Saint Peter High School theater department is hard at work, with rehearsals in full swing for their upcoming one act play competitions and performances. This year’s play is “The Visitors” (written by Del Martin), and is directed by Seth Rausch, a 2011 SPHS alum, and the cast and crew will bring their show to the Performing Arts Center (PAC) stage this Thursday (Jan. 22), for a FREE public performance at 7 p.m.
Pictured above and below are scenes from a recent rehearsal of the SPHS one-act play production of 'The Visitors' on the Performing Arts Center stage.
The Saints will also host the Section 2AA, Subsection A Contest at the PAC two days later (on Saturday, Jan. 24) starting at 9 a.m. Other schools competing, in addition to the Saints, include Hutchinson, Jordan, New Prague and Orono, with the top two advancing to the Section 2AA Contest on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Shakopee High School. Admission is also FREE to this event! (A complete case and crew list along with the order of performance for Saturday's Subsection A event are pasted below.)
“The Visitors” is a drama, mystery, and thriller play that is certain to have audience members on the edge of their seats. A summary of the play from Stage Partners (Yourstagepartners.com) is as follows: “KB is in a coma. How she got there, no one knows. As she lies unconscious on a hospital bed, family, friends, and other well-wishers reflect on KB and how she has affected their lives. But as KB's physical condition worsens and her visitors struggle with their grief, KB embarks on a mysterious journey that will change her forever.”
"This show isn’t a normal show, and it can leave you with questions," Rausch said. "What did happen to KB Noonan? I have my own personal vision of the show, and knowing what happens, but everyone will have a different perspective.”
Rausch has been the director for several productions at the Mankato Playhouse for the past few years, and this is his first time directing a show at his alma mater.
“I still can't believe I am back with the Saints! It’s a good feeling to be back in my old theater roots, where it all started for me. Though the theater definitely got a huge upgrade from when I graduated in 2011. I love the Saint Peter Community, and I love how much the school has been involved with the theater.”
Rausch has enjoyed being a part of this year’s show, and he fondly remembers being involved with the one-act play when he attended SPHS. “I’m thankful to have some amazing thespians and crew who love and care for the arts,” he said. “It is so wonderful to see. We worked hard on this show, and it shows they have put the work in.”
SPHS ONE ACT PLAY (THE VISITORS)
(Cast)
KB Noonan - Rebekah Roemhildt
Mr. Noonan - Zeb Davis
Mrs. Noonan - Paige Marquardt
Doctor Aldridge - Esme Gransee
Terry - Calvin Kuhlman
Janine - Emma Bohmer
Karen Noonan - Lyric Ruble
Anders Davies - Parker Brown
Lanie Mills - Ella Twaddle
Ms. Faye Bingham - Faduma Muhidsin
Derek Smalls - Evan Embacher
Gabrielle Vincente - Maizie Davis
Sam Wellington - Melina Chadwick
The Orderly - Asher Boyd
(Crew)
Tarynn Bice, Reid Wills, Sadie Albrecht, Jade Anderson, Paul Szybnski, and Dylan Hutchins.
Director - Seth Rausch
Technical director - Scott Robinson
SECTION 2AA, SUBSECTION A ONE ACT PLAY
Schedule of performances
9:15 a.m. - WELCOME
9:20 a.m. - Hutchinson (An Anomaly of Laughter)
10:20 a.m. - Jordan (The Price - by Don Zolidis)
11:20 a.m. - Orono (The Scarlet Letter - by Kate Hamill)
12:05 to 1 p.m. - LUNCH BREAK
1 p.m. - New Prague (The Perfect Ending - by B. Dwayne Craft)
2 p.m. - St. Peter (The Visitors - Del Martin)
3 p.m. - AWARDS 
