4 The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Thursday, December 6, 2001 Dallas play (continued from page 1) The Dallas High School cast, directed by Elaine Bauer, assis- tant director Audrey Ide and student assistant director Laura Vodzak excelled in their perfor- mances. It is difficult to choose a best or favorite actor in a troupe of so many excellent thespians. The characters have such depth, they are recognized immediately. Brad Lothridge was complete- ly convincing as the stern, bull- headed Captain Hoxie, and nev- er once fell out of character. The laughter of the audience was hysterical, when he forced his lips into a crooked tooth-reveal- ing grimace and asked, "Am I smiling?” Young Danny, played by Joe Bednash, was endearing when he begged Lieutenant Di Maggio, “Please sir, don't make us play. We want to win!” - Matt Mark's portrayal of Cor- poral Opie Dalrymple’s southern charm and accent was just plain fun. Similarly, Kristen Vodzak (thespian genes in the Vodzak family) was every PTSO’s dream mom as the join-every- committee Grace Bannerman. Not to be overlooked was Michael Miller, as the husband she drives crazy, Harry Banner- man. His rendition of “How do I love thee?” had the audience delirious with relief that he was going home to Grace. Paul New- man and Natalie Wood played this couple in the slightly differ- ent 1958 movie. Then there was Grady Metcalf played by Corey Phillips and the other wannabe Fonsies in leather jackets. : Never again miss the opporit nity to see a play at Dallas High School. The quality in perfor- mance and ticket price can't be beat. “I'm just like my mother!” wails Grace Banner (Kristen Vodzak) to her son Danny (Joe Bednash). Opie (Matt Mark) dressed as a minuteman for the folk drama, shares a commiserating look with Harry Banner (Michael Miller) during the July 4 fireworks. A bored Harry Banner (Michael Miller) listens as his wife, Grace (Kristen Vodzak), drones on about her committee work as they dri- ve their “bench” to the town meeting. Harry (Michael Miller) and Grace Ban- nerman (Kris- ten Vodzak) take their bows. In back- ground from left; Danny Bannerman (Joe Bed- nash), Lt. Gui- do Di Maggio (Ken Bauer), and Captain Hoxie (Brad Lothridge). Issac Goodpasture (center, Adam Morgan) mediates between Putnam's Landings Prudence Melvin (left, April ri ) and the mili- tary’s commander Colonel Thorwald ( Sarah Klug). The boys in leather admire the cool, Grady Metcalf (Corey Phillips) for his motorcycle and 18-year-old sta- tus. From left: Ed (Colin Breazeale), Fred (Max Strasser), Grady Metcalf (Corey Phillips), and Charlie Melvin (Bob Murphy). Some of the tech- nical crew poses in the lighting room. In front, Megan Riley, Sound. Back row, from left: Jason Ostrum, Stage Crew; Adam Paj- ka, Lighting; Shane Shrader, Lighting; Andy McGee, Lighting. Post PHOTOS/ELIZABETH ANDERSON The soldiers salute the towns- people at the Welcoming Par- ty. From left: Corporal Opie Dalrymple (Matt Mark), Private William O. Wambess (Kurt Vor Bro- ker), Private Roger Litwhiler (Brian Ziller), and PrivatGus Morrissette (Mike Swart- wood).
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers