A Sneak Peek at Grier's Upcoming Theatre Production
The cast and crew of Grier’s fall play, have been working diligently since late September to have a performance-ready production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore by Nora and Delia Ephron, based on the book by Ilene Beckerman. With just a few more rehearsals this week, opening night has nearly arrived!
Under the inspiring direction of Grier Drama Coach Ms. Julia Dirkes-Jacks, the cast includes Charlotte, Hannah, Estella, Daina, Addy, Maddie, and Campbell. Stage directors are Heejin and Mars. Sophia, Caroline, Zainab, and MJ comprise the crew. Grier’s own Mrs. Julie Piotti oversees costumes, which include items from her own vintage dress collection. Mr. Ian Danner as Set Consultant, and Mr. Bryan Beckel as Technical Director and videographer.
The play signals Grier’s return to dramatic theatre after a short hiatus. Senior Hannah who acted in the school’s all-female adaptation of Twelve Angry Men in 2018 and performed in the spring 2021 musical revue Snapshots of 35mm, is particularly excited to return to the stage.
In addition to the cast and crew, members of Grier’s Drama Club have been helping with the production. Drama Club is an opportunity for interested Grier students with any level of experience to delve into acting and stagecraft. For some, it is a chance to do even more of what they love; for others, Drama Club is a chance to test the waters and nurture their talent without the commitment of a full production. While creating props, one Drama Club member said that it has been wonderful working with Ms. Dirkes-Jacks. “She is so professional and really knows what she is doing,” she added while her fellow Drama Club members nodded in agreement.
This is Ms. Dirkes-Jacks first year at Grier, where she holds the dual roles of Coffee Shop Manager and Drama Coach, but she is no novice to the stage. She holds degrees in Theatre Production and Theatre Performance in addition to degrees in Creative Writing and Literary Studies, and has performed and participated in numerous stage productions. Ms. Dirkes-Jacks graciously shares her theatre expertise and positive energy with students at Grier.
The play Love, Loss, and What I Wore is an ideal choice for an all-female cast. It is a look at womanhood through the lens of fashion. The characters share an array of deeply personal monologues and partner scenes that link articles of clothing with nostalgic, sometimes funny, sometimes profound, and often relatable memories. Wise narrator Gingy, played by Charlotte, weaves the stories together while reminiscing about what she wore on important milestones throughout her life.
The two-day run takes place in Grier’s Auditorium this weekend, with the premier on Friday, November 19th at 6:30pm and a matinee at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 20th. Please, come join us! Everyone in the Grier community is welcome to attend either event in support of these actors, the crew, managers, and directors. Masks are required, but tickets are not, so come as you are!
In addition, for those who cannot join us in person, Grier will live stream Friday night’s performance and the recording will be available for viewing noon Saturday, November 20th through noon Sunday, November 21st.
Links
Catch the Livestream at 6:30pm EST on Friday, November 19thWatch the recording OnDemand from 12pm EST Saturday, November 20th - 12pm EST Sunday, November 21st
Break a leg!
Grier School
2522 Grier School Rd. | P.O. Box 308; Birmingham, PA 16686-0308
Phone: 814-684-3000 | Fax: 814-684-2177
Phone: 814-684-3000 | Fax: 814-684-2177
