The residents of the small town of Bethel are facing a crisis: Their beloved park has been sold out from under them and it’s sending their lives into a tailspin.
In nine interconnected vignettes, 16 locals grapple with the loss of jobs, homes, and spouses, but find love, courage, and forgiveness as the park magically transforms through four seasons of the year in a single day.
From a tired security guard trying to get home to her kids, to a young mayor in over his head, to a nostalgic fisherman who can’t seem to catch anything, everyone takes a fall… and picks themselves up again.
“Bethel Park Falls” draws a group of complex, fascinating, funny people together into one poignant story about the spaces where communities connect.
That’s a synopsis of the fall play that Kewanee High School students have been preparing.
KHS history teacher Tom Campbell, who is directing the play, said public performances are scheduled at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in Petersen Auditorium at the high school.
The students will also perform for a local senior living facility this week, and for the Central and Neponset students on Friday.
Cast members are Cooper Bates, Alex Hager, Isaac Lynes, Laryn Conley, Tori Dennison, Tessa Mitchell, Julia Pendergrass and Addison Gerard. Members of the park ensemble are Chloie Miller, Shawn Roller, Cameron Bates, Breanna Nebinger and Dalton Swearingen.
The crew leader is Ashley VanWassenhove, and set designers and builders are Marcos Torres, Nayeli Leon, Faith Frykman and Jesse Anderson. Faith Frykman, Marcos Torres and Jesse Anderson are in charge of props.
Faith Frykman is the director’s assistant, Nayell Leon is in charge of hair and makeup, Jesse Anderson is the sound engineer and Kaiden Goffrier and Jesse Anderson are operating the lights.
