DHS presents first full-length production

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A spotlight can be seen in the middle of the Desert High School Scorpitorium stage. After a few seconds, the curtain was raised showing Mr. Mushnik's Flower Shop. As the students perform their acts, backstage were a group of students running around, reading scripts and helping other actors with their costumes. 

This was how the March 16's premiere of the play, entitled "Little Shop of Horrors," was coordinated. 

"The play is about a man-eating plant from space and Seymour, the main character," said Emma K. Ah Sing, the play's student director. "It is really a good family play that can be enjoyed by children and adults." 

The production started preparation about three months ago, Ms. Ah Sing said. They had a double-round audition for students from DHS, Edwards Middle School and Branch Elementary School. 

Practice for the play began in January, Ms. Ah Sing said. They practiced two hours, three days a week. As the play was into the final months of rehearsals, the production practiced for three hours everyday. 

"It is amazing to put this play together because of all the preparation," said Kenneth Linck, the play's producer and instructor. "All the personal time spent with every student to get this ready was well worth it. The students did the directing because I wanted them to learn how to do it." 

The team has been performing junior plays for five years. 

"We decided to move out and do a two-hour, full-length production this year as a result of the continuation of talents," Ms. Ah Sing said. "We have a lot of kids who have been with us for several years.' 

The production also received support from their parents and teachers. 

"We couldn't have done it without the family members and teachers," Mr. Linck said. "They gave us food and stayed with the group until practice was over." 

It is an educational experience for the students, Mr. Linck said. This is an opportunity for kids to be involved in plays and in musicals. 

"The students worked really well together," Ms. Ah Sing said. "They came into the play, and ended it as one big group of friends. We worked hard together, and it really strengthened our team work and dedication." 

Play time for Friday is 7 p.m., while play times for Saturday are 2 and 7 p.m.