“High school is all about power. Who has it, and who doesn’t.”

Bitter (played by Alexis Dykema) sums up the majority of the one act play, Power Play, by Lindsay Price.  Coming into the auditorium, I was not be sure what to expect.  This play comes bearing little to no set, simple costuming, and a modestly sized cast.  But boy, does it pack a punch.  Power play is easily something any audience member can relate to, and it’s sure to impress even the most skeptical of viewers.

This play takes place in your average American high school.  The characters, which are straightforward examples of your most common high school stereotypes, are Bitter (Alexis Dykema), Beaker (Sarah Haley), Beauty (Lisa Hanson, swing Liz Hicks), Belly (Andy Kleidon), and Brawn (Adam Whitt).  The chorus, composed of eight additional students, not only provide additional emphasis on the spoken parts of the main characters, but they also created the set and help paint a picture of high school in the minds of the audience.

At one time, the chorus acted as lockers.  Another, a back drop resembling a carnival.  But probably the most prominent of all examples is when they create the walls of a classroom.  This dynamic “set” brings a whole new perspective to the saying “The walls have eyes.”

All in all, the acting quality of this production was superb.  The actors and actresses embraced their characters, which not only helped add to the quality of the performance, but it also helped the audience relate to the story unfolding before their eyes.

The overall theme of this one act play is the idea of violence.  What is violence?  How do you recognize violence?  Is violence only physical? These are just a few of the mind boggling questions that are asked of the audience throughout the performance as you and the characters all try to understand the complexity of violence.

After viewing this performance, I was more aware of the “violence” in my every day life.  Seeing it a second time left me with the motivation to reduce this violence and help prevent the events that took place in the play from taking place in my life as well.

Throughout the play, a number of lighting and sound effects are used.  Although simple, these few effects really help set the mood of the play.  A number of times, a fire alarm is sounded. In addition to a very loud buzzer sound, the lights flash, giving you a sense of panic and reeling you into the play that much more.  For one scene there is carnival music playing that creates a sarcastic tone within the performance, even though it is a very serious subject being addressed.  There is even a gun shot sound, but to know why guns are involved, you’ll have to see that play for yourself.

There were very few issues with the performance, but if I were to make a suggestion it would be to have the chorus better timed with the main characters. Otherwise, the performance was brilliant and I would recommend it to everyone.

Intense scenes of suspense, captivating effects and props, and an emotionally impacting story — all things you will find when you see Power Play at St. Francis High School.