 The cast from Plymouth High School, with Director Regina Warren, center right, includes: Nancy Tyree, John Patrick, Haley Jaggers, Warren, Jon Tyree and Cam Robertson. Pilot Photo/Rusty Nixon By Rusty Nixon Correspondent NAPPANEE — When the Round Barn Theatre at Amish Acres opens their production of “Willy Wonka Jr.” this weekend it will have the strong flavor of Plymouth High School to go with the chocolate. Not only will the production be under the direction of PHS and Bethel College grad Regina Warren, but five current members of the acting troupe at the high school will take the stage in the cast. Taking their place in the all star cast, made up of high school students from around the area are John Patrick, Haley Jaggers, Cam Robertson, Jon Tyree, and Nancy Tyree of Plymouth and and Tom Eiser of Triton High School.
“I was a production stage manager (at the Round Barn) and they started a program getting high school kids involved, making one show just high school kids,” said Warren who has worked with all the Plymouth members of the cast since they were at Lincoln Jr. High. “Since I worked with that age group in the past they asked me. It’s what I love to do. It’s a gift to work with these kids again.” The cast members are excited too, especially about the chance to work with other actors from other schools in the production. “Its really great to meet all these people from around our region,” said Robertson. “It’s fun to work with such a group of talented actors.” “You’re in a cast at your high school with a lot of the same people and that’s a lot of fun and you become a family but its nice to work with other people,” added Jaggers. “You learn their acting styles you can take things from them and maybe they take things from you. It broadens your flexibility of what you can do.” “I always enjoy meeting new people and there are people there that I didn’t realize I knew,” said Patrick. “I think it’s very positive. They are just so professional. I value that. I enjoy the singing. I’ve never been with a cast that loves to sing so much.” “I agree there are a lot of very strong vocal performers in this cast,” said Nancy Tyree. “They’re pretty strong at everything. There’s a lot of talented people and our voices blend really well and you can’t say that of every musical.” The show opens on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 6 p.m. and is followed by an encore performance on Sunday, May 18th at 6 p.m.
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