Sophomore Ian Davis-Huie played the role of Doctor Stockman, a man who discovers the bathing complex in his town is contaminated. The baths are critical to the town’s economy, and it would be devastating to recognize this crisis. His character has to decide whether to keep quiet or do what he believes to be right.
It is common for actors to have a specific ritual to get into character before going on stage. Davis-Huie’s routine has remained the same for years.
“I try and take a few minutes just to try and not talk to anybody and try to clear my head,” Davis-Huie said.
While the stage may seem organized during the performance, backstage can be chaos. Actors that have many different costumes have to change immediately after they exit the stage to prepare for the next scene.
“Costuming is my least favorite part. In this case, it’s very necessary,” Davis-Huie said. “But, it’s very hard to keep up with what costume I’m supposed to wear and when.”
As the play unfolds, the doctor makes the decision to tell the town about the water. He does this despite all of the backlash he knows he will receive.
“He’s a really great guy and he fights for truth and justice throughout the play and I really try to be all of those things,” Davis-Huie said.
Junior Leslie Watson played the role of Petra Stockman, the daughter of Doctor Stockman. Often, her character acted as the peacekeeper for the play when things got out of hand.
“She keeps everyone together and is sort of a mother figure to her younger siblings,” Watson said.
Watson’s routine for getting into character was unique from all of the other actors in the play, because it was so specific to her character.
“I really like to think about babysitting,” Watson said. “The way that she speaks sounds to me like she’s speaking to a child.”
After high school, Watson would like to pursue a career in either acting in films or theater, but not in the United States. She may want to venture to South Korea.
“I like that language a lot and I like the culture, but I’m also considering translating or teaching English or beginning Korean,” Watson said.
Watson has been in love with theater since she was six years old. Having family in the theater business gives special opportunities that few others have.
“An actress I model myself after is definitely Rosemary Harris,” Watson said. “Her husband is one of my dad’s authors, and I’ve really gotten to know her personally. She would tell me about all of her adventures putting on false eyelashes in a New York taxi cab trying to get to the performance on time.”
Watson has many inspirational people in her life that she has gained stories and advice worth a lifetime from. One of these people is her mother.
“An adult [I model myself after] would definitely be my mother because when she was in high school she had her life together,” Watson said. “She was Sandy in Grease and I listened to the voice recording of that and she was just amazing. She’s an amazing actress, singer, and just all around person.”
Junior Zeke Duncan played the role of Captain Horster in the play. His most important scene took place in his home where a meeting was held to debate the water crisis.
“Everyone is against him, but in the scene I raise my hand and say, ‘I am with him.’ So, that’s definitely me, I’m gonna stand up for what’s right,” Duncan said.
Duncan did not realize his passion for acting and singing until his freshman year at Reynolds.
“I had no clue that I liked musical theatre until my chorus teacher Mr. Hicks said that he needed some extra voices,” Duncan said. “So I came and I fell in love.”
Duncan had some advice for students at Reynolds who have interest in theater, but may be apprehensive about trying out for a production.
“Do it. Don’t second guess yourself,” Duncan added. “A monologue can be hard to prepare, but when you get into the rehearsal state-of-mind and you understand how shows work; I promise you’ll love it.”