Tonight, the South High theatre department puts on its fall play, “Charley’s Aunt.”

The play is a late 19th-century farce (a comedic drama). It is a three-act Victorian play about two Oxford students, Charley Wykeham and Jack Chesney, who get their friend, Lord Fancourt Babberly, to pose as Charley’s wealthy aunt from Brazil, when Charley’s real aunt can’t come to chaperone a lunch with their girlfriends. From there, chaos and comedy ensue.

Theatre teacher Jennifer Forrest-James said she hopes people come to see the show.

“We should support athletes, and we should support artists. It’s genuinely a very funny show, and everyone’s worked really hard on it,” she said. 

Madelyn Kessler, the student director/stage manager of the production, agrees. 

 “We worked really hard on it, and it’s really funny, and honestly the set is beautiful, as well as the costumes. The actors are funny too, so you all should come,” Kessler said. 

“It’s got a lot of comedy. It’s kind of famous play and I think a lot of people would enjoy, like, the farce humor,” said senior Tanner Roath.

Roath plays one of the main characters, Lord Fancourt Babberly, the man who disguises himself as Charley’s aunt. 

When asked how he was similar to his character, Roath replied, “He’s very extravagant. He just dramatizes everything.”

On the other hand, Eddie Huelsebusch, who plays Jack Chesney, doesn’t relate to their character.

“My character in the show manipulates almost every other character. He is very selfish, and he doesn’t really think about his actions or how it affects others, so I would say we’re not very similar,” says Huelsebusch.

The South High theater department puts a lot of effort into their productions, according to Lila Tran, head of production/backstage crew.

“Some of our crew chiefs are super involved and are doing an amazing job in taking up this responsibility. Anna Emde, I’m so proud of her, she has put a lot of design and organizational elements that I’ve implemented throughout all the different crews, which I think has been super helpful,” Tran said. 

Theater’s also a place for creativity and self-expression.

“It’s important because it gives students a creative outlet and a place where they can truly be themselves,”  says Huelsebusch.

The students involved in theater radiate positivity, according to Tran.

“It’s awesome, and I’m awesome, and everybody else is awesome. It’s a really good community and a communal space where everyone is safe and loved and included. And being involved in something as intensive as this is just a fun experience,” Tran said.

Tran also notes the challenges the theater department faces. 

“Our space is very unique and the configuration of it is not typical for a theater, so I think working around that is a good challenge,” Tran said. 

The play itself presents some challenges of its own.

“Blocking the movement is difficult because it’s a farce, so I would say that’s probably the hardest thing is learning the blocking. It’s also not a short show, it’s on the longer side, and so the actors really had to work on memorization,” said Forrest-James.

But regardless, the cast and crew of “Charley’s Aunt” seemed to enjoy the production.

“I’ve been in our theater department since my freshman year and I love it here. Our director is extremely good at her job, and she really pushes me and others to be the best actors that we can be. The other students are also great, I’ve gotten to meet so many cool people!” said Huelsebusch. “Our community is pretty close-knit. We all work really hard on the shows, which makes us pretty close. I’ve met my closest friends there, and it’s given people the opportunity to meet and work with different people.”

While they have responsibilities, they enjoy the work.

“I have loved having all the responsibilities that I have as the production stage manager, lights and sound crew chief and all sorts of different things. I really like making the stage lights,” Tran said.

Though production has some challenges, it’s very rewarding.

“You get to see the show kind of come to fruition in front of you,” said  Kessler.

All the actors worked hard during the production of the show, as Forrest-James comments.

“I would say this show is difficult for everyone, but it’s but as far as like the actors that really kind of shine through, they all have their moments. Tanner has to play two different characters basically, and so I would say he probably has the hardest job out of everyone,” said Forrest-James.

How Roath responded when asked how he felt about the upcoming show nights?

“I’m excited. I think a lot of people are gonna like it,” said Roath.

Show info:

Tickets are $8 online in advance for students, $10 in advance for adults, and $12 at the door. (Look for QR code on flyers or the link in the bio of the theater department’s insta @pshtheater for online tickets)

@ Parkway South High School Theater

Wednesday, October 15 – 7 pm, Friday, October 17 – 3 pm, Friday, October 17 – 7pm