NHS presents 'For the Love of Lucy'

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Mark your calendars and be prepared to laugh until you cry on May 29 when the Newcastle High School Expressive Arts League presents “For the love of Lucy.” The one-act comedy will be performed for one night only, so save the date and get ready for a night of laughter. 
The play, written by Ray Sheers, follows Lucy, who owns a bed and breakfast, after she and her housekeeper see a UFO, or as they call it “a cigar-shaped object with diamonds all around it.” Also featured in the play are Lucy’s husband Desmond, her daughter, Rosie, and lots of “weird guests” at the bed and breakfast, according to director Tom Voss. 
“That is where the fun begins,” Voss said. 
The running time for the play is approximately 30 minutes and includes 10 cast members. Voss said that about 25 kids will be involved in the total production, from set design to performing. 
Voss said that the Expressive Arts League was started by the school’s art instructor Jimmy Josephson, who is also on the board of directors for the Weston County Arts Council. 
He said that the group is called the Expressive Arts League and not “drama club” because the arts league is going to be doing more than just acting. The students will be in charge of everything from designing the sets to preparing the lighting and sound for the performance, instead just acting and being on the stage. 
According to Voss, Josephson and the arts council started the Expressive Arts League so students can “get a run at the fine arts and theater.” He said that the group hopes to continue to offer fine arts activities throughout the summer. 
“We started in the high school with the play and the Expressive Arts League,” Voss said. “The art students are getting involved with designing the set, and we are covering a base that is not presently offered in the high school.”
He noted that it has been many years since high school students have performed a play. 
This summer, Josephson, Voss and the arts council hope to continue to offer more fine arts opportunities to the children in the community by offering classes for middle school and high school kids.
“Students learn so much from doing plays and being involved in the fine arts. I think I learned more in speech and theater in school than any other classes in high school,” Voss said. 
“For the Love of Lucy” will be performed in the Crouch Auditorium on May 29 at 6 p.m. Admission is free but donations to the Expressive Arts League are welcome.