Smile Politely

Behind the scenes with Penny Dreadful Players before Hazelwood Jr. High

On November 3rd and 4th, the Penny Dreadful Players present Hazelwood Jr. High by Rob Urbinati at University Place Christian Church. Directed by Christine Pallon and assistant directed by Gracie McCall, Hazelwood Jr. High‘s unconventional coming-of-age story poses difficult questions about cycles of abuse, identity, and peer pressure. 
 
Based on a true story, Urbinati’s play follows 12-year-old Shanda as she tries fit in at her new school, Hazelwood Jr. High. It’s 1991 in her small Indiana town, and her biggest worries are making friends and finding the perfect outfit for her first day of school. She soon finds herself in a love triangle that makes her the target of bullying and harassment at the hands of her jealous classmate Melinda. 
 
Doors open at 7 p.m. and performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on November3-4. Performances will take place in the basement of University Place Christian Church (UPCC) at 403 S Wright St. Tickets available at the door. $5 for students, $7 for non-students. Run time is approximately 90 minutes without intermission. 
 
HAZELWOOD JR. HIGH CAST

Gita Golonzka as SHANDA

Deiarah Wright as AMANDA

Caitlin Elliott as MELINDA

Molly Petray as HOPE

Greer Durham as TONI

Alicia Hurtado as LAURIE 

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