Duchesne Directorial Debut
Two faculty are making their Duchesne directorial debut with this fall’s presentation of “The Bookstore” by Adam Szymkowicz.
Andrew Sweeso ’17 and Brad Benne ’03 are no strangers to the performing arts at Duchesne. Both teachers were involved in the program as students, with Mr. Benne remembering the thrill of being on stage.
“It’s surreal being back here and directing,” he said. “It’s a lot more than I thought it would be, meaning there are so many moving pieces and things to think about — but I am enjoying it all so far!”
Although it’s his first production at DHS, Mr. Benne gained experience in the director’s chair during two shows while teaching at St. Joseph School in Cottleville.
“I am looking forward to the student actors’ reaction when all is said and done,” said Mr. Benne. “It is neat to see them put so much time and work into creating characters and the overall production. I am excited for them to see the final result.”
Andrew Sweeso’s first step into the drama department was as a newly hired faculty member last year as moderator for the spring student-directed one-act shows. He looks forward to shaking things up a bit with this year’s play selection.
“I chose ‘The Bookstore’ because our students expressed a desire for something new,” he said. “I felt this play’s themes and diverse range of characters suited our cast quite well. I’m also a bit of a sentimental sap deep down, so when I found a romantic comedy set in a bookstore, I had to pick it!”
The "Bookstore" follows Rachel, a twenty-something working a high-pressure editing job in New York City, when she inherits her Great-Aunt Ida’s whimsical, maybe even magical bookstore in New England. When real estate magnate Max Brewer offers to buy out the store, Rachel is faced with a difficult decision: does she sell the store and follow her dreams, or does she keep it alive and, with it, the magic and romance that flourishes inside?
The show features 13 players, some taking on multiple roles.
“I am so grateful to be performing my last play, ‘The Book Store,’ as the lead,” said senior Hannah Rimmey. “I’m excited to put on an unforgettable performance for one of my last leading roles. It is rewarding to realize how I’ve grown and become more confident over the years in not just my acting but myself.”
Sweeso said this show is a student production through and through.
“Every aspect of this show - the characters and blocking and dialogue, the costumes, the set, the tech, the publicity - bears these students’ fingerprints,” he said. “I’m excited for them to feel the reward of putting together a successful show.”
“The show brings to life a magical story about hopeless romance,” adds Hannah, “Get ready to laugh because it definitely has its comedic moments!”
See the show on November 14-16 at 7 p.m. in the PAC. Admission is ten dollars.