UC High’s Performing Arts Department will premiere Sincerely Yours, an ode to The Breakfast Club, on Wednesday November 1, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.
The first production of the school year differs from previous performances in its relation to the popular film. “When we think about adapting it for the stage, we have to consider what would work for a live audience and what will have to be exaggerated,” said Director and Theater Teacher Nia Hilton.
Crew Stage Manager Senior Kaylee Williams said, “Most of the movie takes place in one main location: the huge library, so we wanted to have the library be the focal point of the set.”
“Translating a movie set into a theater set has been extremely challenging but really fun to try and figure out. We have taken prebuilt set pieces, constructed new pieces, and even gone through the school’s old library supplies and taken items no longer in use for the set,” said Hilton.
“We’re also decorating the surrounding walls of the auditorium with posters and lockers to look like the hallways of a school in the ‘80s,” added Lighting and Set Designer Senior Clay Shaughnessy.
“Because the cast is smaller than a usual stage play, we have two casts in order to have as many people involved as possible,” said Shaughnessy. “It’s different from other shows that we have done, and because of the two casts we will have four shows instead of [the usual] three,” added Williams.
“This show is based off of a very well-done movie, so there are some high expectations people will probably have, but we are putting our own spin on it and encouraging the actors to incorporate their own styles,” said Williams.
Junior Sage Moreno, who will be playing Claire Standish, said, “Honestly, a lot of my acting choices are based on Molly Ringwald’s performance. I think with considering how popular the movie is, it’s hard not to base acting choices off the movie. But I’ve still found it fun to try and incorporate my own things and try to figure out how to add my own spin on Claire.”
Hilton added, “In addition to the changes being made from movie to stage, each cast member brings their own personal flair to their character. It’s really awesome to see that each student is bringing themself to the character and making choices unique to their experience.”
“My favorite part of the show is for sure the chase scene. It’s just so fun. My favorite thing we’ve changed is probably changing Allison’s line about the shrink. It’s so funny to see what each Allison comes up with for their story,” said Moreno.
“I am really excited for the moments of vulnerability that the five primary characters share with each other. I love when we hone in on what makes each stereotypical high school character a unique individual and the connections that they make amongst themselves,” said Hilton.
Williams said, “We’re thrilled to do this show because of how fun it will be and because of how iconic the movie is. The moment we heard that this show was a possibility, we got super excited and thought it would be such a great opportunity for, not only the actors, but also for our tech department to have fun.”
“I think this show is really special because of the people. Everyone has taken time to become friends and get to know each other. I feel like it really improves performance but also it makes the experience so much more enjoyable and special,” added Moreno.
Shaugnessy said, “The Breakfast Club is such an unforgettable classic, and being able to see it live is a whole new experience, so come check it out!” The show will run for four evenings with the two different casts alternating each night. It will take place on November 1, 3, and 4 at 7 p.m. and November 2 at 4:15 p.m.