Girl power

RANDOLPH — The ladies will take center stage in Randolph’s one-act play this year.

The all-girl cast will perform “The Ladies Declare” by Thomas Hischak, a comedy set on July 4, 1776, and featuring the wives of the founding fathers debating about the Declaration of Independence.

“The women have some insightful conclusions of their own about the new colony,” said One-Act Coach Peggy Lackas.

Junior Brianna Sporleder plays Betsy Ross who made the original American flag.

“For the majority of the play, I sit in a rocking chair and show off possible ideas for the flag,” she said. “This year I think the audience will enjoy the slight humor and things that happen in the play. There are some history related jokes that you probably won’t get unless you know the context behind them, so I think people will enjoy that.”

Senior Ariel Fye plays the part of Martha Washington, wife of George Washington, during the time that the Declaration of Independence is being passed.

Along with the historical humor, Fye hopes the audience appreciates the costumes.

This is the first year the one-act features an entirely female cast and it’s also the smallest cast to date with only eight actresses.

“Good things come in small packages,” Lackas said.

Sporleder said she’s been participating in oneact since she was in eighth grade and keeps coming back each year because of all of the fun memories she’s made during performances and practices.

“Since we are a smaller school, you are close with pretty much everyone involved so it’s nice to already have bonds with the fellow cast and crew,” she said.

Fye agreed and said it’s fun to pretend to be someone else.

There are 13 crew members and Lackas is joined by Lori Kalin in coaching the oneact.

The public can enjoy the show at 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 12, in the auxiliary gym at the high school. Admission will be $2 and rootbeer floats will be available for a free-will donation.

Conference competition is set for Tuesday, Nov. 16, in Wynot and district competition will be on the home stage in Randolph Tuesday, Nov. 30. Lackas said Randolph placed runner-up in district competition two years ago and she’s hoping to place again this year.

Fye said Randolph always goes up against larger schools in one-act competition so she’s taking a wait-and-see attitude.

But Sporleder is pleased Randolph has a home field advantage, so to speak.

“Since districts this year are going to be held in Randolph, it will benefit us because we will know our way around the stage and props,” she said. “I think we will do pretty well if we remember our lines and have fun with it.”