1 day Ago By RubyAnn Stiegelmeier
DICKINSON - Breaking the fourth wall is well-known as being one of the most challenging theatrical techniques, yet when it lands well, the strategy can bring down the house. Friday night’s performance ofGoldilocks on Trial at Dickinson High School had to be paused for a few seconds because of the audience’s laughter- a level of success not always achieved by professional comedians. By including references to local culture, Ed Monk’s script got a skillful reworking thanks to a stellar cast of Dickinson High students who smashed the ‘fourth wall.
’Creative costume choices along with a few sizzling references to social media topics any resident of Stark County will connect with made the production feel fresh and relevant. Directed by Karen Wagner, the 16 cast members riffed their way through a wide range of dance moves, facial expression and other comedic routines, drawing genuine laughter from the crowd. Each actor’s portrayal of their character added new life to the script originally published in 2003, bringing back memories for some audience members who had acted out parts during their own high school years.
Some students sat among the audience, walking up to the stage as they were called as witnesses during the trial of Goldee Wynn Locks. Played by Kaitlynn Beenblossom, Goldee and her lawyer attempted to defend herself against charges of breaking and entering. The case, presided over by Judge Wallabee, played by senior Jackson Halvorson who donned robes and wigs in a striking portrayal of judicial fashion, played out in unexpected ways accompanied by a jazzy soundtrack.
With zero gaps in pacing, clear elocution and a range of exaggerated emotions synchronizing perfectly with the hilarity of the plot, the cast of students appeared to be completely without stage fright. Their execution of a script filled with comedic cliché sparked instant relatability among the audience, a move that paid off better than Goldee Locks’ order at The Little Pig Who Was Not Eaten By the Wolf’s barbeque restaurant. Three different replays of the pivotal day at the Three Bears’ house offered the audience a chance to form their own conclusion of how Judge Wallabee might decide the sentence.
Ultimately, a surprise culprit came to light during the trial shortly after one of the jurors made an emergency exit, and the equity of the judge’s final decision would likely please any social activist. The play ended with a final mad rush of bedlam that, while not directly related to events at a recent city commission meeting, felt just as much like a satisfying balance of the scales of justice.“My main hope for this competition is that we learn from it and have a good experience,” said Karen Wagner.
“This is a hardworking, high energy group of students and I’ve really enjoyed working with them.” Audience members should also recognize the achievement this production is for many students, including Leo Beenblossom, the student who played Tifanii. Playing the role of the vegetarian ‘baby’ bear, Tifanii - “with twoi’s!” -exclaimed during the trial that she just couldn’t bear to eat another animal.
Later, Beenblossom said she’d learned her lines in just 48 hours after receiving her part the Wednesday before the show. More moments from the show More moments from the show More moments from the show More moments from the show Don’t miss your chance to see the other two performances of this one-act play; 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 5, and 7:20 p.m. this Monday evening at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake for the state one-act play competition.
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