The Gordon F. Kells Junior Drama Club wowed a hometown crowd with their production of Dara Murphy's “They Eat Sunshine, Not Zebras.” The young cast and crew-under the direction of GFK teachers Tom Broccolo and Justine Kyle-entertained a packed house at Carlyle Memorial Hall on Tuesday, March 29, before literally taking the show on the road to compete at the Region One Drama Fest in Oxbow.
Cast members Jason H., Brooke S., Sydney F., Victoria F., J'Naya C., Colby C., Lois B., Kenna H., Brayden H., Kyra C. and Emily B. were assisted by crew members Brittany R. (prompter), Kelly H. (lights/sound) and Tori C. (set design). The play was directed by GFK School teachers Tom Broccolo and Justine Kyle.
The one-act play is a comedic examination of conformity versus individuality and prejudice versus acceptance. The thought-provoking production features a field of green grass- cleverly played by Jason H., Brooke S., Sydney F., Victoria F., J'Naya C., Colby C., Lois B., Kenna H., and Brayden H. They strive for a peaceful, uneventful existence and spend their days striving for standardization-under intermittent threats from the lawn mower.
The blades of grass seek advice from the elderly blade of brown grass (Emily B.) who advises them to banish and eventually destroy Sunny the Dandelion, played by Kyra C.
One of the questions the play poses is: “What does it feel like to be different from everyone?” This, and other themes which are currently relevant were handled by the young cast with a masterful mix of comedy and maturity.
The group has been working on the production since January and part of the Region One Drama Fest judging requirements include not only a pitch-perfect performance from student actors but also a seamless (and timed) stage teardown.
“After Oxbow, there will be 12 regions competing in Regina in May,” said GFK Senior Drama director, Kevin Dyck. “We had a great performance here tonight.”
