‘The Children’s Hour’ is playing at Mago Hunt through Sunday
Amanda Schenberger (left) is confronted by her grandmother, Mrs. Amelia Tilford, played by Becca Clemente (right) (Jackie Jeffers | The Beacon)
By Kate Peifer, Staff Writer -- peifer14@up.edu
Have you ever told a lie? One that sends people into a panic and fatedly victimizes innocent lives?
In "The Children's Hour," by Lillian Hellman, a problem child, Mary, sets into motion a serious turn of events. She sends the lives of two of her teachers, Martha Dobie and Karen Wright spiraling out of control.
Set in the mid-1930s, "The Children's Hour," directed by UP alumna Caitlin Crisp, involves controversial issues regarding forbidden love and societal acceptance. The adult subjects keep you wondering how the rest of the cast will react and if the truth is revealed.
"I thought it was interesting because it is a 1930s play and still holds relevance today," Crisp said. "The way society has the ability to control and harm an individual's life based on societal norms can still be seen."
Mary, played by freshman Amanda Schenberger, eventually reveals the secret to her grandma, Mrs. Tilford, who is played by sophomore Becca Clemente. Then, the school that is operated by Martha (played by junior Rachel Thomas) and Karen (played by freshman Amy Billroth-MacLurg) is shut down, leading to confrontation with everyone involved.
The engrossing and mysterious secret accentuated by the actors' skills grabs the audiences' attention and leaves them sitting on the edge of their seats wondering if the truth, whatever it may be, will finally be exposed.
"Everything we've gotten to learn and the message of the play has been awesome," sophomore Cassandra Tenorio, who plays Evelyn, said.
As the secret spreads through the town and the weight of the situation intensifies, a growing sense of pity, spite and longing come and go as the actors portray their serious and desperate characters.
"This play hits home, and it has been really cool to watch the actors on their journey to find these emotions within themselves," stage manager Jordin Bradley, a junior, said.
Performances by Thomas and Schenberger are captivating you as the two delve into the emotional and perturbed state of the characters.
"It's been great seeing how far the actors have come from day one," Crisp said. "They've been an awesome cast."
The set is fully employed by the actors as they move about in rage and hopelessness. It is impossible to not feel a part of their frantic world with the help of ragtime music and suitable costuming such as lined pantyhose, schoolgirl frocks and tailored suits.
"It's a really cathartic, emotional experience because it takes on soul-quenching issues," Bradley said. "It's very powerful."
The story will leave audiences thinking twice about telling a lie or revealing a truth that could potentially be vicious.
Performance schedule:
Thursday March 1- Saturday March 4: 7:30 p.m.
Sunday March 5: 2 p.m.
All performance are at Mago Hunt Theater.
