A night of epic laughs; AHS drama to present ‘Epic Proportions’ starting Thursday
Published 10:23 am Wednesday, February 8, 2017
- Siri Elletsen, from left, Evan Andersona and Ryan Stencel rehearse a scene in the upcoming Austin presentation of “Epic Proportions,” Tuesday night in Christgau Hall. Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Hollywood epic films — such as “The Ten Commandments” and “Ben Hur” — regularly boasted of a “cast of thousands.”
In Austin High School’s mid-winter production of “Epic Proportions,” the so-called “cast of thousands” figures prominently in the comedy.
As in, the “cast of thousands” is played by, well, four people.
“I had to explain to the kids what that really meant; today, Hollywood uses computers to create a cast of thousands — but back then, they really used thousands of people in those films,” director Gordy Handeland said, chuckling as he talked about the show.
“Epic Proportions” will be performed at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9-11 in Christgau Hall at the high school.
Arn Huizinga, right, rehearses a scene of the upcoming Austin presentation of “Epic Proportions,” with Willem Huizinga.
The play, written by Larry Coen and David Crane, is set in the 1930s and tells the story of two brothers, Phil and Benny — who, by the way, are actually played by brothers Arn and Willem Huizinga — who travel to the Arizona desert to appear as extras in the film, “Exeunt Omnes,” which features a cast of 3,400.
But the film runs into trouble and soon, Phil is directing the movie and Benny is starring in it.
Then there is Louise (Kelsey Feuerhak), the assistant director who is in charge of the extras and with whom both brothers fall in love.
Enter: the Ten Plagues of Egypt, gladiator battles — and lots of togas, said Handeland.
It is a big challenge for the eight-person cast.
“The kids are having a great time with it — it is a very funny show,” he said.
Handeland applauded the work being done by the entire cast, but is really appreciative of senior Arn, who concludes his high school theater career this year with this show. Handeland has directed him in six productions.
The show will also include a performance by foreign exchange student from Norway, Siri Elletsen. Handeland needed someone with a foreign accent, “and Siri fit right in,” he said.
Kelsey Feuerhak rehearses a scene in the Austin presentation of “Epic Proportions” with Arn Huizinga. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“Epic Proportions” cast
Phil…Arn Huizinga
Benny…Willem Huizinga
Louise…Kelsey Feuerhak
Queen…Lilla Parada
Slavemaster, Guard, Gladiator 2, Roman General Brady and Egyptian 2…Zach Farr
Octavian, Queen’s Attendant, Gladiator 1…Paul Mueller
Conspirator 1, Jack, Egyptian 1 and Guard…Ryan Stencel
Narrator, D. W. DeWitt…R. J. Anderson
Shel, Egyptian 3, Gladiator 3, Conspirator 2…Evan Anderson
Cochette, Egyptian Girl and Conspirator 3…Siri Elletsen
Stage assistant for the show is Quincy Muzik.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students.
