Somewhere Else Dreams
at Bishop Miege High School

Reviewed on February 21, 2020

Lindsay Vanover
Platte County High School
Submitted for publication to KC Star Online

COOLER THAN ICED TEA, SWEETER THAN HONEY

We've all heard of the American Dream. Building your life from the ground up. Working hard and getting things done. When you live in a small town, moving to the big city is all you can think of. Nothing is more tempting than the glowing city lights of New York. But will it truly make you happy? Dive in deep in the heart of the south in Bishop Miege High School's production of SOMEWHERE ELSE DREAMS.

This relatively young play, written by Jeffrey Strausser, centers around a small American diner in Texas. Ashlee, a happy go lucky waitress, dreams of moving to New York City and living the life she's always wanted. However, ties hold her to her hometown, surrounded by a wacky group she makes her family. Between nursing home escapees, confused cooks, and a used lawnmower salesman, she's got more than just burgers on her plate.

Ashlee, played by Merrin O'Connor, is the perfect sugar-sweet southern belle. Her soft accent drips like honey, swooning everyone on and off stage. With her beaming smile and non-stop charm, O'Connor is the pinnacle of an "All-American Sweetheart." But her love with farmboy Earl is even sweeter. Played by Evan Parra, Earl is the honey to her bee. The pair, while not the most well off, have big hearts and bigger dreams. They bounce off of each other's infectious energy, creating a dynamic and entertaining relationship.

However, the highlight of the show was the vivacious elderly couple, Roy and Mary. Played by George Ruf and Katie Taylor respectively, the two brought a new level of energy to the stage, providing countless belly-laughs and plenty of comedic relief. With Taylor crawling across the stage to hide from the police and Ruf's goofy mannerisms, any time the couple was seen on stage, hilarity was sure to ensue.

The nostalgic set, checkered tile and all, was filled with an abundance of props, designed by Joseph Vogt. Every detail was put in place for a reason, from the ketchup bottles to the rusty lawnmower (yes, lawnmower). Clad in blue and white dresses, the waitresses of the diner each were characterized in their own way, sneaking a peek into their intricate pasts in their short time on stage. Special makeup, by Leo Gajewski and Katie Taylor, elevated the actors' characters, emphasizing Roy and Mary's old age along with bent shoulders and canes.

All the actors on stage worked together to create a classic small-town feel. With witty banter and dynamic relationships, they took us into their rich and meaningful lives. While some scenes could have built up intensity for a more dramatic effect, overall, the actors took what they were given and ran with it.

Through million-dollar mishaps, a cast of zany characters, and lots of sweet tea, Bishop Miege High School's production of SOMEWHERE ELSE DREAMS reminds us of where we came from. Just because you have big dreams doesn't mean you can't appreciate life along the way.

Andrew Plymell
Platte County High School
Submitted for publication to Daily Journal

ORDER UP!

Everyone's hometown diner is a gathering place, where one can meet up with close friends and zany strangers. The smell of warm, sweet apple pie drifts through the air, mixed with sounds of popping grease and lard. In this bustling place, sweet southern belles serve as waitresses, charming you with their country accent and bright smiles. In the midst of all this, a single waitress longs for a better life elsewhere. As the All-American Diner is brought to life on stage, this waitress will find hope despite all odds in Bishop Miege High School's production of SOMEWHERE ELSE DREAMS.

Written by Jeffery Strausser in 2005, SOMEWHERE ELSE DREAMS is beginning to gain interest in the theatrical community. The play opens on Ashlee Martin, the aspiring waitress who longs to escape from her little town of Jacksonville, Texas. Along with an eccentric cast including a retirement facility escapee, a lawnmower salesman, and a comedic welder, Ashlee learns that her dreams of a better life were always in her hometown.

