Cast members of this weekend’s IKM-Manning Play, “A Family Reunion to Die For:” (Sitting) Senior, Jonathan Greazel as Freddie Franklin and Senior Grace Sextro as Christine Franklin. (Standing) Junior, Lillie Ceminsky as Gretchen Wilcox
The theme of “dying for love” is a common one in the theater, but students at IKM-Manning High School are putting a twist on that premise. They will be presenting “A Family Reunion to Die For” this weekend in the IKM-Manning High School auditorium. Senior, Jonathan Greazel, plays a lead role as Freddie Franklin and says the plotline of the play really gets good after he marries Christine.
Lillie Ceminsky is a junior, playing the role of Gretchen Wilcox, aunt of the bride and owner of the bed and breakfast where the reunion is taking place. She says this production is different than many others as there will be a lot of audience interaction.
Senior, Grace Sextro, who plays the role of the bride, Christine Franklin, says they will be expecting simple responses from the audience to the deceased cast members in order to help the reportedly “clueless” Freddie figure out exactly who done it. The cast and crew of over 20 have only really begun working in earnest with their director, Judy Jacobsen, over the past month. Sextro says it is a little unnerving, but they are putting in a lot of hours to be more than ready come Saturday’s curtain. And though the character of Christine’s personality is nothing like hers in real life, she says she can rely on other people to help her get into the right mindset for her role.
Cast members say this will be a fun production to act in and to watch, as it is being put on by a group of students who really enjoy what they do. Greazel adds, it will be well worth the cost of admission.
The cast will do a preview for the elementary students on Thursday afternoon, April 6, before putting on two shows, one Saturday, April 8 beginning at 7 p.m. and a Sunday matinee that will start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and are available at the door.
