“Once bitten by the theatre bug, always infected” says Melanie Hall, director of “Harvey,” the upcoming production planned by the PHS Players, Poplarville High School’s theatre troupe.
Melanie has been with the Players since she was in 8th grade when she worked with the crew and cast for “Grease”, since then she appeared on stage in two productions, as part of the TV crew in “The Bachelor King” and as Betty Parris in “The Crucible”. In addition, Melanie has been assistant director for both “The Bachelor King” and “The Crucible”. This year she takes over the reins as director for Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize winning play “Harvey”, about a good natured man who has a 6 foot rabbit as a friend.
Several other members of the “Harvey” cast have a long time relationship with the PHS Players as well. Karelia Schmitz is playing Myrtle Mae Simmons in the upcoming production. Karelia also began her affiliation with the PHS Players when she was in the 8th grade as a member of the crew in the productions of “If Girls Asked Boys” and “Whodunit”. Since then Karelia has appeared on stage as Patty Simcox in “Grease”, as Agatha Peabody in “The Bachelor King”, and as Elizabeth Proctor in “The Crucible”.
Elizabeth Jones is performing in her 4th production with the PHS Players having begun as a Rydell High student in “Grease”. Elizabeth is playing Veta Louise Simmons in “Harvey”. Elizabeth also appeared as Hazel in “The Bachelor King” and as Ann Putnam in “The Crucible”.
Ashleigh Davis also had her beginning with the PHS Players in “Grease” playing Marty. Since then Ashleigh played Mrs. Priscilla Morley in “The Bachelor King” and Mercy Lewis in “The Crucible”. This year Ashleigh will portray Betty Chumley in “Harvey”.
In addition to these veterans several other students are making their second and third appearance with the PHS Players. Gabby Bilbo is on stage for her third time with the Players as Ruth Kelly, R.N. Jessica Raziano is appearing for her second time with the Players as Judge Opal Gaffney, and Sierra Luke is making her second appearance with the Players as Ethel Chauvenet. Dean Shorba appeared on stage as Reverend Parris in “The Crucible” and is assistant director for “Harvey”, and Megan Smith, who appeared on stage as Mary Warren in “The Crucible,” is the producer for “Harvey”.
Miranda Buckley, Marie Cavanaugh, and Bridget Thrash are PHS veterans having been on the crew for “The Crucible”, Marie also played Sarah Goode in “The Crucible”. Paul Ferguson is making his first appearance with the PHS Players as Elwood P. Dowd but is no rookie, having appeared in the Poplarville Entertainers production of “Alice in Wonderland”. Another “Alice in Wonderland” veteran who is making her first appearance with the PHS Players is Brice Smith.
Stephen Harris is a first timer on stage and will play the part of Dr. William B. Chumley. Conner Hodge is also a first timer appearing as Dr. Lyman Sanderson. Glen Camardelle and Shelby Ramming are rookies as well, Glenn is playing Wilson and Shelby is playing the cab driver.
Several other PHS students will make their debut with the Players this year; Corina Smith., Katelyn Ducote, Victoria Mitchell, Lexe Fricke, Sylvia Ducote, and Joshua Davis.
The PHS Players production of “Harvey” is scheduled for multiple showings over the weekend of May 7-9, including a matinee performance on the 9th, a Sunday. The production will be staged in the PHS Cafeteria and tickets will go on sale to the public on Monday April 5
th at the PHS Office.
