Monday night, January 8, 2018, the TABC theater department, in collaboration with Envision Theater, presented “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” a rib-tickling spoof of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s timeless tale to an enthusiastic and eager audience of TABC students, parents, faculty and friends. This outrageous comedy where actors are seen dashing about the stage, making lightning quick costume changes, shooting invisible elephants, all the while trying to solve the mystery of the hound through tongue twisting dialogue and witty repartee, left the audience with side-splitting paroxysms of laughter. “I am so impressed with how the students handled the humor of this show. I laughed the whole way through.,” remarked an esteemed teacher.
Rebecca Lopkin, director of performing arts at TABC and artistic director of Envision Theater, chose this show to not only challenge her cast’s level of aerobic fitness but also to give them the opportunity to polish their comedic chops. The cast, featuring students from each grade, was stage managed by senior Jacob Gordon, who was also tasked with assembling and executing the more than 50 sound cues. The cohesive cast met Lopkin’s challenges at each and every checkpoint. The cast’s twice weekly rehearsals, which began in September, started with 20 minutes of improvisation to not only build acting skills but to help form a cohesive ensemble. The rehearsals were also an opportunity for Lopkin to impart acting theory and craft to help the actors to explore and establish character, build relationships and create the improvised feel of the show. Students will celebrate their success with a cast party and a trip to see “The Play that Goes Wrong” on Broadway.
The TABC theater department has expanded since Lopkin took it over last year. Her goal is to continually add more arts opportunities for the students at TABC. Last year, she established a chapter of the International Thespian Society and took the students to two Broadway shows. The students will perform a drama this spring and will compete in the Envision Shakespeare competition. This spring will also see the introduction of a brand new program, the Evening of the Arts. Both performing and visual arts will be featured in what promises to be a night to remember.
