The Moapa Valley High School Theatre Department is thrilled to announce its upcoming fall production, “The Frogs: A Modern Adaptation,” a fast-paced comedy by celebrated playwright Don Zolidis. Performances will be held at the Ronald A. Dalley Theatre at MVHS on Nov. 18, 19 and 20 at 7 p.m.

The play is a brilliant contemporary reimagining of Aristophanes’s classic Greek comedy. It follows the perpetually anxious and hopelessly uncool god Dionysus, who is fed up with the state of modern art and culture. Convinced that the world needs a truly great artist to save it, he embarks on an epic, ill-advised journey to the underworld to bring back the greatest playwright of all time.

However, getting to the underworld proves to be much harder than expected, especially with a surprisingly judgmental chorus of frogs in his way. This chaotic quest is loaded with pop culture references, witty dialogue and high-energy physical comedy that is sure to appeal to audiences of all ages.

“This cast has embraced the absolute absurdity of Zolidis’ script,” says Dr. Kenna Higgins, director of the Moapa Valley High School Theatre Department. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to perform a script that is both historically grounded and completely contemporary. The audience is in for a treat; they’ll be laughing from the moment Dionysus steps on stage until the very end.”

The production features a talented student cast and crew of over 25 members, including Gabi Dominguez as the misguided hero Dionysus and Destani Urdesich as his long-suffering servant Xanthias. The cast includes a motley crew of modern-day mythical figures such as Hades, Persephone, Charon, Hercules and others, along with a dedicated student technical crew that has worked hard to create dynamic special effects, plunging the audience into Dionysus’ chaotic journey through the underworld.

Supporting the arts: New stage lights campaign

In addition to the students’ fall performance, the Moapa Valley High School Theatre Department is making a dramatic upgrade to its stage technology! In an exciting development, the school was chosen by Electronic Theatre Controls, a leading professional lighting company, to receive a grant of cutting-edge equipment valued at approximately $100,000. To complete the transformation and ensure the theater is fully equipped, the department needs to raise an additional $50,000. Students are actively fundraising to purchase these additional new LED stage lights. This essential technology will not only increase the quality of every performance in the Ronald A. Dalley Theatre, but it will also enhance the safety of the students working on all future productions.

Every ticket purchased will help move the students closer to this goal. Additionally, audience and community members wishing to support this effort can make a donation by purchasing a special donation ticket, of which 100% will go toward the fundraiser. Other donations can be made when purchasing tickets at the door, by using the QR code below or by contacting the front office at MVHS. Every contribution helps illuminate the path for all performers in Moapa Valley!

Performance and Ticket Information

What: ‘The Frogs: A Modern Adaptation’ by Don Zolidis

When: November 18, 19, 20 at 7 p.m.

Where: Ronald A. Dalley Theatre at Moapa Valley High School

Tickets: Tickets are $10 for students, $12 for adults and $15 for a light donation ticket. Tickets and donations will be available at the door.

The Moapa Valley High School Theatre Department is dedicated to fostering creativity, teamwork and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts among its students and the community. It produces two mainstage shows annually, focusing on a diverse repertoire of classic and contemporary theatre. ‘The Frogs: A Modern Adaptation’ by Don Zolidis is produced by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.