Jeffrey Backus, Opinions Editor
The Penn-Trafford Drama Guild is currently rehearsing and polishing a new fall play. Director Tina Lepudi-Stewart, returning from last year’s production of “Break a Leg,” selected a dramatic rendition of the classic Charles Dickens novel “Great Expectations” for this fall’s show.
During the first rehearsal on Sept. 12, the cast received their scripts and read through the show. The cast was introduced to this version of the story as well as Lepudi-Stewart’s plan on how it will be portrayed scenically.
Since then, Lepudi-Stewart and the cast have worked to block and rehearse the show at least three times a week after school.
The story follows the coming-of-age story of Pip, an orphan boy living in England during the early 19th century. Living as the stepson of Joe Gargary and Mrs. Joe, he dreams of a better life for himself than his father’s blacksmithing.
Once grown into a young man, Pip finds himself as the beneficiary of a large sum of money from a mysterious source. He moves to London and there meets and continues his story with many other characters, including names such as Estella, Miss Havisham and Herbert Pocket.
Lepudi-Stewart has been directing for 33 years for theatres in this area such as Apple Hill Playhouse, Greensburg Civic Theater and Norwin Senior High School.
With this story being set in the 1800s, Lepudi-Stewart believes it will help the students in the drama guild with their acting.
“It gives students the opportunity to learn stylized acting techniques, [which] will require the actors to learn how to sit, stand and walk like they did in the… 1800s,” she said.
Lepudi-Stewart said she has big plans for this show and wants to turn it from its classical roots into a piece of art.
“[My favorite part about directing a show is] the unfolding and discoveries made along the way,” she said.
Senior Natasha Popovich has been acting since she was in first grade. She said she went into high school looking to join the Drama Guild because of the preview shows the high school performed for elementary students.
“Peter Pan was my first high school show, and it made me want to be a part of the drama guild once I got up to the high school,” she said.
Popovich plays Mrs. Joe in “Great Expectations” and said she is not disappointed with the outcome of the casting.
“I love playing the role of Mrs. Joe. She is an abusive, mood-swinging, sister/wife. It… will provide a challenge that will help me grow in my acting experience,” she said.
Senior Cameron Clausner is excited to be portraying the main character of Pip in the show.
“Since this is set in London, dialect will be a challenge,” Clausner said. “However, I am excited for the experience and to make memories with this cast.”
Lepudi-Stewart said she picked this play because it has a different way of portraying an old story.
“It’s pure and tells a beautiful story,” she said.
Popovich agreed, saying she loves how the show is written.
“I won’t reveal any spoilers, but there are definitely some twists and comedic moments,” Popovich said.
From an acting standpoint, Popovich said it is the raw talent the actors provide that makes these fall plays wonderful.
“With musicals, sure it’s a blast to sing and dance, but good theatre derives from good acting. It’s about making it believable.”
“Great Expectations” will be performed on Nov. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. in the Penn-Trafford Performing Arts Center.
Staff Writer Michelle Haas contributed some of the information and interviews in this article.