Spring Play

Presented at the beginning of May, the spring production is a straight play, varying by genre and style year by year. Students will be introduced to modern and classic playwrights and will focus on developing skills in vocal, physical, and emotional acting techniques

The 2026 Spring Straight Play Production:

The Canterville Ghost

By Tim Kelly

Adapted from the short story by Oscar Wilde

An adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s short story of the same name, The Canterville Ghost is a hilarious farce, telling the story of a modern American family that moves into a haunted mansion in England. The ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville has held residence at Canterville Chase for hundreds of years, terrorizing all who try to get in his way. It seems, however, that he has finally met his match in Americans Mr. Horace Otis, his wife, Lucy, and his two teenage daughters, Pam and Wendy. Featuring such as characters at Martin the Maniac, Jennie the maid, and the eccentric “psychic researcher” Madam Balaklava, this high energy comedy is a perfect treat for the whole family!

Characters, in order of appearance:

Jennie: the maid, British, working class

Mrs. Umney: the housekeeper, British, working class

Lady Canterville: the former owner, British, upper class, very wealthy and proper

Weeds: the gardener, British, working class

Pam: teenager, American

Wendy: teenager, American

Mrs. Otis (Lucy): the new owner, American

Mr. Otis (Horace): the new owner, American

Virginia: Lucy's sister, American

Sir Simon: the ghost of Canterville Manor, Ghost

Vicar (Rev. Dampier): village clergyman, British, middle class

Lord Cecil: nephew of Lady Canterville, British, upper class

Mrs. Dampier: Vicar's wife, British, middle class

Madam Balaklava: a "psychic researcher"/medium, British, upper class, heavily affected accent

Martin the Maniac: Ghost

Hester the Horrid: Ghost

Lady Joan the Graveless: Ghost

Vampire Duchess: Ghost

Mrs. Midwinter: town resident, British, middle class

Mrs. Musgrave: town resident, British, middle class

Important Dates:

Info meeting: Friday, December 5th, 3:15-4pm, Auditorium

Auditions and Callbacks: The week of December 9th, TBD depending on Drama Festival technical rehearsal (if we move on to Semi Finals)

Performances:

Thursday, April 30th @ 7:00pm, WHS Auditorium

Friday, May 1st @ 7:00pm, WHS Auditorium

Saturday, May 2nd @ 2:00pm WHS Auditorium

Past Productions:

2025: Student Written and Directed One Act Play Festival

2024: The Tempest by William Shakespeare

2023: All in the Timing and See Rock City and Other Destinations: Scenic Route

Prior to 2023, the fall production was a full length musical:

2022: Chicago: High School Edition by Bob Fosse, John Kander, and Fred Ebb

2021: Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown (presented virtually)

2019: Fiddler on the Roof by Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick, and Jerry Bock

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