One of three second stage productions for the 2011 season, The Boardinghouse is a student production, featuring actors ranging in age from 8 to 15. The crew is also students, who, with the help of adult mentors, designed and operated lights and sound, gathered props, and managed the stage.

The result is a slick, funny comedy that engages the audience with strong characterizations by talented young actors, many of them new to the stage.

“I love Vern Harden’s script because it gives kids a chance to do what they do best: be creative, imaginative and act outside the box,” said Stacey Park, director of each year’s student production. “This script is the definition of slapstick comedy and it’s done in a way that kids can excel.”

Assistant Director James LePore agrees. “After auditioning the children, Stacey (Park) taught me to look for the ‘spark’ of the character within each child we cast. It was there in each one. During the initial rehearsals, each child read their lines as themselves. Once the lines were memorized, an amazing thing happened, as we watched each child ‘become’ their character right in front of us. It was a thrilling thing.”

Performing in The Boardinghouse are Sarah Morris (Harriet), Jacob Dodges (Mr. Richards), Chloe Park (Tweenie), Gabrelle Jones (Martha), Tia LePore (Gladys), Evan Korn (Dirk Shadow), Alyssa Fox (Ivy), Kristina Sproul (Hortense), Jennifer Morgan (Veronica), and Evan Hudson (Dr. Snifell).

“It is very physical comedy with lots of drama, pitfalls and tumbling as well as miscommunication and subtle wordplay,” Park said. “That’s what makes the show good clean fun for adults to enjoy as well as children.”

Noticeable is the spirit of comeraderie among the ensemble cast. During interviews after the show, Jones said, “I always dreamed of being a star, it's what I always wanted, so when I first got the part all I thought about was myself and being in the show, but this production has taught me that actors have to work together and help each other out. When we all work together, we rock!”
 

Kudos to The Newtowne Players for presenting a comedy to be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. In a world of PG-13 movies and TV-MA shows that can make a parent blush, The Boardinghouse is a breath of fresh air for all ages.

The set creates an atmosphere of realism. The cast and their parents put a lot of time and effort into building a realistic looking “common room” that serves to further engage the audience..

The Boardinghouse runs for ten shows, March 3 - 13. Evening performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:30 PM. Tickets are $10 for all seats, and can be obtained at the box office before each show, online at www.newtowneplayers.org, or by calling (301) 737-5447.