The play concerns two boys, Jack and Leo, who encounter an elderly woman who is about to die and plans to give her inheritance to her two nephews. Jack and Leo are so desperate for money that they decide to try to pass as her nephews in order to receive the women’s fortune. Unfortunately, they soon realize that the woman’s nephews are not nephews, but in fact, nieces! As a result, the boys try to pose as women, but many romantic conflict will ensure. For example, Leo falls in love with one of the actual nieces, Meg, who is engaged to a minister!
The “Leading Ladies,” written by Ken Ludwig, has something for everyone; comic relief, romance, and an exceptionally ironic storyline. Ludwig’s writing style is no stranger to the Palos Verdes stage, since one of his other plays, “Lend Me a Tenor,” was performed not too long ago.
It is always a difficult decision for our department to choose what to perform next, but this time around, the choice was easy. Said Ms. Thompson excitedly, “We went to a theatre festival and saw this show and we were all laughing so hard. Students have been talking about it ever since, and I finally thought that we had a group of students that could pull this off.”
Unlike the spring plays which include an extensive cast, this fall play consists of only eight talented actors: Vasi Best, Jonathan Doughty, Shelby Fredricks, Cole Graham, Ryan McGowan, Amanda Nahin, Will Nodvik and Chris Snur. All of the actors all devote much of their time to long rehearsals, memorizing lines, and trying to relate to their characters. Cole Graham, who plays Leo in the play, said, “the cast and I have a close relationship which leads to elite, productive, and personal rehearsals.”
Working on the play isn’t just tedious practices. The actors say that their rehearsals are entertaining and often enjoyable. Said Thompson, “After rehearsal, I still think about it because I am still laughing!”
Something that never fails to amuse Ms. Thompson, the crew, and the cast, is seeing two senior boys dressed as females. Graham, who is one of the two cross-dressers in the show, said, “It’s terrible, but hilarious. I have to wear a dress and high heels which can be very uncomfortable and not an ideal costume, considering that I am a guy.”
However, that is not the end of the excitement: characters also rollerblade and perform a tango number. Vasi Best, who plays Audrey said, “ I had to learn to roller skate because she roller skates everywhere in the show, which is absolutely crazy!”
Be sure to come out and watch the fall play, “Leading Ladies,” on November 15-16 and 21-23 at 7 P.M. and the 17th and 24th at 2 P.M. in the MPR at Palos Verdes High School! Tickets are $12 for students, $15 for adults, and $20 for premium seats. Tickets are available on www.pvhsdrama.com and at the door if there are seats available. However, it is highly recommended that tickets be purchased online in advance. You won’t want to miss out on this lively comedy! Said Graham, “I guarantee that you will laugh really, really hard.”