BRISTOL, Connecticut, U.S.A. — As spring approaches, Bristol high schools are preparing for their annual plays. As tradition continues, all of these productions are musicals.
Between the three schools you will find a mix of love, war, time acceleration, extraterrestrial foliage, and catchy melodies.
Bristol Central’s production this year is “Little Shop of Horrors.”
The lead roles are being played by junior Katie Wollenberg and senior Jonathan Israel.
This play is about a nerdy floral shop worker who stumbles across a plant from outer space. He soon finds out that the bloodthirsty plant is more of a burden than he planned on. But it brings him fame, and a chance to win his true lover’s heart.
In an attempt to be fed, the plant serenades the main character with a throaty rendition of “Feed Me Seymour.” Other tunes are in the same vintage rock-n-roll style.
The performances will be on March 27 and 28 at 8 p.m., and March 29 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available now at Ink Spot Printing on 43 Middle St., Bristol, or in Central’s auditorium lobby on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
They cost $9 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens.
Bristol Eastern will be performing “South Pacific,” with junior Sarah DiVenere and senior Luis Hilerio playing the lead roles.
The setting is on an island in the South Pacific during World War II. There is very little happening, leaving the soldiers to gamble, drink, and daydream.
Story lines involve the romance between a naive Navy nurse and a middle-aged French colonist, the draw that a Marine lieutenant feels to a mystical island, a scheming sailor’s quest for a good time, and, of course, the fight to curb the Japanese invasion.
Audiences will hear such campy numbers as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,” “There Is Nothing Like A Dame,” and “Younger Than Springtime.”
The shows will be on May 8 and 9 at 7 p.m., and on May 10 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available in Eastern’s main office, and at the door. They are $10 for adults and $7 for students.
St. Paul Catholic High School will present “Brigadoon.” The main characters will be played by seniors Will McCreesh and Sarah Snyder.
“Brigadoon” is the story of two American tourists who stumble upon a tiny Scottish town.
Every day the community wakes up to find 100 years have passed. If anyone tries to leave, the town will disappear. However, one of the Americans develops an attachment to a girl in the town and has to decide whether he should stay.
Performances will be March 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available in St. Paul’s main office, or at the door. Prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens.
Shaina Zura is a Reporter for Youth Journalism International.
