By José Valle
Co-Editor-In-Chief

[dropcap] B[/dropcap]etter late than never.

That’s the lesson the Drama Club hopes to teach with this year’s holiday play for elementary school students in the after-school program.

“Two Centuries Late” is an original one-act written by junior Jessie Runnells and Drama Club president, J.J. Tyson. Tyson, a senior, says he enjoys directing because of the experience.

“It’s awesome just to be with such a great group of people and help lead the club, especially during fun things like the Christmas show,” Tyson said.

The show tells the story of everyone at the North Pole and how they forget Santa’s birthday. Between 40 and 80 kids from First Flight Elementary School will see the play after school on Dec. 12. Drama Club sponsor Monica DeFelice says the show is important because it helps expose younger children to the world of theatre.

“The benefits of doing the show are that it allows our students and the elementary school students to celebrate the holiday season,” DeFelice said. “It also allows them the opportunity to see how theatre can be fun and interactive.”

Many different holidays make appearances in the show. Junior Rachel Zuhars will be featured as Mrs. Claus, who invites the holidays to Santa’s 200-year-late birthday party. These holiday characters include St. Patrick, Cupid, the Easter Bunny and a New Year’s Partier.

“My favorite part is performing for the little kids because you get to see their faces light up,” Zuhars said. “They get so excited to watch us. I love everyone in the club and it’s really awesome to work with such a fun and creative group of people.”

Senior Kendyl Cosgrove plays the role of Hi-Hat, one of Santa’s elves. She says that since it’s geared toward a younger audience, high schoolers wouldn’t really find it entertaining.

“Sure, these shows may seem super cheesy to high schoolers, but the little kids love it and that’s what it’s all about,” Cosgrove said. “Hearing all the giggles and excited chatter when a new character walks on stage and seeing the childrens’ eyes grow wide with wonder when Santa says his first line is always priceless.”

The students in the Drama Club work on the show to entertain the children. Freshman Jacob Poli knows how much it can mean to some of them.

“I think I’m safe in assuming this is most kids’ favorite holiday, so this show is just fuel to the fire with them. Also, I know there has to be those few kids who don’t have the best Christmas and this show may mean the world to them,” Poli said. “That alone is such an amazing feeling to me, to see a kid so happy and their day made, filling the room with laughter.”

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