Mid-November is more than just the half-way point between Halloween and Thanksgiving. It is also the height of fall play season at our area schools for our local young thespians. It is also way too early for Christmas music, but I digress. Check out some of the many local options you have to support the arts at our local schools: Lake Catholic High School Lake Catholic Performing Arts is excited to present “An Evening of David Ives One Act Plays” on the Lake Catholic stage under the direction of David Malinowski. The show runs Nov.  22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. in the Lake Catholic High School auditorium. Tickets for the show are available online at lakecatholic.ludus.com/ or at the door. The tickets are no longer sold in the spirit store. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 65+ and alumni and $7 for student’s high school age and younger or children ages 2-17. David Ives is an American playwright who is best known for his one-act comedies “All in the Timing” and “Time Flies.” “All in the Timing” won the Outer Critics Circle Playwriting Award, ran for two years Off-Broadway, and in the 1995-1996 season was the most performed play in the country after Shakespeare productions. Lake Catholic Performing Arts is thrilled to bring to the stage six uniquely different Ives pieces that will have you laughing in your seats. Malinowski, a professional actor and director and the Roger and Anne Clapp Chair of Performing Arts at The Fine Arts Association, is excited about the collaboration between Lake Catholic and The Fine Arts Association. “I have really enjoyed getting to know the kids and working with them on this production, and the whole Lake Catholic community has been extremely welcoming,” Malinowski said. “I know this is a rebuilding year for the program, which is why I chose pieces that are light-hearted, fun and easily cast.” Along with some returning members to the stage there are some new faces coming out of the shadows of the pit or backstage crew as well as new freshmen to the program. Junior Josh Skunda, who spent time on crew and in the pit, is excited to try out his acting skills as Don in “Universal Language” and will play opposite junior Kimmy Wiertel as Dawn. Sophomore Vince Regano, who will portray Rob in “Captive Audience,” is no stranger to the Lake Catholic stage. Before he even attended Lake Catholic, Vince had guest roles as Jerome in Lake Catholic’s production of “South Pacific” (2019) and as Phillip Cratchit in “A Christmas Carol” (2022) and recently portrayed Rusty Charlie in last spring’s production of “Guys and Dolls.” “I’m enjoying being back on the stage with my friends” Regano said. “I really like being part of these productions each year, and I hope the audience enjoys the performances as much as we enjoy playing the characters.” While the action on the stage is what the audience sees, the crew behind the scenes is an important part of any production. From hair and makeup, to props and sound, to staging each scene by the backstage crew, each piece is vital to the success of the show. This production’s crew is made of students from every grade level with a nice mix of veterans and new crew members, and all are under the leadership of junior Rosie Orlando, assistant to the director. Prior to coming to Lake Catholic, Rosie was involved in the performing arts at St. Mary’s of the Assumption, and this is her 10th production on crew and her sixth as a leader on crew. “I enjoy being part of the process and seeing it develop from the beginning stages to the finished product on stage,” Rosie said. “I hope the audience gets a good laugh while seeing the different personalities of each character and that they can see all the hard work that has been put into this production.” Riverside High School Riverside High School Theatre will present “Death by Chocolate” by Paul Freed on November 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this production are $10 presale and $12 at the door. They can be purchased at rivbeavs.booktix.com. Please contact Riverside Theatre at [email protected] with any questions. “Death By Chocolate” is a fast-paced murder mystery set against a backdrop of indulgence and intrigue. As the plot thickens, characters find themselves unraveling clues, navigating secrets, and trying to solve a crime. But don’t be fooled by the sweetness of the title; the play is full of sharp turns, unexpected reveals, and suspense. “Both the cast and crew have worked incredibly hard to create something truly special for you, our audience,” says Brad Allen, director, designer and technical director of “Death by Chocolate.” “From the very first read-through to the performances, the dedication and passion of each individual involved has been nothing short of inspiring. The cast has put in countless hours of rehearsal, bringing their characters to life with energy, wit and charm. Their commitment to the material and to each other has been a driving force throughout this process. The chemistry between them on stage is a testament to their hard work and their ability to trust and support one another.” Senior Jackson Vargo, who is playing the role of Ralph Deadwood in “Death by Chocolate” and was recently cast in the Ohio Thespian All-Ohio production of “John Proctor is the Villain,” said the challenge of characterization for this show was making the characters unique from previous characters seen on the stage. “Audiences will enjoy this show because the cast of characters are absolutely hilarious and their relationships with each other add to the humor and mystery of the show,” Jackson says. Stage managers Grace Schneider and Agata Soltys, seniors at Riverside High School, have worked diligently to create a cohesive and seamless production. The stage managers not only spend time organizing the creative process of the technical team but also work daily with the cast and directors to produce the most professional production possible. “I love to see the show come together and how everyone’s hard work pays off from the first read through to the final bow,” Agata says. “Although there are challenging moments during the production,” Grace adds, “it ends up being very rewarding. It is amazing how even with the chaos, it all works out in the end.” “I am incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished,” Allen says, “and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic that has come from their hard work. This show has been a true team effort, and it’s been a privilege to direct such a talented and passionate group of student artists.” Madison High School Madison High School Thespian Troupe #2425 presents “The Curious Savage” in the MHS Lecture Hall on Nov. 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at madisonschools.net on the Athletics page under tickets. Tickets cost $7 for students and senior citizens 65+ and $10 for adults. Coming Soon November 28 – “Matilda” at Fine Arts Association Young Thespians is a column focusing on youth theatre. When are your fall productions? E-mail [email protected] or post them on our “Young Thespians” Facebook group page so we can get you on our calendar!