The Jefferson High Theater Department staged its first performances of the school year this Nov. 21-23, with “A Trip to the Moon” by Tracy Wells. The play consisted of a series of sketches revolving around the 1969 U.S. moon landing, and humorously examined culture and social politics of the time.
“This one’s been fun,” said JHS Theater Director Mike Hesford, who himself participated as a cast member. “I think this is the last time any of you will see me on this stage. I’ll be directing, but it’s just way too much to also act. But these kids have worked really hard, and it shows.”
Hesford, who played a crotchety father to a Woodstock bound flower-child, was joined by JHS guidance counselor Devyn Ottman and history teacher Cody Ottman in bringing mid-century parenting foibles to life. More than 40 students from introductory and advanced drama courses completed the cast.
“This time period has so much to play with: the hair, the music, the costumes. And it turned out well. I’m really proud of this group,” said Hesford.
The play, peppered with snippets of 60’s music, colorful costumes, and ostentatious characters, allowed students, and audiences, to engage with key moments in American history — the advancement of women in the workplace, the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War, and, most prominently, the moon landing.
“My son’s a hippie and a reverend tonight,” said JHS parent Kris Hill. “So, obviously, there’s quite a range in this one.”
Now that “A Trip to the Moon” has completed its fall showing, the JHS theater program will prepare for the Montana Thespian Festival Jan. 24-25 at the University of Montana.
