Column: Prosper Theatre group reflects on semester achievements, expectations for 2023

Jordan Kirkley and Cate Emma Warren|January 23, 2023

Unwrapping+a+gift%2C+sophomore+Luckie+Cormier+finds+a+dagger+in+the+blue+box.+Cormier+has+been+in+two+other+shows+in+the+department+prior+to+her+performance+in+Clue%3A+On+Stage.+Clue+opened+Dec.+8.+The+show+ran+from+Dec.+8-10%2C+held+at+6%3A30+p.m.

Cate Emma Warren

Unwrapping a gift, sophomore Luckie Cormier finds a dagger in the blue box. Cormier has been in two other shows in the department prior to her performance in “Clue: On Stage.” Clue opened Dec. 8. The show ran from Dec. 8-10, held at 6:30 p.m.

As the theatre department looks towards their first show of the semester, “Puffs,” which will be held Feb. 9 – 11 at 6:30 in the Black Box, the achievements from last semester are undeniable, notably the performances of “Queens” and “Clue.” The theatre program became one of the best in the country, and the best in the state. Its members have had so many opportunities that are truly undeniable.

Sitting stage left, seniors Tate Lauby and Lauren Grammer pause in their scene. Lauby portrays the dream version of King Henry VIII and Grammer portrays Anne Boleyn in “Queens.” Both are enrolled in the Varsity Elite Acting class. (Cate Emma Warren)

Over the summer, “The International Fringe Festival” invited the theatre department to perform in Scotland. Only 20 schools in the nation received invitations to perform there. In “Queens,” the story of King Henry VIII and his wives, the king is forced to see moments of their lives with him – over and over – while he is set in purgatory. The compelling story shares the pain of his wives and their stories that were never properly told.

“Queens is such an intriguing show,” director Vicki Kirkley said. “You get to grow in a way that other shows don’t allow you to grow.”

To learn more information about 'Queens' read here
Surrounded by his queens including alumna Jessie Kuhn, seniors Lauren Grammer, Mikayla Sexton, and Marissa Denman, juniors Anna Stringer, and Riley Quinonez, and sophomore Mary Freitas, senior Tate Lauby portrays dream King Henry VIII while sitting in the shows lone set piece, a throne. The theatre department traveled to Scotland and England this summer for the International Fringe Theater Festival with the American High School Theater Festival. We had to go for a more minimalist design with the set because transporting a large set is not realistic, senior Lauren Grammer said. We had a couple props and other things that were put into peoples carry ons. I would say that was a (from other shows).
Behind the Scenes - Season 2 - Episode 1 - 'Queens'
As she clutches her dress, Anne Boleyn, played by junior Lauren Grammer, prepares for her death. Boleyn was the second wife of King Henry the VIII. Anne was kind of angling to gain the favor of the king, Grammer said. I would say she got a little bit in over her head, no pun intended. Obviously it didnt really work out for her, but I feel like she was very ambitious, and its very impressive she got as far as she did. She raised an absolute icon who reigned for 35 years.
Theater department steps back into 1500s

 

Emotions shining through, senior Austin Rose and junior Titus Boyd create a new hit movie through the game “Movie Trailer.” Rose is the captain of the “ITS Improv Team,” which plans to go to nationals. “It was amazing to know that going into my senior year I would be leading the Improv team,” Rose said. “It was a great way to show my leadership.” (Jordan Kirkley)

In the same week, Prosper Theatre held two different events. One of which, an improv show where the improv team performed comedy skits and games all surrounding an audience member’s suggestion.  These games kept the audience laughing the whole night.

“Improv is one of those things where you get to be yourself,” sophomore Angelina Cuello said. “I get to show my comedic side, and it’s a great experience.”

Only two days later, Prosper Theatre hosted a musical cabaret. The varsity musical class performed in the black box, singing their hearts out.

“We spent weeks preparing for our performance,” sophomore Erica Smith said. “The class learned so much from this experience and it was so fun to perform.”

