Connellsville senior class to present “Up the Down Staircase”
John F. Brothers/HeraldStandard.com
On November 17, 18 and 19 Connellsville Area High School will present “Up the Down Staircase.” Rehearsing their parts for the uncoming production are (from left) Ethan Keedy as Harry; Greg Bectold as Edward; Aaron Patton as Rusty and Ashley Rosenberry as Carol.
John F. Brothers/HeraldStandard.com
Rehearsing their parts for the uncoming production of “Up the Down Staircase” at Connellsville Area High School are (from left) Courtney Fox as Sylvia; Sarah Iaquinta as Alice and Adam Merendino as Paul.
John F. Brothers/HeraldStandard.com John F. Brothers/HeraldStandard.comcomRehearsing their part for the uncoming production of “Up the Down Staircase” at Connellsville Area High School are Mason Jaynes as Lou; Chaney Budd as Lennie; Lindsay Umble as Rachel and T.J. Hogan as Charles. The curtain will go up at the high school November 17, 18 and 19.
John F. Brothers/HeraldStandard.com
John F. Brothers/HeraldStandard.comcomRehearsing their part for the uncoming production of “Up the Down Staircase” at Connellsville Area High School are Mason Jaynes as Lou; Chaney Budd as Lennie; Lindsay Umble as Rachel and T.J. Hogan as Charles. The curtain will go up at the high school Nov. 17, 18 and 19.
CONNELLSVILLE — A comedy set in a 1960s high school classroom will be performed Nov. 17-19 by the Connellsville Area Senior High School senior class.
“Up the Down Staircase,” is a story about a young English teacher’s first experiences in a New York inner-city school classroom, said David Hartz, teacher and director of the 2011 class production.
“I always look for a comedy and something the students can identify with,” he said. “And this is one of my favorite movies.”
The novel was written by Bel Kaufmann and published in 1965.
The movie debuted in 1967, starring Sandy Dennis as teacher Sylvia Barrett, who hopes to inspire her young students through literature.
“She’s an idealistic, new teacher and wants to make a difference, but faces many trials and tribulations,” said Hartz. “The problems are similar to the ones we face today.”
In addition to trying to meet administrative rules and regulations, Barrett finds herself caught up in the lives of her students. The novel’s name is tied to an incident involving one of her students who happens to go up a set of stairs designated only for downward travel.
“The title ties together the ups and downs of all of their lives,” said Hartz. “It is a good story.”
Hartz said students have been practicing their roles and creating sets for several weeks in preparation of the production.
Approximately 30 students have joined the cast and crew with others volunteering to serve as ushers for the performances and undertake other off-stage duties.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, in advance at the high school or by emailing SCPlay@casdfalcons.org. Performances are at 7:30 p.m.