Pioneer students bring fresh faces, Christmas laughs to stage

Dec. 1—Austin Brooke sat on stage, taking a police report that was more a mash up of "The Night Before Christmas" and "Who's On First?" than an actual detailed account of a crime. The suspect? A man who broke into a home through a chimney.

It's the opening segment of "The First Annual Boughs of Holly Country Club Christmas," the new performance starring the students of Pioneer Senior and Junior High School, set to debut Friday, Dec. 2.

Saying too much about the play might spoil some of the excitement and surprises the students can't wait for their audience to experience.

Let's just say if you are a fan of "The Muppet Show" then you won't want to miss the performance. Expect some Muppet-esque chaos as well, and fowl puns that would make Gonzo smile.

While the plot is under wraps to preserve the cast's excitement, they are just as happy with the growing number of students who came out to participate in this semester's play.

Brooke, a sophomore, said he thinks audiences will enjoy seeing the fresh faces on stage.

"Last year we only had a few people join in on the show," he said. "We had an influx of newcomers so it's been fun to watch them explore theater and learn about it. And also fun for the older kids to guide them through."

Madyson Bullock, a senior, said early rehearsals were a bit rough as the new actors learned about performing but once they picked up on the customs and tradition of the stage it was smooth sailing.

Her former co-star, Dylan Odom, who graduated last spring, inspired and encouraged her to step up and be a leader for the group, she said.

Brooke draws inspiration from his sister Emily, who graced Cass County stages both as a Pioneer student and with the Logansport Junior Civic Theater. She now studies music education at Ball State and helps the Junior Civic Theater during the summer.

"Emily is the reason I started theater," he said. "She's the reason I love to sing. She's a natural. I strive to be like her."

Karly Johnson, a senior, said Pioneer theater has felt like a family for many years. She hopes the new actors will continue beyond the play and take over as the leaders when she and her fellow cohort graduate.

"It's amazing to see younger kids are joining," she said. "We are like a cute little family. I love it."

Johnson praised the diversity in the cast which includes athletes, musical kids, shy kids stepping out of their bubble and challenging themselves.

"It's amazing to see so many people with so many differences coming together," she said.

One such newcomer is Ellison Kitchell, an eighth grader who has never performed before. She said she was nervous but when she took the stage, playing a young child who encounters Santa, her body language quickly adopted a childish awkwardness that would make Saturday Night Live legends Gilda Radner and Laraine Newman proud.

Brooke, a Christmas lover, plays Santa during the exchange. He was excited to participate in a holiday themed play.

"It's my favorite holiday," he said. "I get really excited about it. My character really fits me because my character really loves Christmas, too."

Unfortunately, not everyone in the play feels the same as Brooke. At one point mascots for the other holidays assemble in a conspiracy against jolly Saint Nick. There's the Easter Bunny, a pilgrim, a Halloween witch, Uncle Sam and ... a fairy? An angel?

Students Luke Ulery, Courtney McGuire, Laylynn Malchow, Finn Powers and Mykah Holcomb embrace the absurdity, delivering quick and witty banter that almost makes one forgive the characters for their collective jealousy.

The play draws on the collective talents of the students. It's hard to imagine "The First Annual Boughs of Holly Country Club Christmas" could be performed without the new faces that are brave enough to take a chance and walk onto the stage.

Johnson hoped other students will see their joy and will be moved to join in on future productions.

"I'm excited for people to see how hard we worked on this," Johnson said. "We all came together. We've got the youngest to the oldest pulling their weight. It's amazing what we have accomplished."

"The First Annual Boughs of Holly Country Club Christmas" will be performed Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. A matinee will take place Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students.

Pioneer High School is located at 417 S. Chicago St. in Royal Center.