The cast of "It's a Wonderful Life," the LCHS group interpretation entry at sectionals this Saturday at Belleville West High School, rehearses Tuesday in costume for the first time.

LCHS speech team offers preview night Thursday

[March 13, 2013]  Lincoln Community High School's speech team begins its group season this Saturday at Belleville West High School with both group interpretation and drama entries, but the community can get a free sneak peak Thursday night at 7 in the LCHS auditorium.

The drama production of David Lindsay-Abaire's "Good People," a 40-minute cutting of the 2011 Tony-nominated play, will begin at 7 p.m.

The group interpretation entry, a 30-minute ensemble representation of Frank Capra's landmark film "It's a Wonderful Life," will follow.

Both productions will pack up sets, costumes, props, makeup and make the trek south to compete at the sectionals in Belleville. Of those in each sectional, the top two dramas and the top three groups move forward to the state competition at University of Illinois in Springfield the following Saturday.

Junior Konnor Browne has his bow tie fixed
by senior Wyatt Phillis.

LCHS' "Good People" is directed by 2003 LCHS graduate Betsy Buttell Landes and features senior Sara Shane as Margaret, senior Wyatt Phillis as Stevie, freshman Braden Tanner as Mike, junior Madison Bishop as Dottie, senior Grace Sheley as Jean, and senior Shakia Dawson as Kate. Crew members include junior Brad Miller and senior Brock Bleess as well as members of the group interpretation team.

LCHS' "It's a Wonderful Life" is directed by Jennifer Keith and is an ensemble representation where many students play multiple roles and dress identically in order to tell the story.

Junior Matthew Langdon plays the role of George Bailey, and Tanner plays Clarence the Angel. Additionally, Phillis takes on the roles of Mr. Potter, Harry Bailey and Uncle Billy, while junior Justin Broom is Mr. Gower and Sam Wainwright. Junior Konnor Browne plays Pa, and seniors Tegan Follis, Sheley and Kendall Katz are the Angels who give Clarence the orders to help George. Senior Jacqueline Keysear plays the role of Mary, while Shane tackles Ma and Janie. Junior Joella Vermeire is Ruth Dakin Bailey, and freshman Rebekah Harpin is Zuzu.

The students have roughly four weeks from the end of the individual season in late February to put together these two productions and travel with them to competition. Currently, only 60 schools in Illinois offer these group activities, and LCHS is one of the lucky ones keeping this tradition alive.

The community's support is more than welcome at the free showing Thursday.

[Text from file received from Jennifer Keith Lincoln Community High School]