Fall play to be televised next week

Whitehall High School drama students have been working hard in anticipation of next week's televised performance of their annual fall play.

The performance of "Money to Burn" is scheduled for Friday, September 13 at 7 p.m. on Whitehall Low Power TV station 49.2.

The cast for the 2020 play is Charlynn Mercer, Emily Smith, Marcus Wait, Mia Ballard, Marissa Ellison, Kyra Oliverson, Gabriel Popalis, Levi Whitehurst, Connor Graham, Brook Ballard and Lita Wetherelt.

Director Marci Whitehurst feels this is a wonderful group of kids and they are really doing something special navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Several of the kids are new to drama and it is always fun to see kids step out and try something new. This group has come together to share laughs and work within the parameters of putting a show on during a pandemic. We are really thankful for the opportunity to have a show. A lot of cleaning and disinfecting happens. The kids are working hard to bring joy to the audience. They've put in a lot of time and energy to make it happen. I'm so proud of them," she said.

Written by Pat Cook, "Money to Burn" is described by Whitehurst as a con-artist comedy that involves three friends from college run six con artist businesses, but when one of their "clients" is a kleptomaniac who pays them with counterfeit money, the con artists find themselves in a con involving counterfeit bills.

With the help of another friend and a newly hired "bookkeeper", the group must figure out who is behind the fake money or be implicated themselves, all while dodging their landlady and an actual bad guy," she said. "This interesting plot will bring laughs for all ages. It takes place in a dilapidated apartment, so you never know what to expect."

The students and Whitehurst are also very thankful for the support they have received from the community this year.

"While this year looks different due to COVID, we are so grateful to bring a show to the community through our local television company. A big thank you to Whitehall Low Power Television for broadcasting our performance, the Country Store and to Ace Hardware for regularly donating paint," she said.