BW Little Theatre Stages Classic American Drama

Belleville West Little Theatre will present the annual contest drama on Thursday, March 19.  This year’s offering is Our Town, the classic American drama by Thornton Wilder.

The drama tells the story of two families, focusing on the relationship between George (senior AJ Payne) and Emily (junior Aaliyah Mosely), two young people who have grown up together and are destined to fall in love.  The first act details the rituals of daily life in the small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire.  The second act follows the courtship and marriage of Emily and George.  The third act, set in the local cemetery, examines the sorrow of death and the meaning of life.

Strolling through it all is the Stage Manager (junior Olivia Bush), who frames the story and provides commentary directly to the audience.  Even though it is set in a small town at the beginning of the twentieth century, the play tells a story that is timeless and universal.  In the end, Our Town rejoices in the simple pleasures of life–a conversation with a close friend, a cup of hot coffee, a bright winter morning, a special birthday present, a first love.

The contest play offers a unique opportunity for drama students.  The play must be performed within a 40-minute time period, and student technicians have 20 minutes to set and clear the stage for performance.  Our Town will compete against other area schools to win a berth in the IHSA state tournament.  This year’s sectional competition will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21.

The production is directed by Mr. John Lodle and Mr. Tyler Herron.  The student directors are juniors Abby Bagby and Jamie Houk.

The March 19 performance is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the Belleville West Performing Arts Center, located at 4063 Frank Scott Parkway West.  Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults.

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Speech Team Competitors Score at State Finals

The Belleville West Speech and Acting Team finished the season with three state finalist events in the IHSA State Tournament.

Senior Morgan Seagle took sixth place in Original Oratory and seventh place in Oratorical Declamation.  The Performance in the Round cast claimed sixth place in their event.

The speech team coaches are Mr. Adam Jenkins, Mr. Tyler Herron, Mrs. Leigh Reidelberger, and Mrs. Anna Schlich.  Congratulations to them and to their competitors!

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Speech Team Qualifies Eight Events–and Performance in the Round–for State

The Belleville West Speech and Acting Team took third place at the IHSA Sectional hosted at University High School in Normal on Saturday, February 14.  The following events advance to the IHSA State Tournament in Peoria next weekend.

Bree Aplin – first place in Humorous Interpretation

Bree Aplin – first place in Informative Speaking

Morgan Seagle – first place in Oratorical Declamation

Morgan Seagle – first place in Original Oratory

Olivia Bush and Kailee Williams – second place in Humorous Duet Acting

Aurora Winters – second place in Prose Reading

Eliana Cruz – third place in Radio Speaking

Annabelle Spriggs – third place in Original Comedy

In addition, the Performance in the Round cast won the sectional title in their event.

The speech team coaches are Mr. Adam Jenkins, Mr. Tyler Herron, Mrs. Leigh Reidelberger, and Mrs. Anna Schlich.