Bothell High School Theatre Arts to present ‘The Wild & Woolly West’

The Bothell High School Theatre Arts Department is "puttin’ on an old-fashioned western mellerdrammer." A what? “'The Wild & Woolly West' is a melodrama, a fun genre of theater because it doesn't follow the normal laws of cause and effect,” explains guest director Tim Hagerman. “It has over-the-top displays of heroism and villainy.”

By Shannon Michael • February 25, 2010 6:54 pm
Pictured is the cast and crew of Bothell High’s production of “The Wild & Woolly West.' Front row
Pictured is the cast and crew of Bothell High’s production of “The Wild & Woolly West.' Front row

The Bothell High School Theatre Arts Department is “puttin’ on an old-fashioned western mellerdrammer.” A what?

“’The Wild & Woolly West’ is a melodrama, a fun genre of theater because it doesn’t follow the normal laws of cause and effect,” explains guest director Tim Hagerman. “It has over-the-top displays of heroism and villainy.”

That’s where the popcorn comes into play. Audiences will be encouraged to actively participate in the performance when they throw popcorn at villain Effingham Leffingwell, portrayed by senior Kevin Lin, every time he vexes the heroine Rosemary Lane, performed by junior Dana Floberg.

“The Wild & Woolly West,” written by Paul Loomis, opens at 7:30 p.m. March 5 in the Black Box Theatre on the Bothell High campus. Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. March 6, 11, 12 and 13, with a 2 p.m. matinee March 13.

For Floberg, this is her first leading role in a high-school production.

“I play Rosemary Lane, the innocent and virtuous school teacher who finds herself stranded in the Wild West. The most powerful aspect of her personality is her unbelievable sincerity. She is always very genuine, which I think audiences will appreciate,” she said.

Lin, on the other hand, is not only involved in this production, but is also in rehearsals for “The Music Man,” Bothell’s spring musical opening in mid-May. For “The Wild & Woolly West,” Lin is looking forward to seeing how audiences, who’ve never seen a melodrama before, will respond.

“Children and adults alike will be sitting on their edge of their seats, cheering on the hero and booing the villain. They can expect an unforgettable show,” he said.

Tickets for “The Wild & Woolly West” will be $8 adults and $5 students with an ASB card; cash or check only. Ticket sales begin one hour prior to show time, with doors to the theater opening 30 minutes before each show. All performances are in the Black Box Theatre, located just to the right of the Northshore Performing Arts Center on the Bothell campus at 18125 92nd Ave. N.E.

For more information, visit the Bothell drama site.