get your heart rate up to between 60 and 100 when you exercise and then cool down.”
Bella Keaton, a junior at FHS, said she focuses on her diet and exercise to keep herself in shape.
“I try to work-out every day whether I’m playing basketball, soccer, or just a good cardio/strength workout,” she said. “Pre-season I eat lots of salads, proteins and smoothies. During the season I eat lots of carbs and proteins, because I know I need them since my body burns through them from basketball.”
Kingry also has some advice for dieting.
“They say if you can eat five small meals a day, it is better than three large meals,” said Kingry. “You need to make sure you get a good variety of fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy, meat/fish/chicken and a small amount of fat/sweets. And, of course, you need to drink plenty of water.”
Kingry said that teens need more vitamins.
“If you are on a good diet, you will get all the vitamins your body needs,” said Kingry. “Most teenage girls need extra iron for anemia and good nutrition will help with that. Most teens lack a lot of their daily vitamins, because of their diets. A good diet helps your bones, eyes, immune system, muscles, everything that keeps the body going.”
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes discipline Kingry said.
“Staying healthy is a lifestyle,” said Kingry. “You need to drink at least 64oz of water daily, get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night, and 20 to 30 minutes of exercise at least three days a week. You should try cardio and stretching exercises. A good walk is very beneficial if you’re not into hard cardio. Plus, eating a healthy diet. Also, stay away from drinking alcohol, smoking and drugs.”
With the addition of COVID-19, staying healthy has become a bit more difficult.
“COVID has made it harder for some people that like to go out and exercise in a facility setting,” said Kingry. “Some of those settings they went to may have been closed or less capacity. Maybe the person doesn’t want to be around other people.”
In summary, a healthy diet and exercise are extremely important for the body. Kingry said there are many keys to living a healthy life.
“If you take care of yourself, your body will respond to it,” said Kingry. “A good diet, exercise, rest, and taking good care of yourself will help you put years on your life.” Story by Lurye Baxa
Kingry said there are many ways to take care of yourself, but one of the most effective ways to do so is through eating properly and exercise.
“The type of exercise is up to the person,” said Kingry. “You can do hard cardio with stretching for a workout. You can also go for a 30-minute swim, walk, bike ride, yoga, plus other types of exercise. You should try to do these at least three days a week. You need to get your heart rate up to between 60 and 100 when you exercise and then cool down.”
Bella Keaton, a junior at FHS, said she focuses on her diet and exercise to keep herself in shape.
“I try to work-out every day whether I’m playing basketball, soccer, or just a good cardio/strength workout,” she said. “Pre-season I eat lots of salads, proteins and smoothies. During the season I eat lots of carbs and proteins, because I know I need them since my body burns through them from basketball.”
Kingry also has some advice for dieting.
“They say if you can eat five small meals a day, it is better than three large meals,” said Kingry. “You need to make sure you get a good variety of fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy, meat/fish/chicken and a small amount of fat/sweets. And, of course, you need to drink plenty of water.”
Kingry said that teens need more vitamins.
“If you are on a good diet, you will get all the vitamins your body needs,” said Kingry. “Most teenage girls need extra iron for anemia and good nutrition will help with that. Most teens lack a lot of their daily vitamins, because of their diets. A good diet helps your bones, eyes, immune system, muscles, everything that keeps the body going.”
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes discipline Kingry said.
“Staying healthy is a lifestyle,” said Kingry. “You need to drink at least 64oz of water daily, get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night, and 20 to 30 minutes of exercise at least three days a week. You should try cardio and stretching exercises. A good walk is very beneficial if you’re not into hard cardio. Plus, eating a healthy diet. Also, stay away from drinking alcohol, smoking and drugs.”
With the addition of COVID-19, staying healthy has become a bit more difficult.
“COVID has made it harder for some people that like to go out and exercise in a facility setting,” said Kingry. “Some of those settings they went to may have been closed or less capacity. Maybe the person doesn’t want to be around other people.”
In summary, a healthy diet and exercise are extremely important for the body. Kingry said there are many keys to living a healthy life.
“If you take care of yourself, your body will respond to it,” said Kingry. “A good diet, exercise, rest, and taking good care of yourself will help you put years on your life.” Story by Lurye Baxa