Hafford Central School held its 16th annual art and drama extravaganza April 14 in the school gymnasium.
Principal Dr. David Brecht welcomed the audience of friends, family and visitors. He acknowledged the directors, staff, volunteers and custodians for their hard work in organizing the drama and art events as well as the silent auction and desserts.
The first production, Noise of the Toys written by Shirley Ullom, was a play written especially for teenagers, giving them an opportunity to play character parts and enjoy the fine art of acting. The cast of 21 junior high school students did a fabulous job portaying individualism in character with expression, action and of course, costume. The plot unfolded as the toys came to life to try to persuade store owner, Grouchy Gertie, not to sell the toy store, which they do in a creative way.
Although the staging was relatively simple, the costumes are what made the production come to life. The creative minded directors included teachers Angie Radke and Tara Welsh. The cast and directors looked after the costumes, hair and makeup. Nicole Taylor and Lucas LaFreniere contributed to the success of the drama event by operating the sound system.
Cast of characters consisted of Savannah Thompson as Grouchy Gertie, Leah Kohut as Polly Pleasant, Brittany Bezmutko as Spice Babs, Rayleen Roth as Exercise Babs, Marina Rice as Ditz Babs, Ashley Boyko as Bride Babs, Kendra LaFreniere as Raggy Ann, Tyra Smith as Dotty, Haylie Lesko as Rin Tin Tin Girl, Taylor Anhorn as Hair Glow, Malaina Pratt-Flanagan as Lyin' Lioness, Kacy Tkachuk as Dolly Baby, Amber Jackson as Baby Doll, Michelle Gall as Yo Yo, Cabri Tanchak as Hulky Hero, Brooke Kowalchuk as Wyatt Burp, Shelby Taylor as Batty Man, Alicia Rice as Dum Dum Dragon, Jason Gall as Krazy Kong, Jenna Gall as Forest Stump and Rayna Yasieniuk as G. I. Joey.
The second drama production, Fried Kobassa, was performed by the senior students. The play written by J. Robert Wilkins is an appropriately suited production for the senior level. This comedy was a huge success in the laughter category as the cast embellished their lines and actions.
The scene is set at an athletic camp and focuses on the kitchen/dining area as Inspector Kapusta, played by Levi Smith, tries to solve the mystery of the camp cook's missing kobassa. The investigation takes some humorous twists and with the detective's poor investigative skills and quirky remarks, keeps the audience laughing.
Directors for this performance included Janet Baranieski, Larissa Matechuk and Colin Olchowski. Costume crew included the cast with assistance from Christine Gonda and Janet Baranieski. Dylan Roth manned the lights, Joshua Jackson was stage manager, Nicole Taylor and Lucas LaFreniere were sound and music technicians and special assistants were Christine Gonda and Charlene Wintonyk.
Cast of characters consisted of Katrina Kindrachuk as Katelyn, Lucas LaFreniere as the cook, Haylie Lesko as Nicole, Levi Smith as Inspector Kapusta, Alanna Hawrysh as Samantha, Ashley Kowalchuk as Amy, Kirsty Kindrachuk as Callie, Rayleen Roth as Lindsay, Frankie Yasienieuk as the nurse, Megan Jones as Amber and Jocelyn Fendelet as Katie.
Following the performances, the audience has an opportunity to bid on silent auctions items, view the variety of artwork on display, enjoy delicious desserts and vote for their favourite performers.
People's choice junior performers were Kendra LaFreniere and Alicia Rice. People's choice senior performers were Levi Smith and Megan Jones.
First, second and third place art award recipients were as follows: kindergarten - Hailey Primeau, Emma Perkins and Alexis Korpan; Grade 1-Hunter Barnstable, Alesha Moore and Taryn Brochu; Grade 2 - William Paskimin-Bear, Reese Cherwinski and Hunter Reid; Grade 3 black and white - Sarah Olychalaser, Christopher Fournier and Hannah Eckert; Grade 3 coloured - Avery Precesky, Hannah Eckert and Ellie Grainger; Grade 3 project - Cheyenne Roth; Grade 4 black and white - Gillian Oliver, Michelle Bear and Cole Reid; Grade 4 coloured - Cole Reid, Dawson Lesko and Gillian Oliver; Grade 5 coloured - Natelka Sendenid, Meghan Olyschlager and Taylinn Cherwinski; Grade 5 project - Jamie Attrux, Breanna Grzybowski and Jennifer Krascok; Grade 6 project - Alicia Rice; Grade 7-8 coloured - Leah Kohut; Grade 9-10 black and white - Dawson Lehman; Grade 9-10 - coloured Tara Dishko; Grade 9-10 - projects Hailey Lesko; Grade 7-12 - photography Jocelyn Fendelet.
