NOTE: “Today” and “tonight” refer to Friday, Nov. 7.
SEQUIM — Robin Hall never forgot “Charley’s Aunt,” a romp put on at Sequim High School when she was a teenager.
Her friend Dave McInnes, now an actor and schoolteacher in Sequim, played the lead.
And this fall, “Aunt” is back, with Hall directing and a new generation of actors giving the show all kinds of new life.
4 performances
A comedy about boys, girls and would-be chaperones, “Charley’s Aunt” is the all-school play opening this weekend for just four performances at the Sequim High School Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Sequim Ave.
The “Charley’s Aunt” hijinks will get underway at 7 p.m. today and Saturday and next Friday, Nov. 14, with the final show at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15.
Admission will be $8 for adults and $6 for seniors, children and students with an ASB card.
Hall has been enjoying the run-up as much as her 15- to 18-year-old actors have.
Dylan DePrati, the Sequim High School senior in the title role, “is a natural at acting,” she began.
“He’s got a sense of comic timing, which is rare at this age . . . I laugh at every rehearsal. I’ve seen him do things over and over, and I laugh every time.”
Lord Babberly
DePrati portrays Lord Fancourt Babberly, the man who agrees to don a black satin skirt, bloomers and a wig to be Charley’s aunt.
He does this because Charley (Hunter Cauffman) loves Miss Amy (Niki McElhose) and needs a chaperone in order to spend time with her.
Also needing said chaperone are Charley’s friends Jack and Kitty, who are played by Ben Heintz and Sarah Isenberger.
Sarah is another one who’s a joy to watch, Hall said.
“I didn’t think she had it in her. But she has just blossomed,” said the director.
“She’s great in her character. It’s beautiful to see what theater does for kids.
“I thought she was the shy girl,” Hall added. But then Hall was shy, too, back in high school.
“They’re all good kids,” Hall said of her cast, which includes David Burgher as the houseman, Jared Kneidl as Jack’s father, Mikeale Baker as Amy’s guardian Stephen Spettigue, Selesha McKibbon as Charley’s real aunt and Victoria Hall as her ward.
Hall’s invitation to the community is a succinct one.
‘Cheaper than a movie’
“Come and have a good time. It’s cheaper than a movie,” she said.
“The funds go to the Associated Student Body,” so a ticket supports local kids and local theater.
For more information about “Charley’s Aunt,” phone Hall at 360-460-7860 or Sequim School District communications director Patsene Dashiell at 360-582-3264.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
