For seven seniors, Little Shop of Horrors! was their final performance before graduating and moving on from high school theater. Some have been performing for over 10 years.
For his last show, Darren Hartley stepped into the lead role of Seymour. He’s been part of the Drama Club since second grade, and this was his 19th play. Darren was really happy with how the show turned out and wouldn’t change a thing.
To prepare for the role, Darren did tedious work to get his voice perfect for Seymour, watching many versions of Little Shop Of Horrors! Including the movie and the Broadway versions.
Hartley is going to miss the cast the most. He will pursue theatre in the future, since he was accepted in OU theatre. Despite his fun personality, how Hartley prepares for the show is completely different, choosing to sit in silence instead.
Ruthlynn Mejia-Evener has been with the theatre since Beverly Hillbillies in 6th grade. Mejia-Evener joined the theatre because of her friend, and it just stuck. The favorite memory she has from the show is going to the cast party and singing on top of her lungs all the songs of the play.
“It feels so surreal. It’s hard to grasp that this was my last show and not a fever dream,” stated Evener. She plans on pursuing theatre after high school, making sure to take a class for it in college. She will be back to FHS for the next plays produced.
The best part about the play or Drama Club in general for Mejia-Evener is getting to see how much the audience enjoys the show, proven when they chuckle. Mejia-Evener loved playing Chiffon because of her character’s sassy and lively personality. She connected with Chiffon easily because of her own focus and passion for living.
Caitlin Roddy joined Drama during 4th grade in a show called OH Horrors! It’s Murder! She debuted as an extra who got to dress up as the Phantom of the Opera. Roddy has been a part of 17 shows with the club.
“It’s bittersweet to leave all this behind, all the memories and fun, but I don’t have three-hour practices on Saturday, on the bright side,” explained Roddy.
Roddy’s favorite part of the plays was getting to be with her friends and putting on a fabulous show.
The best part about her character Ronette was her solos in the show. They were the most fun to learn, especially being accompanied by her mom Jeni Roddy, who recently stepped down from music production for the play.
Ross Hamilton has been part of the Drama club since sophomore year, Hamilton joined because of Ruthlynn’s urging. In the play, Hamilton played the character of Crystal, part of the trio. Hamilton enjoyed Crystal’s sassiness and getting to sing a solo the most.
“I’m sad to leave behind all the friends and memories of being a Senior. It does not feel real. If I could go back, I would have started Drama Club earlier,” stated Hamilton.
Hamilton’s most memorable moment is when, on the last show night, during a quick costume change, the dress got stuck in tights, and Hamilton walked on stage without noticing. The whole audience was laughing, which Hamilton did not realize until Mejia-Evener pointed it out.
“The funny part was the other Extras thought Ruthlynn was crying while she was actually laughing about the whole incident,” explained Hamilton
Sam Baker has been with the club for two years; Sam joined towards the end of Clue as a cop because Mejia-Evener recruited Baker. In the play, Sam was responsible for the star of the show, the Audrey 2 puppets. During show nights, Baker developed an unintentional ritual of clacking the giant folding fan and fanning other cast members. This became a sort of good luck charm.
“It’s a bit sad I joined so late, so I didn’t develop so much of an attachment compared to the other seniors. I’m going to miss everyone, especially the new friends I made along the journey,” stated Baker.
Drew Dumbaugh joined the theatre in the fall of 2024 for 12 Angry Jurors. With the suggestion of his friends, he gave it a shot. Dumbaugh played the character of the dentist Orin. The process of embodying the character was very difficult for him, as Orin’s character is very evil.
The most fun part about the character was the Elvis in him. Dumbaugh’s favorite backstage moment was created during show night when he got to smear the UV paint on himself, and Patrick even drew a smiley face.
“I am going to miss the theatre. I hope to get the chance to dabble in it in the future, but since I am an engineering major, I probably won’t have time,” stated Dumbaugh.
Christopher Woodring has been part of the theatre since Beverley Hillbillies. Woodring played the role of a bum; he had one of the hardest jobs behind the scenes, opening and closing the stage left side of the shop. He enjoyed his character, and how relaxed it was. Getting to sing was an extra bonus.
“I am going to miss Drama Club every moment since it has been the best for me,” stated Woodring. He is planning on going straight into the work force, but he wants to come to the future shows the club presents.
