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2009-11-21

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Lifestyles

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 11:51 AM

Photo by Elliot J. Sutherland/The Ottawa Herald

Ottawa High School students, from left, Nick Hermreck, Mercedes Olivas and Elizabeth Rein rehearse Monday night for a play called “Dance With Me” at Ottawa Municipal Auditorium, 301 S. Hickory St., Ottawa. The play is part of a bigger show called “Jellybean Conspiracy” and includes the play, along with poems, monologues and videos. The Jellybean Conspiracy Project brings high school theater and special education departments together to produce the show.

‘Jellybean Conspiracy’ puts differences on center stage

By BRIAN WILLIAMS, Herald Staff Writer

The idea that our differences tie us together is examined in an Ottawa High School production this weekend.

“The point of the play is to literally show people that different does not mean ‘bad,’” Chanlynn Tatum, Ottawa High School language arts teacher and director of “The Jellybean Conspiracy,” said.

“The Jellybean Conspiracy” is a two-act production with the first act being a compilation of monologues, poems, videos and short scenes. The second act is Linda Daugherty’s play, “Dance With Me,” which is about a teenager who has Down syndrome and the relationships developed with others.

The lead in the play is played by Mercedes Olivas, who has Down syndrome. Her character will have a helper on stage who is written into the play for assistance if needed.

“He will be dressed all in black. His character represents her idol in the play, Garth Brooks. And he will be doing this during the production,” Tatum said. “It’s just a method to help Mercedes out if she gets ‘stuck.’”

The play combines the high school’s theater and special education departments, as well as members of COF. Also, the Ottawa High School Cytones will perform the song “Don’t Laugh at Me.”

“The reason it’s unique is mainly due to the ‘combining of forces’ with ‘The Jellybean Conspiracy,’ OHS and the community. We’re pulling in all ages and types for this performance to give to the public/community a sense of what acceptance and tolerance really means,” Tatum said.

“People can be so great, but one of our weaknesses as a society, in my opinion, is that people shrink away from what they do not understand. This play delivers an understanding,” Tatum said.

“Understanding is what gives us the courage to become better human beings and evolved individuals. This play helps deliver just that.”

The cast of the play seems to have grasped that idea.

“The kids have all made strong bonds with each other, and they have done so great with helping each other out,” Tatum said.

Performances will be 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Ottawa Municipal Auditorium, 301 S. Hickory St.

“It’s a different type of play, but ultimately rewarding,” Irene Eisenbise of Accessible Arts Inc., said.

Accessible Arts Inc. is an independent not-for-profit arts and disabilities organization that is funding the production of the show through a grant.

After the Sunday performance, the organization will provide a dinner that is free to the public at 5 p.m. in Ottawa High School’s Cyclone Room, 1120 S. Ash St., as well as a workshop for families called “Families with a Beat,” Eisenbise said.

Reservations for the dinner and workshop are required and can be made by calling (785) 229-8020.

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‘Jellybean Conspiracy’ puts differences on center stage

By BRIAN WILLIAMS, Herald Staff Writer

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.