By: Mady Fields

Every year, Springfield High School presents a spectacular fall play directed and organized by the students. This year, the play is titled “Winter Break” and directed by seniors Simon Lanter and Alex Hockenyos. Due to construction, the play looks different this year than others. This has not stopped the SHS students from putting on a great show!

“Winter Break” follows a group of high school students on their first day of winter break. Students from all different walks of life interact and play out realistic situations in which many audience members can relate. From friends hanging out in a basement to a traumatic breakup a variety of emotions are displayed that will leave the audience tearing up and laughing out loud. 

Usually, the fall play takes place on the auditorium stage, but since the Springfield High auditorium is being utilized for another purpose due to construction, the fall play has had to improvise. This year, “Winter Break” will take place inside the SHS commons. Don’t worry, the play will still have all the theatrical elements like lights, sounds and sets! The staff and our teacher sponsor, Mrs. Deb Eaton, have made sure this show will be a success. 

Photo courtesy of Deb Eaton

Senior student directors Lanter and Hockenyos have worked hard to make sure it is an impactful and memorable performance. When asked about the play, Lanter said “I was really proud of how we were able to improvise in a new space and with less materials. Lanter says “You should come see “Winter Break” because it is a relatable glimpse into the lives of high schoolers. It is a chance for students to see a mirror image that is their life.” 

Hockenyos agreed by adding, “It’s gonna be awesome. We put a lot of time and effort into it and even though it’s not a normal play we got to make it our own and it’s really special.” Both directors have been involved with other theatre productions at Springfield High, and despite the challenges that come with being a director they have worked hard and done a great job.

“Winter Break” also has a plethora of incredible actors, such as senior Gavin Wasmer. Wasmer plays Cam, a freshman struggling with feelings for his best friend. He describes his storyline, saying, “My scene is two people arguing about Star Wars which ends up evolving into a love confession, an awkward one at that.” Wasmer’s scene is an accurate representation of uncomfortable interactions between friends. Throughout the scene, Wasmer gets to humorously play with a Rubix cube. He notes that “Winter Break” is a fairly newer production “so if you feel like you’ve seen a lot of other plays, this one is a new one.” He also says the large cast and vignette structure of the play makes it even more enjoyable.

Photo courtesy of Deb Eaton

Springfield High School presents “Winter Break” next weekend in the Springfield High Commons. Come see the 19 talented actors who have been working on this play for the last couple of months. “Winter Break’s” first show will be Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7:00 pm, followed by a Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm on the 24th. We hope you enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Deb Eaton