The insidious power of a lie will be taking center stage at the Wright-Dobie School for Girls in Our Own ProductionS, Inc., (OOPS) second production of the year.
“The Children’s Hour,” by Lillian Hellman, is a serious and adult play about two women who run a school for girls. After a malicious youngster starts a rumor about the two women, the rumor soon turns to scandal. As the young girl comes to understand the power she wields, she sticks by her story, which precipitates tragedy for the women. The production will be staged at Emmanuel Friedens Church from May 17 to 20.
“I have been a fan of this play since performing in a production of it in college,” Director Jen Werner said. “The story line was way ahead of its time and therefore I feel that Lillian Hellman took a huge risk with the play. In the early 1930’s, lesbianism was never talked about and was considered a sin. The idea was incomprehensible to most people.”
The show features a cast that includes Mindy Miner (Karen), Trish Scott (Martha), Alexander Stern (Joe Cardin), Patricia Leighton (Mrs. Tilford), Kathleen Engelhardt (Lily Mortar), Seana Munson (Agatha) and Jonathan Pflegl (grocery boy). The girls are Rozara Sanders (Mary Tilford), Samantha Stern (Rosalie), Lucy Rudat (Peggy), Amy Burdick (Catherine), Sadie Buerker (Evelyn), Emilia Francis (Lois), and Sophie Mathis (Helen).
“When I first heard about ‘The Children’s Hour,’ all I thought was how fun it would be to play such a twisted little girl,” Sanders, a 13-year-old, said. “It was such a contrast to the roles I had previously played. As soon as I read the play, I was instantly intrigued.”
“The Children’s Hour” will be shown at the following dates and times at Emmanuel Friedens Church, located at 218 Nott Terrace in Schenectady:
- Thursday, May 17, at 8 p.m.
- Friday, May 18, at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 19, at 2 p.m.
- Sunday, May 20, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. To reserve tickets, call 356-2306 or visit http://oops.ticketleap.com/the-childrens-hour/. Ticket prices are $15 general admission and $12 for seniors and students. There are also group rates available for groups of 10 or more
