This year’s middle school play, “The Perils of Lulu,” is an action-packed comedy that will keep viewers on their toes throughout the whole performance. Lulu Barnes, the loveable main character, endures a series of unfortunate events while trying to visit her grandma. It is a spectacle full of excitement, chaos, and laughter. In addition to English teacher Melanie Farmer, junior Connor Nanus and junior Nick Saraiva directing the play, Universal Studios producer John Ryan will also be assisting in the play’s production.
“Mr. Ryan is helping our team reach out to other schools and communities to come, so he’s mostly in charge of marketing,” Saraiva said. “He’s also attended some of the production meetings. It’s pretty cool working with a Universal producer.”
Sixth grader Russell Kropp is acting as the narrator Walter Winslow in “The Perils of Lulu.” Kropp has acted in several plays before, but never as one of the biggest roles. He expresses his excitement about being a part of the show.
“After my audition, Ms. Farmer told me that my energy matched really well with the character, ” Kropp said. “I’m basically a real life Walter.”
Kropp explains how there’s more to theater than just acting. While preparing for the show, he’s made friends and had fun with the cast members. Kropp said he’s looking forward to opening night and hopes that their will be a good turnout.
“Theater isn’t just about the acting,” Kropp said. “It’s about putting on a great performance for people to enjoy.”
Saraiva explains what makes Trinity’s showing of “The Perils of Lulu” unique.
“We really want to bring the essence of this play to life in a way that all the moving parts can now really be seen instead of just described by the narrator, which is great because the audience is able to consume it a lot better instead of leaving it all to their imaginations,” Saraiva said.
Instead of blacking out the stage during scene transitions, the directors have decided to incorporate them into the play. The idea is to add to the chaos and excitement by showing what would traditionally happen behind the scenes, like set and prop changes. In order to execute this idea properly, both robotics and physics classes will be assisting in set design and working out the mechanical elements of the play. AP Physics student and senior Benjamin Pringle is currently designing a Newton’s Cradle prop that will be displayed during the show.
“My class is split into groups and we’re each working to design a machine,” Pringle said. “Some of the students are working on creating a system of pulleys with backpacks that will deliver props and clothes to the actors throughout the show.”
Kropp believes that this will enhance the experience for viewers.
“It’s such a chaotic show and there’s a lot of stuff going on, so with all the things [the physics and robotics students] are helping with, it just makes the play even better,” Kropp said.
