Drama students at Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) are putting on an elaborate stage production of the Charles Dickens novel, Nicholas Nickleby, at Martin Exeter Hall in 100 Mile House on Jan. 14-16.
The classic 19th century novel was adapted for the stage by prize-winning American playwright Tim Kelly.
The dramatization is billed as a delightful blend of comedy, mystery and melodrama.
Two dozen senior students are participating in the two-hour show under the instruction of drama teacher Monique Corno.
“The program is going through a bit of revival,” says Corno. “We’ve got about 25 kids in the class, which is a healthy number.
“With this play, there are far more than 25 characters. Most of the students are playing more than one character. Some are up to three characters.
“There are a lot of costume changes and sort of insanity back stage. It’s fun. It’s a real test and a real exercise to come out in a different character.”
The play centres on the life and adventures of the main character, Nicholas Nickleby, and the colourful characters he meets, Corno explains.
“What’s really light in this sort of heavy story is this theatre troupe that kind of bounds on and bounds off [the stage]. They’re all fairly wild and theatrical and dramatic.
“They certainly light up the story, which goes to some heavy places. There’s this terrible boys school and Nicholas finds himself working there.”
Tickets are $10 each and available at PSO, Didi’s Boutique and The Bicycle Tree Eatery and Expresson Bar.
“There’s some content that’s heavy, but it’s funny,” Corno adds.
“We’ve got great costumes. It’s the Victorian age, so it’s top hats and tails and feathers and gowns. It’s also quite interesting that way.”
