Although school has only been in session for a month, the students in the Ballard High School drama department have had plenty of time to get their fall play together.
The play, which debuted last night, is a comedy by Mark Twain that is adapted by David Ives called “Is he dead?”
Synopsis: Jean-Francois Millet, a young painter of genius, is in love with Marie Leroux but in debt to a villainous picture-dealer, Bastien Andre. Andre forecloses on Millet, threatening debtor’s prison unless Marie marries him. Millet realizes that the only way he can pay his debts and keep Marie from marrying Andre is to die, as it is only dead painters who achieve fame and fortune. Millet fakes his death and prospers, all while passing himself off as his own sister, the Widow Tillou. Now a rich “widow,” he must find a way to get out of a dress, return to life, and marry Marie.
Performances are at the Earl Kelly Performing Arts Center at BHS (1418 NW 65th St) at 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, then again next week on October 20th, 21st and 22nd. Tickets are $10 for students under 18 and senior citizens. Adults are $15. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online here. (Photos courtesy Haley Blavka.)
