The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, this year’s frosh/soph play originally written by Don Zolidis, is a wild, fast-paced comedic show that compiles a combination of the popular childhood fables, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Lean Lisa, and The Devil’s Grandmother. It introduces a cast of enchanting characters, and a plot full of surprise twists, including lots of opportunity for audience participation.

This year’s student director, Isabell Andress, is poised for the play to open tonight, November 16, and run through the weekend. While this is some of the actors and actresses’ first performances, Andress is confident that the production will be a remarkable success considering all that she has experienced in pre-production and during dress rehearsals. Andress chatted with The Forest Scout to discuss all things TBGS and to provide some insight on the play, which, again, opens tonight at 7 pm in the DMT.

Why did you want to be involved in this production? What inspires you about directing?

“I acted sophomore year, and directed a show last year. It allows me to get to know people I wouldn’t truly connect with otherwise. I also get to watch actors grow as performers as well as people.”

Andress  has always loved theatre, and believes that theatre is a way to become truly confident in yourself. Theatre, at least at the high school is seen as a bit exclusive, according to Andress, but it is actually very inclusive. She mentioned that the tech crew has lots of different backgrounds and they wouldn’t have a show without them. Everybody who wants a part in the frosh/soph play is treated to some sort of role.

What have you done for this show?

“I do a multitude of jobs for this show. As student director, I provide actors with character notes, such as their strengths and what they should work on.”

As I interviewed her, she was working diligently with a performer’s hair. That is another role she has taken on, which is transforming teenagers into mythical characters. Aside from that, she helps build and design the sets, as well as work with the tech crew.

What sort of person is going to love this show? Compare it to a contemporary movie or play that your average high schooler may have seen?

“If you don’t already know the show, it is merely for people who love a good comedy. It’s a great show for you if want to have a good laugh and get some pure entertainment. If you want to get away from work, come see the show.”

What’s challenging about directing and bringing this script to life?

“The one thing that is challenging as a director is the casting because, of course, I want everyone to be apart of this amazing crew. Besides that, there have not been other challenges. The cast has been awesome and are very invested in the play. I am very proud of every act.”

Who has the best costume?

“In my opinion, the crab people have the best costumes, as well as Cole Joseph and his many costume changes throughout a scene.”

From what I saw backstage, all of the costumes were very unique and well-done. Janice Pytel, who is the brains behind the costume design, deserves an extra special shoutout.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

“The freshman and sophomore show may be seen as a misconception in the sense that these kids are less capable than the older actors. That certainly isn’t true. They are very funny and entertaining, and the people in the booth for tech are all freshman, so it’s equally as impressive. 

Next, we had a chance to chat with some of the actors involved in the production. First, we discussed TBGS with Alec Boyd.

Alec Boyd

What is your character?

“The narrator alongside Marie Atendido.”

What do you love about your character?

“Playing the narrator holds a multitude of experiences, it allows me to jump into the scene and play different characters.”

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?

“’My uncle defended OJ, you know what that means? I could kill anyone, and get away with it.”

Overall, what do you think is the most important scene in the play?

“The last scene is the most important because it recaps and summaries everything, but all in two minutes.”

From there, we met Cole Joseph, a freshman, who is taking on the role of multiple characters.

Cole Joseph

What is your character?

“I play a number of characters. I am the prince, Cinderella, the evil stepsister, the stepmother, a swarm of birds, an actor, a Scottish pirate named Mac, and a duke.”

What do you love about your characters?

“It is very fun playing a bunch of characters all at once. It ‘s very out there and not anything like you would expect.”

Overall, what do you think is the most important scene in the play?

“My favorite scene is Hansel and Gretel because I love the accents from the characters.”

We also had the chance to sit down with Pierce Docherty, also a freshman, who plays the Prince.

Pierce Docherty

What is your character?

“In the first scene of Act 1, I play the Prince. In the first scene of Act 2, I play one of the dwarfs from Snow White.

What do you love about your characters?

“I love becoming this “pompous guy.” I also love being several characters as I transition from a dwarf to myself, a narrator, the magic mirror, and then back to a dwarf again.”

What’s your favorite line of dialogue?

“I love saying the line, “Quit wagging your tongue,” while I strangle Kailey Albus to death, who is turning from Snow White to Lean Lisa.”

What’s your favorite scene?

“As many people have already said, my favorite scene was when Cole plays everyone, and he’s running back and forth and doing so much.”

We also had the chance to sit down with a female character, freshman Kailey Albus.

Kailey Albus

What is your character?

“Snow White.”

What do you love about your character?

“She’s a hardcore feminist, but it’s lowkey.”

What’s your favorite scene?

“Again, when Cole Joseph is so many different characters.”

And from there, we had a chance to meet Marie Atendido, a sophomore.

Marie Atendido

What is your character?

“I am one of the narrators, alongside Alec.”

What do you love about your character?

“I loves that I get to play myself, or at least the ideal of myself. I can be outgoing, and put myself out there.”

What’s your favorite scene?

“I love the scene with Snow White because Kevin comes and whips me over his shoulder, and it’s also a big feminist scene.”