The DramaKats will perform The Storm in the Barn at 7 p.m. in the PAC on Monday. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from School Pay.
The play is based on a graphic novel by the same name. It tells the story of Jack, a boy living in Kansas in 1937. The play is set in the Great Depression, but it is about more than history. It blends the history of the time with a mystical element that will keep the audience entertained.
“It is an emotional story about the trials and tribulations of the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression,” freshman Austin Montalbano said. “It is really a powerful play people should see.”
The Storm in the Barn focuses and highlights society’s struggles during the Great Depression.
“There will not be a moment where it is appropriate to laugh during the show,” junior Alexzander Talkington said. “Maybe like two scenes, but it is meant to make you feel the genuine emotions that the characters are feeling. It’s a heart tugger and it will definitely showcase the range that all of our actors have.”
The play includes some special effects the cast are excited to share with the audience.
“People should come see the show,” junior Avalon Barretto said. “There is a really cool, giant puppet operated by five people. And all the sounds are organic. They are made on stage.”
The theme of the play is an important one. Plus, the lighting crew had worked in some impressive lighting.
“The play highlights the importance of family,” sophomore Emma Johnston said. “All the sounds happen on stage. And there are some really cool lighting effects too.”
The cast and crew have been preparing for the district One Act Play competition. Their zone competition is next Friday at Grand Oaks.
“It’s one of the more serious tone plays that we’ve ever actually done at Willis,” Talkington said. “It can be interesting for students who come to watch because it has themes of desperation, guilt, remorse and just like a lot of serious topics. This performance will show the true talent we have, because I think this is one of the best shows we’ve done in a while. It’s also impressive because Putnam County and Storm in the Barn have two completely different feelings.”
