PHS students present play

Amid the chaos and confusion a play is born. Portales High School drama students will be performing the play “You Can’t Take It With You” beginning tonight and running through Monday evening.

Set in 1936, the play follows the Sycamore and Kirby families, one wealthy and the other not. The play focuses on the young son of the wealthy Kirby family, Tony, who falls in love with Alice, the daughter of the Sycamores, said Bill Strong, PHS drama teacher.

“It’s about a young girl who falls in love with the boss’ son,” Strong said.

The play follows the antics of both families as they struggle to meld their differences and find common ground, Strong said.

The cast for the play is comprised of students from freshman to seniors. Many of the students are returning to the stage, while a few of the students are on stage for the first time, Strong said.

“I’ve got a little bit of everything,” Strong said of his students.

Student Kyle Gainey is returning to the stage in the role of Grandpa. For 24 years Grandpa has not paid his income taxes and refuses to do so. At 75, he mostly just stays in the home, Gainey said.

“He really doesn’t do anything of much importance,” Gainey said.

He previously played the lead role in "The Good Doctor." For his role as Grandpa, Gainey was faced with the challenge of acting old, something he stated that he is not very good at.

Sophomore Bianca Nunez returns to the stage as the grand duchess. Though her role is small and occurs at the end of the play, she is excited to be in her first speaking role. Her challenge has been to play the snob, she said.

“I’m not used to being stuck up. I’m a humble person,” Nunez said.

Student Ethan Ortega was the set designer and has incorporated into the set many things that belong to his grandparents. The stage is designed to resemble a living/dining room of the era and is the home for the Sycamores, Strong said.

“This is one of the most detailed sets we’ve had since Little Women,” Strong said.

Due to the use of the auditorium for other events, the play was put together in just six weeks, Strong said.

“I’m very proud of the hard work all of my kids have put in and very appreciative of the families and the school. The kids have done a great job and they have worked real hard,” Strong said.

At a glance

What: “You Can’t Take It With You” drama production

Where: Portales High School Performing Arts Center

When: Today through Monday

Time: 7 p.m. on Oct. 5, 6, 8; 2 p.m. on Oct. 7

Cost: $3

For information, contact the Portales High School at 356-5831.