A Ridiculously Clever Comedy

By CORINNE MESSER

The Progress

“Fools,” the story of a talented school teacher determined to educate a village cursed with ignorance, was performed by the Moapa Valley High School Theatre program last week, leaving audiences in uproarious laughter. Performed in the Ronald A. Dalley Theatre the play was directed by Kenna R. Higgins Ph.D. and was performed nightly April 4-6.

Upon entrance to the theatre, one noticed the expansive backdrop of a Ukrainian village set in the late 1800s, and time period music could be heard playing over the speakers.

The comedy, written by Neil Simon, begins with an optimistic Leon Tolchinsky, played by Madison Johnston. Tolchinsky explains to the audience why he has come to the small village of Kulyenchikov, Ukraine. He has been hired to educate the townsfolk.

His first contact was a shepherd called Snetsky (Amy Saenze-Vazquez). It only took a few moments of speaking to her to know something was not right. Snetsky said things in an unusual way and couldn’t remember anything.

As Tolchinsky met more comical villagers played by Ryker Parkinson, Abigail Andersen, Riley Brinkerhoff, Alyssa Weeks, and Landon Coplan, there was never a dull moment.

When Tolchinsky encountered Dr. Zubritsky (Moran Geist) and his wife (Kaylee Whited), and their beautiful but mindless daughter, Sophia (Jorja Freeman); his fears were even more confirmed by their extreme absurdity.

But Tolchinsky fell in love at first sight with Sophia and became determined to break the curse of stupidity on the village and its inhabitants.

Beverly Potts as Count Gregor Yousekevitch was the town’s villain, who is also in love with the lovely Sophia. Potts entertained the audience in her role as the evil Count. With her loud wicked laugh, she kept the audience in stitches all evening.

Many of the play’s actors have studied theatre for several years under Dr. Higgins, and it was shown by their confidence and comfort on stage.

As in past plays, Higgins was forced to use females to play male roles because of the lack of male actors in the program. The actresses performed their parts admirably and flawlessly. During the awards ceremony after the play, Higgins pleaded for more young men to join theatre classes.

Mention must be made of the behind-the-scenes crew who put so much labor and effort into the lighting, sound, costumes, and scenery. Their skill enabled the play to flow smoothly.
“The kids have been working on the play since January and were amazing, hilarious, and fun to work with,” Higgins said.

Not only has Higgins been busy preparing her students for “Fools,” but she also directed the community play “Kiss Me Kate” which debut just six weeks ago. Some days she had double-play practices.

Higgins commented that she was exhausted and looking forward to a (well-deserved) Easter Break!
After the final night’s play, Higgins presented theatre awards for the 2022-2023 year.

The five theatre seniors were recognized including Madison Johnston, Jorja Freeman, Kymber Rowley, Angelina Humble-Sanchez, and Ellie Robison.

Ten students were awarded the Theatre “M” Award. Students receive this award when they reach the Theatre III or Tech III level. They must have taken an active role and /or participated in 4 high school productions. These students were Landon Coplan, Morgan Geist, Angelina Humble-Sanchez, Madison Johnston, Shelbee Munns, Alyssa Weeks, Beverly Potts, Ellie Robison, Rylee Johnson, and Jayden Smith.

Those receiving the 4-year participation in Theatre pin were Jorja Freeman and Kymber Rowley.
The Best Tech award was given to Kymber Rowley and Ellie Robison.

The Best Actor/Actress award was presented to seniors Jorja Freeman and Madison Johnston.