Brock Benson is directing another community theater play for area youth. An N3 production, with students from Norwood, Nucla and Naturita, the kids will take the stage March 13-15 at The Livery in Norwood.
Benson said he’s grateful for Norwood Park and Recreation District (NPRD), which is the home for N3 and the area theater work. He’s assisted by NPRD board members Liza Tanguay for directing and tech work and Daiva Chesonis for communications.
Now, he’s thrilled to offer something lighthearted and amusing for the West End.
Likely the community has seen the posters being pinned up around town for “10 Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse.” The script, written by Don Zolidas, should entertain guests of all ages.
The cast, which ranges from those in sixth through 12th grades, includes Kira Rowan, Ashlee Meeks, Nikki Daniels, Zac Carter, Milly Jacobs, Louie Jacobs, Journey Bentler and Liam Blair. All nine are reportedly enjoying their time. They’ve been learning their lines and rehearsing at least three times each week since January. And, they like the humor the play affords.
“I didn’t want it to be serious at all,” Benson said. “We could use a little humor here and something the kids could really sink their teeth into. They are having fun and keeping theater alive in the West End.”
The make-up component is a bit tricky with putting zombies in costume on the stage, but thanks to the trainings held previously at the Western Colorado High School Performing Arts Festival at Colorado Mesa University, both Rowan and Meeks know how to create those looks — as does Benson, of course.
The youth play opens March 13, which is a Thursday, at 7:30 p.m. It happens again the following evening, March, 14, a Friday, at the same time. A matinee is scheduled for March 15, Saturday, at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for kids age 5 and younger — though, “rogue children will be fed to zombies,” Benson joked.
The play lasts about 40 minutes, and it is family-friendly. No swearing or shockingly inappropriate behavior will be featured.
To add to the performances, some musicians who participated in the N3 musical events last fall, the open mic sessions, will also be a part of the play. They’ll assemble and form a sort of house band. Benson said “Thriller” by Michael Jackson may very well be a part of their set list.
Benson said the N3 students who are engaged in theater do plan to travel again to Colorado Mesa University this spring. They’re selecting some performances to attend, since the theater department there is donating a handful of free tickets to them.
Benson said he’s grateful to all who support theater and the arts in the West End. He is especially appreciative to the Lone Cone Legacy Trust for their award to N3 of a generous grant, which helps to produce the latest show and keep community theater for young people going in the West End.
