This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Oct. 27, 2011 - Tales of haunted houses, paranormal activity, and other terrifying fantasies have been told thousands of times. It is no secret that people are attracted to the suspense and the thrill so prominent in a horror story, especially in the chilling month of October when everyone's minds are on the upcoming Halloween. This October was no exception with the terror raging in Bishop DuBourg High School's Oct. 22 performance of "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson.
The play captures a week in the lives of four unsuspecting strangers who come together in the famously haunted Hill House to discover the secrets hidden in the walls and perhaps figure out why the house is disturbed. The show took a chilling turn for the worse as the week went on and the strangers not only grew more comfortable with each other but also with the house.
Eleanor Vance (Laura Cole) is the first of the four strangers to arrive. Eleanor is a frantic young woman unfortunately plagued with deep psychological issues that began with the death of her mother. Cole worked hard to maintain a clear projection and stay in touch with her character.
Luke Sanderson (Phill Kosta) is a sarcastic, cocky, and humorous young man. He is also the romantic interest of the play, demonstrating a clear liking for Eleanor throughout. Kosta had outstanding confidence and was constantly acting and reacting, along with showing off energetic body language.
Theodora (Charlene Haparimwi) and Dr. Montague (James Haessig) portrayed the other two members of the group, Theodora being Eleanor's best friend and Dr. Montague being the leader of them. Both actors were booming with energy and captured the attention of the audience. Overall the acting was well rehearsed and energetic, although some actors had a tendency to recite their lines without the emotion necessary for such a complex show.
Emily Pitti, Nina Rudin, and Katie Sudhodt contributed to the make-up in the show. Between Eleanor's rouge lips and Dr. Montague's deep wrinkles and smoky grey hair, it is fair to say the make-up crew did a praiseworthy job. The make-up truly helped to pronounce each character as much as possible.
The technical contributions, such as sound and lighting, helped to create a terrifying drama that left the audience shaking in fear. The sound crew included Tyler Lawson, Patrick Barkofske, Maggie Wells, and Ethan Trower. The sound intensified the show with the haunting laugh of a demon and the piercing cry of an infant. The light crew also helped to create a petrifying performance, especially when using a creepy green spotlight at the conclusion of the play.
"The Haunting of Hill House" was certainly a chilling tale and the cast and crew from Bishop DuBourg High School performed it well.
About the Cappies
The Critics and Awards Program for high school theater -- known as Cappies -- was formed in the aftermath of the Columbine shooting to celebrate writing and performing arts at America's high schools. It operates chapters across the nation.
St. Louis' program was launched in 2002-03.
At the end of the year, the top performers, technicians and reviewers are honored during a Tony-style gala.
The Beacon is happy to help spread the word by printing some reviews.
Laura Townsend is a student at Clayton High School.