First fall drama production at AHHS this week

Eight-hundred and twenty-two years is a long time to wait.

Fortunately, the community does not have to wait that long as the Alexander Hamilton High School Drama Club presents its first-ever fall production, “An Evening of One Acts.”

A cast of 15 will present three one-act plays —“21 Chump Street” by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Rowing to America,” by Kitty Chen and “Waiting,” by Ethan Coen, Nov. 7, 8 and 9.

The production is the first time the school has put on a fall show. The selection of three dramatic pieces is new as well and offer an opportunity for those less inclined to sing and dance to show off their dramatic acting skills.

“It’s a great opportunity for students who are not great singers and dancers but are great actors,” Director Chris Guzman said.

“After the spring musical we had such great momentum to grow the program,” he said.

In another first, the production is being done in a much more intimate setting, where actors are playing to a smaller audience who sit right on the stage with them, rather than the 400-500 who usually fill the auditorium.

“Now the focus is on the black box feel of it,” Mr. Guzman said.

Senior Alanis Cabrera plays the role of Naomi in “21 Chump Street.” This is her sixth show at the school as performing is one of her passions. Alanis is a dancer with the Broadway Dance Center and has performed in a number of shows with her troupe.

Alanis said her character is an undercover cop who works in a high school.

“She came from a tough background and is trying to do better. She’s very driven, passionate,” Alanis added.

This is her first dramatic role and said the experience is completely different from the performances she has done in her school’s musicals, especially because she is used to having dancing roles.

“In this role I definitely have to focus in order to translate Naomi to the audience,” Alanis said.

“It makes me feel really proud, I really love to act and to see it grow. It makes me happy,” she said of being a part of the first fall show.

Senior Jon Tapia plays the very patient Mr. Nelson in “Waiting.” Last year was the first time he auditioned for one of his school’s production and performed in the spring musical “In the Heights.”

“I’ve always had a passion for music. This was breaking out of my shell,” he said of joining the spring cast.

He enjoyed the experience so much, not only did he come back for the fall show, but he is now considering studying the performing arts in college. He is interested in NYU for the performing arts or Malloy College for Musical Therapy.

“This is certainly the first time we are doing this kind of thing,” Jon said. “It gives us more of a chance for those who don’t get a lead, and for the director and all of us to pursue something on the dramatic performance end.”

“An Evening of One Acts,” will take place Nov. 7, 8, and 9 at 7 p.m. at Alexander Hamilton High School. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4429273

Please note, there are limited seating available.