School’s back in person, and not only does that mean we get to drop our kids off every morning, but the student actors of Durango High School Troupe 1096 have announced their season as well.
And, they have announced that Patron Packages are now on sale. Kind of like season tickets, Patron Packages ensure purchasers tickets to the troupe’s three major shows and the annual Underclassmen Showcase as well as the ability to purchase additional tickets above your Patron package at a discount, said Troupe 1096 Director Ben Mattson.
This year’s season will feature (with summaries from the troupe’s website):
- “Addams Family: The Musical,” which will run Oct. 29 to Nov. 13. “A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.”
- Underclassmen Showcase, Jan. 6 and 7. A collection of student-directed work that showcases freshmen and sophomore actors, while giving juniors and seniors experience producing and directing shows. Free admission (donations accepted).
- “Radium Girls,” playing Feb. 18 to 26. “A play for family audiences. Based on the true story of the dial painters who made labor history. The story: 1926. Radium is a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity and luminous watches the latest rage. Until the girls who paint those watch dials begin to die. Based on the true story of the women and men who worked for the U.S. Radium Corp. in Orange, New Jersey.”
- “Into the Woods,” will close out the season April 28 to May 7. “The story follows a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.”
Mattson said people can sign up for Patron Packages online or they can print out a purchase flyer and mail it in with payment. Patrons may choose two-, three- or four-ticket packages. And, he said, not only will there be fewer packages available this year because of possible seating capacity regulations because of the ongoing pandemic, time is of the essence when buying the packages as well – this year’s deadline is Oct. 9.
Become a patron
To become a patron or to donate to Durango High School Troupe 1096, visit troupe1096.weebly.com.
And despite the fact that since the pandemic, the actors of Troupe 1096 united – even if only over Zoom – last season and put out solid, quality work, it’s great to be back in person and on stage, Mattson said.
“We’re so excited about it. Absolutely excited,” he said. “It’s been tough, we were really creative with what we did last year, I’m really proud of the work that we’ve done. But theater’s meant to live and breathe in the room, and I think we’re all ecstatic to be able to come together again. ... It’s awesome to be back in the heart of the high school for me and my students.”
katie@durangoherald.com
