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New London students perform ?Facing Up’

New London High School acting students are running, diving, sliding and strolling onto the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 26-28, for the annual spring play.

Prepare to see the comedy-drama production of “Facing Up.”

Every person has a past, a present, and a future, and eventually everyone must face up to who they really are. This is the theme of Cynthia Mercati’s play “Facing Up.” Follow Martin, TJ, and Shane with others from their neighborhood as they find out who they really are. This play has drama, humor, friendship, bullies, even some love.

The setting takes place mainly at a local park behind a back alleyway that is near the homes of Martin Fenton, Annabeth Morton and TJ LaValle.

The story revolves around Fenton, played by student actor Isaiah Doran.

“Acting in plays is my favorite thing to do in school,” Doran said.

He has appeared in “Annie” and “The Carol Burnett Show.” He enjoyed being the voiceover for the “As the Stomach Burns” skit.

Johnny Pomeranian bullies Fenton and other characters. This troubled teen turns his pent up anger on neighborhood teens. Johnny, played by actor Liam Fitzgerald, is desperate to take control of his life.

Fitzgerald said the character piqued his interest when reading the script.

“I am nothing like this guy,” Fitzgerald said. “I like acting in these plays, because you can be someone else. It makes acting a challenge.”

On the lighter side, neighborhood “good girls” are dazed and love-struck, especially TJ LaVelle, played by Dorea Lauer. TJ is battling her own demons, and has a mammoth size crush on Steve, played by Seth Harrmann.

Cast and crew of “Facing Up” are Doran, Micah Backus, Joel Perez, Dorea Lauer, Marissa Selle, Tatyanna Martin, Fitzgerald, Mitchell Lee, Austin Lederhaus, Emelia Roberts, Sara Harrmann, Emma Hathorne, Rella Besaw, Jonah Backus, Taylor Popke, Harrmann, Nicole Hensel, Iris Renner, Mat Monty, Madi Polley, Jon Michels, Ryan Watling, and Chris Berberich.

Director Tiffany Schulz is the physical education Adventure instructor at NLHS. This is her fourth year of directing the high school spring play. Schulz shares her directing responsibilities and appreciates the experience of long-time director Margie Brown.

“I get a kick out of what students make out of their characters,” Schulz said. She explains that this group of kids is easy to work with, and many of them have been in the Wolf River Community Theatre’s Children’s Stage, which is such a foothold when entering drama at school.

Adult admission is $8, while students and seniors are $5. Enter through the front of the school. The auditorium is visible across the commons area.

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