Sammi Carr's The Jaguars’ Spot column for Wed., Nov. 01, 2006

Bang, Bang You’re Going to Be Amazed

VCHS’ upcoming, “Bang, Bang You’re Dead,” is a powerful stage production that dramatizes the devastating effects of violence in schools.

In the play, the main character, Josh, is confronted by the spirits of the seven people he murdered in a Columbine-like shooting rampage.

I talked this week with “Bang, Bang’s” student director, Kelie Mac. Because she acted in last year’s production, I asked Kelie if directing changed her perspective of the show. “It makes you see the play from different perspectives. It has helped me see the whole picture better; from both the actor’s and director’s points of view. When you’re acting, you know your individual job and do it to the best of your ability. As director, you have to see all the actors’ parts as well as how their performances will affect the audience.”

With only a month until opening night, the pressure’s really on–especially since Drama teacher, Mr. Ward, asked the kids to put on the play a few weeks earlier than usual so that fellow students would have more time for the play’s powerful message to sink in. “With all the talent we have in the Drama Class, I’m not the slightest bit worried it won’t be the best ‘Bang, Bang’ yet,” he confidently noted.

Kelie added, “‘Bang, Bang You’re Dead’ is an intensely serious play that has changed people’s lives. All that the cast and myself ask is that if you come to see the show with an open mind.”

How has it changed lives? Consider this: Two years ago, a woman was in the audience who was actually in the process of planning her own suicide. After seeing the performance, she left a note to the cast explaining how grateful she was to them and that the play had saved her life. The same woman returned last year and stood up in the audience and told her story to everyone there. There was a hardly a dry eye in the house. So, I strongly recommend you see this show. I guarantee you’ll never forget it. With what’s been going on at schools across the country the past few weeks, it’s more relevant than ever.

In addition to several school shows, the play will have three public performances at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 29, 30 and December 1.

Here’s Something I Betcha Didn’t Know:

Believe it or not, there are only two more High School football games left -- not counting the playoffs, which we hope to play in -- so if you haven’t made it yet, do consider catching a game. They’re tons of fun. Varsity games usually start at around 6:30 p.m. and go until about 9:30 p.m., sometimes a little later.

Know something I don’t know? Catch me on campus or send me an e-mail at sammi@carrfamily.com.

See ya. Sam.