Open Forum

Hello everyone!  I teach high school theatre and my students are all really engaged and their skills keep growing! Our most recent productions over the past 2 years have been Mamma Mia, Dracula, Mary Poppins, & Blithe Spirit. We'll be doing a comedy this fall and I just can't seem to push one of these to the forefront. I keep waffling. So - I am coming to this community to ask for your opinions on my top 3 finalists for the fall play. I'm looking at The Man Who Came to Dinner, You Can't Take it With You, and Arsenic and Old Lace.  Of these 3, do any of you have an opinion on one being stronger than the other?  I just can't make up my mind. Can any of you help be the tie breaker, so to speak? Thanks much for your thoughts!  :)

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Holly Rose
Drama Teacher
Federal Way High School
WA
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All great choices Holly. A theatre mentor of mine told me every school needs to do Arsenic and Old Lace every couple of years to give kids the chance to be in that show. We even co-directed it once. Though I haven't followed the "repeat" advice it is a great show. Maybe that will help break the tie? Best wishes.

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Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT
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I personally love "You Can't take it With You!" The characters are all very different from one another, and very quirky!! The play is great to challenge your students and their acting skills!! Also, the set is so much fun, with all kinds of strange decor and props! Also, in the future you might want to consider "The Curious Savage!" It's a mystery/comedy set in a home for mentally challenged women, except the lead character who is placed there by her family is completely sane. It's another acting challenge for your students, has many female roles, and is very well written!! My other all time favorite is "The Importance of Being Earnest!" I truly believe this play is the best written comedy for the stage of all time! 

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Suzanne "Mama" Craig
PK - 5 Theatre
Lipscomb Academy
Nashville, TN
Suzanne.Craig@Lipscomb.Edu
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You can't go wrong with YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU! The only play I have repeated! I also love ARSENIC, but so many of the references are dated. My 2 cents! 

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Garry Tiller
Theatre Arts Teaching Artist
Sidwell Friends
Washington, DC
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I have done Lace and Can't Take It With You. They are nice shows. But I feel as drama teachers we need to look for work outside of the box. A Flea In Her Ear by Feydeau is a great farce. David Ives' translation is amazing. Tina Howe's Pride's Crossing is exquisite and a great opportunity for a woman and ensemble. On the Razzle by Tom Stoppard is really very accessible to high school students. The Secret in the Wings or Arabian Nights by Mary Zimmerman are excellent ensemble productions. 

Are there other shows out there that are not on the 'list' but folks have found work well with high school students?

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David Harrington
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Go with Arsenic and Old Lace. It's a dark comedy with quirky characters and fast-paced humor, perfect for showcasing your students' skills. The story is engaging and allows for creative staging and costumes. The blend of wit and wackiness will keep everyone entertained. Good luck!

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Avery Jones
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