A small town is illuminated under the heat-radiating stage lights. Sweetgum, Texas, shimmers in a rendition of the Last Round-Up of the Guacamole Queens that opens tonight.
Set to be performed on Oct. 3-5, the Last Round-Up of the Guacamole Queens is a comedy show written by Nicholas Hope, Jessie Jones, and Jamie Wooten, depicting the story of the residents of Sweetgum, Texas, as they scramble to put together one final high school reunion before the school is demolished.
“This show is about three cousins who…with [the help of] their family and friends [work] to plan their last high school reunion,” said sophomore and production stage manager, Mary Shammas. “Things don’t exactly go according to plan.”
Leander, though no small town, shares similar characteristics with Sweetgum, a place riddled with familiarity. The script’s ironically amusing relatability lured several participants to audition.
“I had already been planning on auditioning [for the autumn show], but when I read the script, I loved it,” said sophomore Collyn Handberry, the actor of Aubrey Verdeen. “It’s… a funny show, and you can really relate to the ‘small-town life’ of the [story]. This show has brought new and amazing talent into the program.”
The production has nurtured new blood within the program. Students have been given opportunities to work outside their normal roles.
“There are… people in this production who [have never] been in a play before… it’s brought new friendships together,” said junior Brooklyn Logan, the show’s costume designer. “This was my first time [working on tech crew] for a production. [We’ve] been working hard to make costumes which has been very fun, since it’s a new experience for me – [I am] usually an actor. I have loved seeing the technical side of things in this show.”
Challenges regarding set rearrangements due to construction ensued, but the age-old catchphrase held true: the show must go on.
“As the first show of the school year, we’ve had to build a whole new set and stage in the Black Box… Everyone in the department has contributed in some way to put this show on,” said junior Sophia Straus, the actress responsible for the role of Peaches Verdeen Belrose. “[Despite that,] being involved in this show has been a really enjoyable experience… I [am] really excited to be able to participate this year. Even when I’m tired, or have had a long day at school, it’s a lot of fun to come to rehearsal and do what I love with my friends.”
Despite obstacles, whether it be disruptions to routines or an introduction to new environments, students in the program continue to find support from their family and friends.
“At first [I felt] like an outsider,” said Carolina Flores, who plays Cee-Cee Windham. “[Now] I feel a lot better – I’ve made friends. That’s not to say I haven’t struggled. The biggest challenge [has been] making time for friends and family. My biggest motivation is knowing that the people who have supported me… be there, and can see all the work [we’ve put] in. [At the end of the day], it’s like any other Leander Theater performance: interesting, bold and incredibly funny.”