Merrin O'Connor stars as Ashlee Martin, our waitress-heroine. With her bubbly and bouncy personality, O'Connor's spirit and devotion creates a true southern service. Her emotions are strong and evident, as we see her progress throughout the story. Alongside Ashlee, Jackie Brown (Johanna Quigley) embodies a sweet and sarcastic presence. Her facial expressions and comedic relief creates an unique contrast to the perky personality of O'Connor. Along with their fellow waitresses, played by Stacy Ritz, Elena Nguyen, and Francesca Dessert, their presence helps their customers feel right at ease in their diner.

A standout in the show, Ed Granger (Paul Ruf) offers an unique 'taste' of the diner's staff. His child-like attitude helps break up some moments in the show with superior hilarity. Furthermore, his growth within the show is reflected in his love/hate relationship with his mother, Mary Granger. Played by Katie Taylor, Mary steals the show with her escapee antics and an adorable relationship with lawnmower salesman, Roy Stevens (George Ruf). Their shenanigans together, ranging from handcuffs to marriage, help the audience to roar with laughter.

Featuring edible apple pie and hamburgers, the props under Joseph Vogt are outstanding. In addition to this, many props featured include drinkable tea, condiment bottles, and even a full-size lawnmower. Meanwhile, Leo Gajewski and Katie Taylor head a spectacular makeup and hair team. Their attention to detail and design within the old-age makeup and hair, greatly enhances both the elderly characters and the show altogether. Despite some minor microphone problems and a few slow transitions, the show bustled on with the cast's endless supply of energy, pushing towards the enchanting finale.

Picture perfect, the story concludes on a high note. As the lights dim in Bishop Miege's diner for the last time, our crew of bizarre characters are gathered together, content and falling in love. After all, everyone's hometown diner is a gathering place.

Lillian Garcia
Belton High School
Submitted for publication to The Pitch

ALL AMERICAN DINER DREAMS

Have you ever felt like you were meant for something more? Have you ever dreamed of big things such as getting away from your hometown and winning a million dollars? Then you are not alone. The cast and crew of SOMEWHERE ELSE DREAMS from BISHOP MEIGE HIGH SCHOOL tell the story of someone just like you!

The story of SOMEWHERE ELSE DREAMS is that of a girl named Ashlee Martin from the small town of Jacksonville, Texas. She works in a small All American Diner and loves serving the customers that are just like a family to her. One day, the boy she gets misty eyes for realizes he has just won the lottery! However, the fantasy does not last forever when they find out there has been a big mistake.

Merrin O'Connor does an indescribable job of portraying the bubbly and loving Ashlee Martin. She is able to show the confidence and spunk that comes with Ashlee's character. She has enjoyable characterization and chemistry with all her fellow actors throughout the show. The physical contact and relationships between Ashlee and the rest of the cast helps add to the small-town love of the show. Evan Parra plays Earl Childers. When he shows how heartbroken and foolish his character has been, it is a heartbrokenness that is shared with the audience.

George Ruf is the hilariously caring cook of the All American Diner, Ed Granger. George Ruf adds a fantastic touch to the show with his ability to show what tough love truly means. Katie Taylor plays Mary Granger, Ed Granger's crazy mother. The relationship that builds throughout the show between the two is bittersweet. As the show progresses, the true love Ed has for his mother is revealed in a heartwarming way.

Some notable tech of this show would have to be the costumes. Maizie Young, Amy Patterson, and Riley Hagen do an excellent job of showing the simple feel of small-town, southern Texas through their costumes. All the costumes look beautiful next to each other and have interesting color coordination for the whole cast. Props have also done a noteworthy job. They are able to connect all the actors to the setting through their choices of props. Each prop has a specific placement and helps to create the atmosphere.

One thing that could use some improvement to this show would be the cast's ability to keep their energy throughout the show. The start of the show was unbelievably energetic, yet as the show progresses, the energy seems to fade. However, there are plenty of qualities of the show that redeems itself.

Overall, BISHOP MEIGE HIGH SCHOOL has a fantastic performance of SOMEWHERE ELSE DREAMS. The entire cast is dedicated to their characters and creates a realistic story. The ensemble of the show has incredible facial expressions and reactions. When actors are not saying lines, they keep themselves busy in realistic ways. This show will leave you hungry for more of the All American Diner.