By now those of us who follow Bald Eagle High School’s Drama Club should have complete trust in their choices. The play ROSIE THE RIVETER was unknown to me and I was expecting a light, fun evening. The show is so much more.
The time is World War II, the Invasion of Normandy to be precise. In Middle America, a car manufacturer has turned his factory into the production of war planes at the insistence of his Girl Friday, Rosie. The audience watches the conflicting viewpoints of the women who fill the jobs that the men, now fighting overseas, had done and the society women who feel that Victory Gardens and knitting scarves are enough. We also see how war can touch us in very personal ways.
The staging of ROSIE was exceptionally good. Placing several scenes on stage at the same time can be a disaster; at no time did one distract from the focused action. The scene that had the women reading their letters from loved ones was effective. Placing the actresses throughout the audience made it very touching.
Director Eric Brinser’s most important talent is his ability to cast his shows. His actors are well trained for high school students, but he seems to be able to match the right actor with the right part. The cast of ROSIE was a good example.
Mackenzie Basalla as Rosie was riveting (pun intended). She was full of energy, delivered her lines with power, and had a chance to show that she could run a wide range of emotions. Very impressive.
Meghan Shiels, as her counterpart Helen, has the natural dignity to pull off the local leader of proper society. I liked the growth that her part called for.
I am beginning to believe that Colton Lucas can be whomever he wants to be. As the brash, self promoting factory owner, Eddie, Colton showed a stage maturity that I cannot wait to see develop. Colton is a sophomore so just sit back and watch.
There has to be room here to mention some of the supporting cast. I really liked Alice Statham as the “brainy” Katherine. Alice is a Freshman, meaning that we should see more of her in future plays. I thought that Matthew Blaylock was a Senior, but was happy to note that we will have this versatile actor for one more year. He made a good romantic lead in ROSIE.
The ensemble was too large to mention individuals, plus I am afraid that I would get the names wrong. It is always impressive to see a show where this group stays in character, especially when the “camera” is not focused on them. Special applause to each of you.
ROSIE THE RIVETER is an example of why I am so dedicated to high school drama. Students learn so much from “putting on a play” and in the case of ROSIE a very personal view of an important part of history. Good choice.
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