Upcoming play showcases problems of post-war family

By Tempestt Daniel

Lane’s fall play All My Sons will debut on Nov. 10, and run through Nov. 14.

All My Sons portrays a family that struggles through lies, denial, death, and post-war trauma as they deal with the loss of the eldest son, Larry. The mother, Kate, is in denial over his death, while the father, Joe, values his business above all else. Along the way, the remaining son, Chris, decides to forge his own path and act on his love for his childhood friend, Ann Deever.

“It’s almost as complicated as a soap opera,” said the director Ms. Meacham, English teacher and Slam Poetry coach at Lane. “A man puts [business] before his country [and] before his family and friends.”

“[The play] is [complicated]. The characters have very high highs, and very low lows. There is really no in between,” said Ana Lovric, Div.267, who plays Kate.

To prepare for the play, student actors have been rehearsing every day from 3-6pm.

Rey Bautista, Div. 038, who is playing the character of Joe, said that he and his fellow cast members do more than just practice their lines.

“We do meditations, we do vocals, and tongue-twisters,” he said.

Some cast members admit that the long rehearsals have been grueling, despite their excitement for opening night.

“Rehearsals can be long and tiring, but a joke here and there can lighten up the mood,” said Ben Palmer, Div. 283, who plays Chris Keller.

Palmer said that the rehearsals are a learning experience, and they push cast members to follow their instincts. Cast members agree that rehearsals are necessary because the play is so complex.

“This is my first play at Lane, but from what I saw in the Laramie Project, we have a knack for choosing challenging topics,” Palmer said.

Despite the complexity of All My Sons, cast members believe it is a good play for Lane students to see.

“I think [the play’s message] still applies now. It’s a family drama [and] I think it’s important for us to see other people as humans who make mistakes,” said Meacham.

“The play is good for Lane students because it teaches strength of family and how above all, you need to be there for one another,” said Lovric.

Even though the cast admits that the play is a difficult one to perform, Meacham said that she is certain that they will be ready for their debut.