It’s not very often that a four decade long hiatus is broken. On Friday night, the Portage High School Thespians opened their rendition of the comedy “4 Beekman,” which made it the first night in 40 years that the play was completely run by Portage’s students. The play, a comedy about unexpected loves and reigniting old flames, made for a triumphant return to an old tradition.
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There’s one thing for certain about this production: it literally wouldn’t of happened without the students. The whole conception of putting on a winter play was brought up by the Thespians in order for them to try and conquer a play all by themselves. There was one person, though, in particular who got the ball rolling - Matthew Kiley.
Kiley explained that he had thoughts about directing a play after it was mentioned two years prior. When the idea seemed like it could become reality, Kiley gathered up a production team and then brought up the idea with Thespian leader Kevin Lee Giese. “Once I got everything together, he agreed to let us take this on. He’s been very accommodating with helping us get everything together and helping us make this happen,” explained Kiley.
From there, Kiley asked fellow student Nadalee Bell to take on directing the project with him, and partnership was instantaneous. Though they were excited and determined to take “4 Beekman" to the stage, it was a bit more than they could chew at the start.
“We didn’t really realize how many other factors were going on at the same time. We both have vocational classes, school, work and our jobs, so it became a bit much at times.” Bell explained. “By the time it got to tech week, all of the stress didn’t really seem to matter. Our cast and crew have been so great working with us because they’re all outstanding individuals as is. It’s really helped everything become beautiful.”
The process of watching the production come together from the outside was a different experience entirely. Kevin Lee Giese, who helped produce '4 Beekman', said that seeing the Thespians build the play up from their own hard work was an experience he truly appreciated.
“I’ve purposefully taken a hands-off approach to all of this. I’ve helped them figure out a few small problems but I’ve only been a guiding hand amongst them,” Giese stated. “I’m thrilled for them. They’ve done really well.”
Every part of the creation of “4 Beekman,” was done through the passion and creativity of the students. There were student directors, producers, set designers, sound designers, and even the music used in the play was created by PHS Junior, Nick Blue. Through the hard work from each of the students, “4 Beekman" was presented to their eager audience.
The play itself was funny, cunning, and a great pick for the students to tackle. The cast, including PortageLife.com’s very own Lydia Gerike in the lead role, held up the play with capable shoulders. They made the crowd laugh with their great comedic skills, and scandalized with their character’s actions. It was safe to say they left a great impression to their viewers.
Bill Bodnar, a former Portage High School drama teacher, was one of those people. “It’s great to see this because it’s like I never left it. This school and these plays have been special to me and always will be,” Bodnar stated. “It’s so much fun to watch. The kids did a great job. It’s hard to run the show and now they know first hand what it takes.”
Sarah Hudson, whose son is a “techie,” agreed. “They’ve really worked so hard at this play and it’s really paid off. On the other hand, it’s really great to see people to come out and support their dedication,” Hudson stated. “They really deserve all of the praise that they’ve gotten.”
Even after the crew and cast made their bow on Friday night’s performance, there is still time to see the unique production. Saturday night in Portage High School’s West Auditorium at 7:30,the lights will go up again for the final performance of “4 Beekman.” Make sure to try and make a special trip to the play - it’s absolutely something that should get the recognition it deserves.