“The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds”
and “The Real Inspector Hound”
Presented by Chatfield High School
By Paul Zindel and Tom Stoppard
7 p.m. May 6-8
Tickets $5-$10
7227 S. Simms St., Littleton
Call 303-982-3529 or go to
Descriptions:
“The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds”:
The play revolves around the dysfunctional family consisting of single mother Beatrice and her two daughters, Ruth and Tillie, who try to cope with their abysmal status in life. The play is a lyrical drama, reminiscent of Tennessee Williams’ style. Shy Matilda “Tillie” Hunsdorfer prepares her experiment, involving marigolds raised from radioactive seeds, for the science fair. She is, however, constantly thwarted by her mother Beatrice, who is self-centered and abusive, and by her extroverted and unstable sister Ruth, who submits to her mother’s will. Over the course of the play, Beatrice constantly tries to stamp out any opportunities Tillie has of succeeding, due to her own lack of success in life. As the play progresses, the paths of the three characters diverge: Tillie wins the science fair through perseverance; Ruth attempts to stand up to her mother but has a nervous collapse at the end of the play, and Beatrice-driven to the edge of sanity by her deep-seated enmity towards everyone-kills Tillie’s pet rabbit Peter and ends up wallowing in her own perceived insignificance. Despite this, Tillie (who is much like her project’s deformed but beautiful and hardy marigolds) secretly continues to believe that everyone is valuable.
“The Real Inspector Hound”:
The plot follows two theater critics named Moon and Birdboot, who are watching a ludicrous setup of a country house murder mystery, in the style of a whodunit. By chance, they become involved in the action causing a series of events that parallel the play they are watching.
Cast:
“The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds”:
Beatrice – Taylor Grogan
Nanny/Janice – Kacey Kemp
Ruth – Kaitlin de la Garza
Tillie – Wren Schuyler
“The Real Inspector Hound”
Moon – David San Miguel
Birdboot – Michael Leduc
Mrs. Drudge – Caty Herrick
Simon – Tim Werth
Felicity – Caylie Kalmbach
Cynthia – Kate Lewis
Magnus – Sebastian Wolfe
Inspector Hound – Spencer Althoff
Dead Body – Jack Olin
Previously at Chatfield High School:
“Hello Dolly”
All 2010 high-school theater schedules:
