About the Play

Helpful Information

Content Spotlight Where There’s a Will marks a second world premiere production in the Mary Armstrong Little Theater. Continuing its proud tradition of taking on meaningful and challenging shows, HSE HS Thespian Troupe 520’s spring play is intended for audiences ages 14 and older.
​   ​The story of ​Where There’s a Will includes thematic elements regarding discrimination against LGBTQ characters, mature language, coded references to violence, marriage, and loss. Patrons who find such subjects unappealing are encouraged to stay tuned for information on future productions to attend.

Synopsis

From New Play Exchange:
When Emmaline Henderson passes away before her granddaughter’s wedding, she leaves her son and three granddaughters a sizable estate, a cottage full of cross stitches, and very specific instructions on what should happen with each inheritance.
   The oldest, Vanessa, is about to marry her fiancé Robbie. Her younger sister Penny is her maid of honor, and their parents, Will and Molly, are navigating the stressful joy of the impending wedding, as they all mourn the loss of the family matriarch. Joining in the celebration and the sorrow is freshly graduated cousin Abby, her classmate Freddie, an old former attorney named Zeke, a young feisty store clerk Lana, and the county magistrate and close family friend Connie—each with their own unique affection and admiration for Emmaline.
   As they all process the loss of this loving and lovable woman, old friendships and feuds are rekindled, new connections and bonds are made, seismic details emerge, and all must decide: to what extent are we beholden to the words and notions of the past? To what degree are we entitled to pursue happiness in the present? And what do we do when an unfair status quo threatens our future?
   ​Fast-paced with an ensemble of multidimensional characters, this contemporary dramedy makes some hard twists and turns as it confronts difficult issues with humor, heart, and humanity.

The Cast

Abigail Duncan … Abby Kepler
Lana Walsh … Gloria Lane
Penny Henderson … Addison Abebe
Ezekiel Todd … Evan Thomas
Will Henderson … Micah Choplin
Molly Henderson … Lillian Offenbacher
Vanessa Henderson … Sydney Pinchouck
Robbie Mayer … Trenton Hatch
Winnifred Westphal … Evelyn Babcock
Connie Townsend … Hannah VanLandingham

​Swings … Carter Luoma, Ashley Chisler

Student Director: Niya Klein

The Crew

COSTUMES
Adalynn Gard, Sasha Gukasyan-Baykov, Caroline Hiott, Nick Lantzer, Kate McGuire, Charlotte Miksha, Katelyn Moss*, Melanie Pineda*, Molly Watson

STAGE
Allie Harder, Kate Jansen, Micah Fishel, Lauren Nolan, Keira Shrader, Madi, Troutman, Serena Zentz

PROPS
Lily Willman, Megan Harder, Sophia Nguyen, Mia Igneri*

STAGE MANAGER
Megan Huser

SOUND
Luke Wiseman, Mary Hinen

LIGHTS
Caroline Baer, Shayla Himmelberger, Julia Castiglione

PRODUCTION AND PUBLICITY
Bethany Champley*, Madeline Frey, Vine Soapa, Katelynn Rose

HOUSE
Emma Hayes Mandy Abeyta Claire Huntzinger Jackson Mullen
Mandy Abeyta, Vaughn Ehrgott

(*) denotes crew head

The Directors

Ethan Mathias … Director and Playwright
Devan Mathias … Director and Costume Designer
Michael Totty … Technical Director and Producer