The 2023 One Act Play season is in full swing, with high schools across the state gearing up for the upcoming regional play competition. This year, Garretson High School is participating with a drama, "Gossip," bringing the virulent character to life.
"“Gossip” is a play about a topic we all have encountered," said One Act Play Director Erika Brown. "Words and actions have impact on our relationships, [and] the script demonstrates how quickly gossip can infiltrate an environment."
In the production, a new student, charming yet sinister Gossip joins a group of theater students and manipulates them, twisting the truth in order to get her way.
"The actors bring to life how easy it is for gossip to damage a community or relationship," said Director Brown.
"Gossip" is led by seniors Rebekah Roth as Gossip and Drew Pederson as Tim, along with new and returning actors Calvin Larson (Andy), Brooklyn Trudeau (Dallas), Gracie Fiegen (Candy), Elizabeth Roth (Kaine), and Eliza Potter, Kaitlyn Steinhoff, Wyatt Potter, Jade Bertotti, Madison Waltman, Whisper Apple, and Anna Ebbing as Ensemble.
Many of the thespians competed in last year's one-act competition production, "Big Bad," and almost all of the actors were a part of the All-School Play, "Murder on the 518," last spring.
Assistant Director Kim Macziewski pointed out that this cast has what it takes.
"An intricate part of the performance is portrayed by our teen ensemble," she said. "These actors and actresses provide the intensity needed to make this play competitive."
And competition is fierce for the Region 2A One Act, which includes Canton, Sioux Falls, Christian, Lennox, Parker, Tea, and West Central. Regional competition performances will be held in Canton on Wednesday, January 25.
"The past two years we have performed comedies for our competition one-act," said Macziewski. "This year we have challenged our actors and actresses with a serious drama."
"We are looking forward to bringing this message to the stage," said Brown. "“Gossip” has a challenge for the performer and audience alike."
A performance open to the public will be held this Sunday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m. in the Old Gym. Admission is free.
