Headin for a Weddin cast creates hillbilly laughs
By MICHELLE BOSWORTH
Staff writer
It is 8:30 p.m. and they straggle into the auditorium munching on cold pizza, sandwiches — anything that travels well for busily scheduled students. Play practice had to take second place to the sub-state basketball game, so it was beginning later than usual.
The set remained relatively bare and Terry Bebermeyer occasionally handed out a costume to be tried on. There was no heavy stage makeup, no blindingly bright lights, very little furniture and no props. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm the actors brought to their play vibrated throughout their practice.
This was the first run-through where everyone had to have their lines memorized. Some students were cramming just before they jumped into a scene. Others, not worried at all, were catching up on some Algebra II homework as they awaited their turn on stage.
If you ask any of these young people why they are in Hillsboro High School's Spring play, "Headin' for a Weddin'," invariably the answer is, "Because it is fun!" The second most popular answer to that question is, "Because I like acting!" Many of the performers became involved through the influence of their friends who act.
Greta Kliewer, who plays Sis, decided to try out for the play in order to meet people. She likes seeing her friends as different characters and she enjoys making people in the audience laugh.
Danielle Hagen, who plays Melissa Dugan, is in her third year of acting in plays. "It's great fun. I love it! I think it gets more fun each year," she enthuses.
Dana Suderman enjoys acting because for her it is a good way to get involved if you aren't really interested in sports. She likes playing Widow Blairhouse because she gets to yell a lot.
Meredith Kliewer relates that, for her, the practices are just as much fun as the actual play. Performing the part of Hortense Todd, she wanted to be involved in "Headin' for a Weddin'" because she had such good experiences acting in last year's play.
Westie Magnuson gets to wear a fake beard and dye his hair white in order to play Grandpappy. He has the job of taking on a hillbilly accent (as do most of the performers) and making his voice sound like that of an old man.
Even though he has only been in one other play, he says acting "just feels natural," and he isn't worried about opening night at all.
Sarah Jo is portrayed by Emily Railsback who has been acting since she was a youngster. She loves the performance part of putting on plays with the costumes and the lights. She isn't nervous either.
"I've been in plays at church and in my freshman and sophomore years of school," explains Victor Rogers. This year, he takes on the role of Father which is fun for him.
So, why are these youngin's having so much fun? What is this hillbilly play all about after all?
"Headin' for a Weddin'" centers around the trials Homer Hollowbone (Robert Jost) suffers when he falls in love with a debutante pictured in a newspaper. He corresponds with the girl, telling her that he is a very refined, educated gentleman who lives in a mansion and vacations in Europe when actually he is a hillbilly living in an old shack with his lazy family.
The action heats up when the lovely Melissa Dugan unexpectedly arrives to marry the handsome, well-educated young chap and discovers his true identity. Homer's efforts misfire in the midst of revenge, feudin', and shotgun engagements for an evening of side-splitting hilarity.
Although each of the 20 or so cast members could not be interviewed, it was plain to see that they were all having a great time. And if you want to find out what Gloria the skunk thinks about being a celebrity, you'll have to attend the play and ask her yourself!
Hillsboro High School's spring play, "Headin' for a Weddin'" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. March 17 and 18th (at the Hillsboro High School auditorium. Tickets can be obtained from the school office for $5 each.
