BCMS presents 'Kokonut High' this weekend
Nearly 40 students from Buffalo Community Middle School have spent the past month preparing their annual play.
“Kokonut High” is the comedic story of a family-owned island resort off the coast of Florida that is desperate to generate income in the wake of a hurricane. After their insurance company declines to cover the cost of repairs, island residents hatch a plot to start a boarding high school with steep tuition fees.
“Basically, everything goes wrong,” said eighth-grader Keira Lemke. “There are some crooks trying to get the island too, but in the end it all turns out.”
What has been the best part of the preparation process?
“I just like seeing it all come together, the set and the props,” said sixth-grader Preston Young. “I’m excited to see how it goes over the weekend.”
Free shows are at 7 p.m. this Friday, Jan. 17, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, in the Discovery Center Auditorium.
Enthusiastic cast and crew
The cast began rehearsing in mid-December, just before break, and has accelerated its preparations with a full slate of dress rehearsals this week.
“It’s a very big show,” said director Debb Bestland. “It’s a straight out crazy – almost slapstick – comedy.”
Lemke is a key figure in the goofy plotline, a wacky island character named “Swampy” who dresses as a pirate and talks to a parrot, voicing both sides of the conversation.
“It was a little tricky at first, but it’s not bad when you know what you’re doing,” Lemke said, explaining that she changes voices to carry on the conversation. “I like my character a lot.”
Participating in last year’s BCMS show, and a few other productions in prior years, has helped take the edge off any nerves Lemke might feel before going on stage. Being surrounded by friends and gaining skills that apply directly to the classroom are other benefits of participation.
“This experience definitely helps in school, when we have to give presentations or speak,” Lemke said. “It also just helps us build social skills and teamwork, because we have to work together when we’re going on.”
For Young, who plays the role of “Roy Boy,” participating in the play is a chance to explore what a future career might look like.
“I’m just really interested in acting,” he said. “When I grow up I want to be a voice actor. I just think it looks like a fun job. I’ve always liked portraying characters, and it gives me an excuse to do funny voices.”
Bestland said the group has approached the production process with zest.
“They’re out to have a good time and they’re going to let you know it,” she said with a laugh. “They have a ton of energy. They’re a great group of kids to work with, and being part of this gives them a great sense of community. That makes it really, really fun.”
