January 23, 2006

For more information, contact: Kimberly Kreider (901) 333-4023

Southwest Collaborates with High School for Musical Production
Written by Pat O’Brien

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral School drama department and Southwest speech and drama faculty are in rehearsal for Steven Sondheim’s musical, Into the Woods, to be presented February 10-12 and 17-19 at the Union Avenue Campus Theater. Other cast members are drawn from Christian Brothers High School. Supporting partners in the production include AMRO Music, The Memphis Downtowner, The Memphis Flyer, and Harbor House.

The musical is Sondheim’s take on the “real” story behind some of the best known fairytales of Brothers Grimm, including Little Red Riding Hood, played by ICCS junior Ellen Cassin; and Cinderella, with ICCS senior Amanda Lewis leading. In the true spirit of fairytales, each character searches for their true wish and heart’s desire – with unanticipated results. CBHS student Chris McCollum, Orpheum Star Search finalist, leads the cast at the Baker

Southwest’s theater director Ron Gephart and technical director Ron Gordon both several-time Ostrander award winners, appear in minor parts, while local community theater player Drew Massengale sings the role of Rapunzel’s Prince. A total cast of 23 players turn Sondheim’s work into a lively fantasy of fairytales unlike most of our childhood memories.

The collaboration is a first for Southwest, according to Gephart. “I think this will be very successful,” he said, “and we hope to find more opportunities like it. We think it could be very valuable enhancement to our theater program.”

Southwest students play an important role in production: Christina Hendericks, who is also an ICCS alumna, is assistant director and Kimberly Peek handles costuming. Willie Armstrong and Withers Anthony both are helping with scenery and lighting.
Play times are 7:05 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, February 10 and 11 and 2:05 p.m. Sunday, February 12. The same schedule is repeated the next weekend, February 17-19, with curtain at 7:05 on Friday and Saturday, and 2:05 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students.