Holding out jazz hands, seniors Kaley Carr and Marissa Denman as well as junior Pierce Polomsky stand front row during the Broadway Cabaret. Carr, Denman and Polomsky performed in last year’s production of “Godspell.” All three will be a part of the department’s production of “SpongeBob The Musical” this spring. (Cate Emma Warren)

 Nov. 3, Prosper Theatre celebrated opening night for their fall musical “Les Misérables.” The cast started rehearsals for this show in August, two weeks after school began. This show took more than 100 hours to choreograph, learn the music, build the set, fix the costumes, add the light and sound cues and “create magic.” “Les Misérables” is one of the hardest shows to do, technically and musically. Audiences raved about the show, constantly talking about how talented each and everyone in the cast are. The cast and crew worked so incredibly hard to put this show together and it definitely paid off in the long run.

“I am so proud of my students,” Kirkley said. “They tackled something that is nearly impossible. Most high schools could never dream of doing “Les Misérables,” and the fact that we turned this show is truly spectacular. Our goal is to become undeniable, and we did that.”

Prosper Theatre

On Nov. 16, three buses loaded with eager theatre kids ready to compete for their chance to qualify for nationals. Overall, the department had 28 students qualify for nationals, three main stage callbacks to perform at closing ceremonies, and earned the honor troupe and All-Star group titles. In addition, the national organization chose Prosper to represent the state of Texas with their show “Queens.” In total, Prosper Theatre earned seven awards for “Queens,” including these: “Best Costumes,” “Best Lighting,” “Best Ensemble” and the “Chapter Select” award. Individuals Lauren Grammer and Stone Porter also claimed two “Superior” acting awards. Tate Lauby received a “Best Actor” award.

Holding their gifted weapons, sophomores Cash Ball and Sophia Gomez and senior Tate Lauby sit on the couch while listening to the other characters. The three actors played Colonel Mustard, Ms. Scarlet and Mr. Green respectively. Lauby and Gomez performed in last year’s fall play “Kodachrome,” as well. (Cate Emma Warren)

On Dec. 8-10 thespians performed their Black Box play “Clue: On Stage.” A comical twist on the original board game, this story follows an odd group of people trying to solve a murder mystery. The cast and crew worked so incredibly hard to put together this production. “Clue: On Stage” sold out before the show opened.

“This show was such a great experience for me,” senior Gabriel Torres said. “ It was the first time I acted, and I learned so much.”

Prosper Theatre

Overall, Prosper Theatre had an amazing first semester with many successful moments. This semester, Prosper Theatre will be competing in UIL One Act Play with “Violet Sharp” in March, performing their spring musical “SpongeBob The Musical” in April, and their Blackbox spring play “Puffs” in February.

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Overall, Prosper Theatre has had an amazing first semester with many successful moments.

— Jordan Kirkley

Read more on the theatre department here
As they gaze into space, senior Cooper Smith, sophomore Luckie Cormier and freshman Nathan Phillips ride their rocket ship in the game Movie Trailer. Smith and Philips are both in the upcoming Les Misérables production and Cormier plays Mrs. Peacock in Clue. I feel like I am learning a lot about being an actor, Phillips said. Its really fun.
Prosper theatre holds third annual improv show
As part of the song Live in Living Color from Catch Me If You Can, sophomore Aiden Hansen holds his arm out high as he sings his solo. Hansen will play Marius in the upcoming production Les Misérables. I learned valuable leadership skills, and how to lead my cast through choreographing one of the group numbers for the cabaret, Hansen said. I think people should come see Les Misérables because is a great story about love (as well as) the French Revolution, and it really teaches you a valuable lesson.
Prosper theatre performs Broadway Cabaret
Sitting at the foot of the stage, Summer Haslam sings Castle on a Cloud as her character in the show young Cosette. Les Misérables will open from Nov. 3-5. The show will take place in the PHS Auditorium.
Meet the Cast of 'Les Misérables'
Questioning who was last in the kitchen, freshman Addyson Smith, sophomores Sophia Gomez, Luckie Cormier, and Jordan Kirkley and senior Gabriel Torres stand near the kitchen counter. Clue: On Stage will open from Dec. 8-10. The show will take place in the PHS Black Box. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students.
Meet the cast of 'Clue: On Stage'