What's currently happening?
From March 9 to March 12, Morton High School’s adaption of the classic 1957 film “12 Angry Men,” dubbed “Angry Jurors,” has been Morton’s most recent sensation.
Starring Hammond Arts & Performance Academy (HAPA) regulars Haylee Needham, Jahnei Smith, Maddie Cameron, America Guerrero, Ta’Shon Wilkerson, Miranda Campos, Imani Cheiars, Alexander Eddy, Rick Landeros, Donovan Grandberry, Christian Gonzalez, Taylor Palmore, Zay Castillo-McCarty, and Rayvohn Todd, the performance takes place in the school’s black box theater, allowing for a more intense and intimate experience for the viewer.
The show utilizes a dialed-back set design, consisting of two tables and a dozen chairs. The props are also kept to a minimum, with only three or four being prominently featured. Because of the decrease of attention on the flashier elements of theater, the writing and acting are allowed to flourish. As students get familiar with their placements, they start to become passionate about their identity in the act. It's the most serious HAPA production in the last few years and possibly the school’s best to date.
What's coming up?
Morton High has brought a nostalgic icon to the scene putting on “The SpongeBob Musical” from April 20-23. HAPA is always considerate of the children who come aboard to help with the entire show. Nickelodeon has been a core part of our generation's early childhood. This will be one of the most memorable performances due to the majority vote for the theme.
Each scene will consist of multiple pieces made from Mia Kimble and the wonderful students who volunteer to help with the setting. “The Spongebob Musical” is well thought out – reminders have been posted since the early start of the year.
As with every production, all students are allowed to audition for any positions. Morton High encourages anyone considering participating to audition while supporting them 100%. Whether you're on stage or backstage, every position contributes to the entire piece.
Staff spotlight:
Mia Kimble is an Advanced 3D Art teacher at Morton High. Kimble has the most comforting energy with the voice of angels when she sings. Her calm energy allows students to feel at home naturally when entering her classroom. Kimble always gives guidance to students who tend to struggle to get a grasp on the idea of the projects given.
“The challenges I go through are getting everyone’s body measurements, picking out the right color for custom costumes to be created, fabric content, and fittings,” said Kimble.
Kimble has multiple students who enjoy her company and would be more than happy to help out their favorite teacher.
“If certain props need to be done, I have my students to depend on to help me bring whatever is requested come to life,” said Kimble.
Kimble encourages student involvement when it comes to creating things. She enjoys hearing ideas because that is how she knows her students are involved. Kimble supports creativity and hopes to boost her students' confidence.
Student spotlight:
Christian Gonzalez is an early graduate of the Class of 2023 at Morton High. Gonzalez played Juror #11, an immigrant man who is humble and quiet. He believes strongly in the “American Ideal” of seeking justice. Gonzalez connected with his character's emotional state to really get his role down.
“This play was different from my previous productions because it challenged not just me but the whole cast,” Gonzalez said. “This was an ensemble production, which means that we all needed to be on stage together during the whole show. This show was a bit more mature than my other ones, but I definitely loved being a part of it.”
The production enlightened him for the future, giving him a clear understanding of his and all the other backgrounds of others who also walk this Earth and the challenges people may face and how they are willing to overcome them.
“After this production, I think that the future for HAPA’s theatre arts program will grow bigger and better, and it’ll definitely have bigger productions and even more passion from fellow students in the HAPA program,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is proud of the entire group of individuals that came together to make an amazing performance.