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Arts & Entertainment

Liggett Players Take the Stage After Banner Year

Fall production of 'Brighton Beach Memoirs' open Nov. 1

 

GROSSE POINTE WOODS - Last summer, the Liggett Players were one of ten programs from around the country to perform on the main stage at the Educational Theatre Association International Thespian Festival. In addition to that honor, Liggett students Henry Duhaime, Patrick Diaz, Stella Gatzke, and Alec Josaitis earned top rankings for individual event performances at the festival.  Scenic designer Beth Ottosen was selected as the top set designer in the nation and participated in the International Individual Events Showcase.  So the question has to be asked, what do you do for an encore?

The Players take to the stage this fall with another ambitious production schedule. They open their season with Neil Simon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” and follow that with a trip to the state theater festival to present Athol Fugard’s “Master Harold and the Boys.”  The spring musical will be “Crazy for You.” Under the direction of award-winning educator Dr. Phillip Moss, the Players once again look to delight their audiences while reaching for challenges. 

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“We set our goals high, and work hard to reach them,” said senior Alec Josaitis. He is one of a small group of students working on the self-directed production of “Master Harold.”

“Doc has provided us with a great foundation, support, and inspiration. That’s what helps us push ourselves to do good work,” smiles Robert Babcock, senior technical director.  

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“It’s my senior year and I’m looking forward to really doing our best work,” added senior scenic designer Beth Ottosen. 

“We are blessed with engaged and talented students who really work through the process and as a result they are able to do amazing things,” Moss said. “There are a lot of programs that do good work, but the difference for us, is that our students are in charge, they design, implement, and run the show. When you see the work you can’t help but be impressed with the quality and effort of these kids.”

“Brighton Beach Memoirs” features three students who have earned the theatrical equivalent of all-American status.  Henry Duhaime will play Eugene Jerome,  Stella Gatzke plays his mother, and the scenic design was created by Beth Ottosen. Not to be left out the other Liggett Player all-American Alec Josaitis is directing and starring in “Master Harold.” 

The play runs November 1-3 in the main auditorium at University Liggett School.  Curtain is 8 p.m. each night.  Tickets for all Liggett Players productions can be purchased online here.

University Liggett School is Michigan’s oldest, co-educational, pre-K through grade 12, independent day school.  University Liggett School does not discriminate unlawfully against any person on the basis of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected class as provided by applicable law.

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