Too often in Pacific Palisades some preteens and teens are highlighted in the news for the wrong reason. Now residents have a chance to support kids who are channeling their energies into positive activities, such as Paul Revere Middle School’s evening of one-act plays. Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest and Junie B Jones Is Not a Crook by Allison Gregory, run November 1 and 2 at the Revere auditorium, 1450 Allenford Avenue.
As actress Mary Kate Culbertson who plays Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest said, “One thing that has been really fun about this show is that we had to do British accents. I couldn’t do the accent at first, but now I can, and I talk in a British accent a lot outside of rehearsal. It took a little while to get all the jokes in the play but now that I do, I think it’s funny and clever.”
The Importance of Being Earnest tells the story of two men in 19th century England who both adopt the fictional identity of “Ernest” to escape their social obligations. Hilarity ensues as the two characters, Jack and Algernon, each face the consequence delivered by their alter, alter egos.
Based on the beloved series written by Barbara Park, the one-act play Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook will have you laughing out loud as Junie B. leans a little too hard into the unofficial rule of finder’s keepers, loser’s weepers. Should she keep what she’s found? Will the object help impress the new cute boy in kindergarten? Playing Junie in the Friday performance is Sarah Jung who said, “I really love my character, Junie B. Jones, and it is fun to channel and tune into her energy.”
Willoughby Thompson, who plays Handsome Warren in Junie, added, “I just really enjoy my character as Handsome Warren and I’m glad to be part of the play.”
The cast includes more than 40 young actors in grades 6 through 8, under the direction of Lara Ganz and Aaron Jung. The shows are double cast to allow more kids to have the spotlight.
Cubertson said, “Theater is a really fun experience because Lara Ganz works hard to bring the cast together.
The show is Friday, November 1 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 2 at 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at:
https://illumevate.ticketspice.com/pep-fall-2024-one-acts