***Kendall Vincent is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

After a two-year pause, the stage lights shone brightly once again at Wethersfield High School.

The drama department made a big return with a laugh-out-loud comedy featuring chaotic kids, a clueless sitter and just the right amount of spooky suspense.

The play, which was performed twice this past weekend, centers around a babysitter tasked with watching the three wild Taylor kids— but this isn’t your typical night of board games and bedtime snacks. Instead, it’s pure survival mode. 

The kids are experts in mischief and love to stir up trouble, from telling ghost stories about their supposedly haunted house to warning about an escaped ax murderer who may be headed their way. 

As if that isn’t enough, the night spirals further with the arrival of a dizzy aunt, the dad’s boss (who’s mistakenly knocked out and tied up), his overly assertive mother, and the sitter’s oddball boyfriend who’s set on “rescuing” her.

The kids’ final trap for the convict leads to a wild and hilarious climax that even includes an appearance from the very ghost they warned about.

Behind the scenes, directing the production was no small feat. Drama advisor Jennifer Gualt shared that bringing the play to life meant juggling a lot of moving parts.

“I can’t say I have a definite approach unless you count what often appears to be scattergun or putting out the fire of that moment,” she said. “It is often what and who is in front of me and the deadlines that need filling first. 

“Cast came first since we share the gym, and the basketball season went well — that means we couldn’t start sets until the stage was no longer needed for games. In a district this size, you need to be willing to adjust to other groups using the spaces and students being gone at other events.”

The production also marked a special return to the director’s chair for Gualt, who led Wethersfield plays for 11 years before stepping back and handing the reins to Laura Evans for the last three productions. 

Now, after two years with no play at all, Gualt returned to lead the charge, continuing a legacy that began over 20 years ago with former director Cathy Dana.

Time was the biggest challenge in pulling everything together.

“Trying to get most of the cast to rehearsals when you’re dealing with sports, their work schedules, clubs, and other activities… it’s a lot,” Gualt explained. “And with different groups using the stage area, it became a big puzzle to solve every day.”

Despite the challenges, the cast and crew delivered a performance that had the audience laughing from beginning to end. Their hard work paid off — not just in the final performance, but in bringing the Wethersfield stage back to life with energy, teamwork and plenty of humor.

Cast:

• Calvin Taylor – Parker Miskinis
• Tippy Taylor – Emilia Escareno
• Kandy Taylor – Maci Hauser
• Kevin Taylor – Cheyton Feltz
• Kelly Taylor – Karlie Kravich
• Carrie Carter – Megan Oliver
• Sassy Dobler – Natalie Nelson
• Marsha Santini – Eva Ceja
• Eddie Delbert – Noah Feltner
• Aunt Cordelia Whimsey – Emersyn Nelson
• Cash Devine – Eastin Elton
• Louie – Layne Seiden
• Tim Kowalski – Eva Ceja
• Edgar Eagleton – Natalie Nelson
• Trudy Eagleton – Lajaya Angel
• Mrs. Eagleton – Annaleigh Feltz
• Officer Stark – Kaden Gradert

Crew:

• Arely Luna, Addison Looney, Lilly Clark, Joey Drawyer, Lauren Dana