Chester High School stage play opens this weekend

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[For the past two months, Chester High School Theater Department has been preparing for its spring production. Under the direction of Mrs. Brenda Coop, past performances have included musicals like Beauty and the Beast in 2008 and Disney's High School Musical in 2009. This year's 2010 production will be a play, The Best Haunted House Ever, and under the direction of the high school's newest English and Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Paula Ray.

The cast and crew began rehearsing in January in the high school band room, but with the help of Set Constructor, Mr. Paul Stallman, and Art Director, Mrs. Keyona Fisher, the actors and actresses were able to practice on stage in early February. Also helping with this production are Mrs. Mary De Leon as Assistant Director, Mr. Rick De Leon as Light and Set Director, and Mr. Steve Colonel and Mr. Mike Lutz as Sound Directors.

The Best Haunted House Ever is a play that will entertain all ages with its comedic scenes and characters, and its spooky setting and mysterious plot will have you intrigued. The play takes place in the old, abandoned home of retired science teacher, Professor Stitch. Two rival high schools decide that Stitch's home is the perfect place to set up a haunted house. Cobwebs hang from the ceiling and on the stair railing. Ripped and dusty pictures are crooked as they barely hang on the wall. As the two high schools investigate this decrepit house, people go missing, mysterious moans are heard, and strange sightings occur. Thinking they are the only ones in the house, the two high schools blame each other for the haunted happenings. Others appearances include the police and the legendary retired science teacher, Professor Stitch, leaving the audience wondering who is behind it all.

Those who come to watch the play will see many actors and actresses who have dazzled the audience in previous productions including Aaron Grah, Brant McMillan, Taylor Crum, Ashley Throop, Emily Fricke, Jamey Watkins, Jenna Wingerter, Zach Lochead, Rachel Young, Laura Liefer, Megan Atchison, Alex Eggers, Josh Davitz, and Carlo Marconi. The audience will also notice new faces and talent of some of our debut actors and actresses including Sam Higgerson, Allison Petrowske, Brian Hartman, Liz Picou, Elizabeth McClure, Sydney Haberberger, and Steven Colonel. The crew is as equally diverse with familiar and fresh faces. Set Crew includes Cheyanna Pickett, Kayla Welge, Robert Gonzalez, Dani Homan, Kristen Maes, Zach Woods, Morgan Colvis, Sarah Twitty, and Michealyn Modglin. The light board will be run by Brad Bindel and spotlights by Travis Lott, Julian Starr, Dylan Stallman, and Miles Zhang. Costume and Makeup Crew include Taylor Marks, Jamie Long, Courtney Johnson, Kalyn Wingerter, Allison Schmerbauch, Shelby Long, and Sam DeLay.

Chester High School Theater Department invites the entire Chester Community to come and enjoy The Best Haunted House Ever. Tickets are on sale, $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for students, at the high school office. You can call in your ticket purchase at the high school by calling 618-826-2302 and asking for Mrs. Linda Marcinkowska.