By Emily W

This past weekend, “Charlotte’s Web” played its first two shows at the Stuttgart Theatre Center on Kelley. A compressed version of the classic children's story by E.B. White, the roughly hour-long play features the same beautiful themes along with impressive production value. The show is being submitted for the 2024 US Army IMCOM Europe One Act Play Competition, with their third and final performance being judged.

The production is a true feat of local children’s theater; with a cast of ten kids ages 11-17 and only 7 weeks to rehearse, the director, Ms. Leslie Gale Dana'y, certainly had her work cut out for her. The six cast members and four understudies were required to learn various skills, including puppetry, character voice acting, and a vintage theater technique to create the silhouettes of certain characters on stage. All of those techniques, in addition to the clever way the titular Charlotte spins words into her webs, creates a mystifying and impressive theater-going experience.

For the competition, the show goes up against productions with adult actors, such as Vicenza’s “Ultimate Laughter” or Wiesbaden’s “Horse Girls”. Charles S, one of three SHS students in the production, says that its ability to be of comparable quality to the adult productions makes this show unique.  Had the director of the theater center’s play not been an adult, it would have qualified for the YouthFest that runs at the same time. Additional rules include that the show must be performed in under an hour, and all set pieces must be movable, creating restrictions that the cast and crew had to find creative ways to work around. If selected by judges, “Charlotte’s Web” will go on to represent IMCOM Europe in Des Moines, Iowa.

“Charlotte’s Web” is not a show to miss, with little children surely being entranced by the timeless tale. With the only remaining show being Tuesday, October 15th at 7pm for $5 a ticket, there is no better time to become acquainted with the magical world of Charlotte and her barnyard friends. 

Images courtesy of Jeff Jones, J&M Media. A special thank you to both Jeff Jones and Leslie Gale Dana'y for all of their help with this article.

Heart Global Visits SHS

By Anna K

Last Sunday, October 6th, Stuttgart High School's gymnasium was used for a different purpose than you would expect. Instead of the volleyball team practicing for their next game or a P.E. class reluctantly doing push-ups, the gym hosted Heart Global. Heart Global is a nonprofit dance troupe that travels around the world teaching kids ages seven to eighteen to express themselves through music while providing them with hope and empowerment. The kids spend three days in an interactive workshop, and at the end they perform with the dance troupe for the Stuttgart community. This fun, fast-packed show lasts from 5:00 to 7:00pm, with the cast members of Heart Global performing first and the students joining them after. The cast members are young adults who represent a variety of nationalities, all united by their love of music and a passion for motivating the next generation to do good in the world. 

The Heart Global cast members began the performance with a mixture of popular songs and impressive dances. Practically all styles were featured, including titles like "Dance The Night", "Shake It Off", "Don’t Worry Be Happy", even the theme song from “Spongebob Squarepants”. Meanwhile, kids with bright red shirts and blue jeans were waiting patiently for their time in the spotlight. After some more dances (even a tap routine, in tennis shoes) the time had come: the stars of the show were ready to shine. The students made a strong first impression by singing famous movie songs acapella. Then, a mock olympic game was held and more songs from musicals were sung. To end the show, Heart Global has a tradition that every time, no matter where they are, they sing "What a Wonderful World." This is sung in different languages, including sign language, which they teach to all the students. It's a truly powerful message that cannot be ignored–we all need to be kinder to each other. 

Heart Global is likely going to come back next April. It costs $120 to attend this three day intensive musical and performing arts workshop.

Image courtesy of Anna K.

Alice Cooper Concert Rocks Stuttgart

By Presley C

Alice Cooper, the iconic metal singer known for his over-the-top stage persona and dramatic performances, recently performed at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart. The show was incredible, filled with an amazing amount of energy for a musician that is 76 years old. From elaborate costumes to huge props, the theatrics were what really stole the show. 

During the show, Alice Cooper shared the stage with his wife, Sheryl Cooper, and this show was no different. Sheryl Cooper has been a vital part of his on-stage performances for years. She’s both a talented dancer and stage performer. In his concerts they work together to put on a show with both her acting talent and his talented vocals. Their excitement in performing with each other is still apparent even after 50 years of working together.

Despite his age, Alice Cooper performs in over 180 shows every year. Since April this year he’s been touring on his “Too Close for Comfort” world tour. It’s a tour that can easily be recommended to old school metal fans. His performance in Stuttgart once again proved why Alice Cooper is still an icon in the world of heavy metal.

Images courtesy of Presley C.

Stuttgart's Cannstatter Volksfest Returns

By Zorion P

Once again the Cannstatter Volksfest is in Stuttgart to spice up the fall season! Continuing its long line of heritage, the 177th Cannstatter Volksfest is making waves and drawing in the masses. In just the first week of the 2024 festival, over 2 million people came and enjoyed the festivities. Running through the 13th of October, the festival has something for everyone. The festival is home to a large selection of rides from your standard roller coasters to swing rides, drop rides, carousels, a large ferris wheel, and even a water ride! Yet the rides aren't the only thing Cannstatter Volksfest has to offer. There are stalls everywhere, selling goods from candied fruits and nuts to crepes and gelato with all kinds of other amazing delicacies. In addition to the sweets, there are plenty of savory foods including classic fest foods like fries, steaks, and burgers. If you want to have a roaring good time and experience a Stuttgart staple, make sure to check out Cannstatter Volksfest, you will love it!

A Trip to Greece

By Gabby F

Rhodes, or Rhodos, is the fourth largest Greek island. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Rhodes was a maritime power from 300 to 400 BCE, having influenced Mediterranean history and being home to many ancient sites. The Lindos Acropolis is one of these sites: an ancient town located on a cliff, now a popular tourist location.

Today in Rhodes there are opportunities to experience its medieval history and explore many beaches and restaurants. There are also many other activities on the island, such as boat riding and swimming excursions. It is located close to Turkey's southern coast, which is visible from certain parts of the island.

During my stay in Greece, I was able to do a number of things. I went with two of my friends to celebrate one of their birthdays, so she was able to have her “Mamma Mia” dancing queen moment! We swam and snorkeled in the Mediterranean sea, explored the ancient city, and went to a unique petting zoo. We even had the opportunity to get up close with lemurs, which is very rare, because they typically are very aggressive. The petting zoo also had raccoons and kittens that walked around that you could pet and play with. Overall, I would recommend Rhodes as a great destination for anyone looking for a cheaper and less stereotypical Greek vacation. 

Images courtesy of Gabby F.