HANNAN THEATRE PRODUCTION

Hannan theatre students present ‘Wonderland Rock’

by Delyssa Huffman, Point Pleasant Register
03.23.10 - 10:19 pm

ASHTON — It’s going to be a rocking time this Friday at Hannan Jr/Sr High School with the musical production of “Wonderland Rock” hitting the stage in the school’s gymnasium.

The musical version of “Alice in Wonderland” will soon be enjoyed by students at Ashton Elementary, middle school and high school students at Hannan and the public. Students involved in the theatre department are anxiously preparing for their big moment under the lights.

According to the director Donna Duke, who also is the writer of the play, nearly 30 students, including four seniors, are involved in the cast and crew for this event. Duke says that audiences can expect “joy, laughter and amazement” out of “Wonderland Rock.”

Delyssa Huffman/photo - Hannan Jr/Sr High School will present “Wonderland Rock,” a musical version of “Alice in Wonderland.” Performances are scheduled on Friday for Ashton Elementary, the middle and high school students at Hannan and the public. Pictured are cast and crew members, along with the director and writer, Donna Duke (center).

The storyline finds Alice searching for the secret about how she can become cool. Throughout the two act play, Alice runs into many individuals and characters in the woods. Duke added that the moral of the story is to just be happy with who you are.

Duke, an alumni of Hannan and a retired teacher, is a graduate of Marshall University where she was involved in the theatre department as the costume mistress. After meeting her husband, Stewart, the couple continued to be fully encompassed in theatre wherever they traveled. Around 10 years ago, Duke found herself back at her old stomping grounds where she generously supports all theatrical productions without any funding from the school or community. She also makes all of the costumes by hand.

“This is simply our way of giving back,” Duke said. “Theatre fosters independence, teamwork and most importantly, sense of confidence. My biggest goal that I try to instill in my students, is that they can do this.”

She said that the cast and crew have been practicing for six weeks.

“It is so great for these students to be a part of the production, whether they are on stage or backstage,” Duke said. “I truly believe that if they can do this, they can take on any test or attend college.”

The director, who is very proud of her actors, said that she loves bringing theatre to the rural area because it provides an opportunity for students to be involved in dancing and singing. She also noted that theatre has a place for everyone.

HJSHS Principal Karen Oldham commented that Duke is “truly an asset at Hannan.”

After the curtains close on Friday, students will have yet another performance, next Tuesday at the Lakin Correctional Facility. Duke said this will be the second group of theatre students that she has taken to Lakin.

During their visit on Tuesday, students will be provided a tour of the facility and lunch. Then, it’s showtime for the cast of “Wonderland Rock.”

The public performance will take place at 6 p.m., Friday, March 26, at the junior/senior high school’s gymnasium. Admission is $5 per person. Admission is free for students.

Prior to the play, a bean dinner will be held in conjunction with Hannan’s open house. The dinner is donation only.

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