High school plays are often a great way to take a break from reality—a way for students and community members alike to have fun. There’s something to be said, though, about a high school play that sends a deeper message. On Thursday, March 9 the Hobart High School Theatre Program held its opening night of “Roustabout: The Great Circus Trainwreck” written by Jay Torrence. The performance had the audience both rolling with laughter and nearly in tears; it's certainly a show that no one will be forgetting anytime soon.
“Roustabout: The Great Circus Trainwreck” is based on a real train accident that happened in Hammond, Indiana, in July of 1918. Over 80 circus performers and workers were killed when a military train crashed into the back of their circus sleeper cars. 56 of the performers were buried in Woodlawn Cemetery; many of their headstones simply say “unnamed woman” or “unnamed man” because their bodies were unidentifiable.
The tragedy, while not completely unknown, is not one many people know about. Torrence wrote the play in tribute to the performers who lost their lives to keep their stories from being lost to time. The play is the perfect balance between fiction and fact, and the perfect way to ensure no one forgets the incredible performers.
Hobart High School first held the show seven years ago. Director Cathy Nelson explained that they normally don’t repeat plays, but because this year’s group of seniors is so special and went through a lot during COVID-19, she wanted to give them the opportunity to do a neat play that high school students don’t normally get to perform.
“They could have just thrown their hands in the air and given up after lockdown their freshman year, but instead they trudged forward and performed passionately in whatever way they could over the past couple of years. They’ve been such great leaders and have been a big help motivating the other kids,” said Nelson.
To help prepare the kids for their performance, Nelson invited Torrence to come and work with the kids. She also took them to Woodlawn Cemetery so they could see the performers’ graves for themselves. It truly allowed the students to connect more deeply with the story.
“We were standing in front of the grave looking down together and it was so emotional. I’ve never enjoyed playing a role as much as this one. I’ve never felt as connected to a show as I have this one,” said Senior Ian Rodriguez.
The kids’ deep connection with the story was evident on stage. Everything from their body movements to their facial expressions revealed how passionate they were about shedding light on this tragedy and giving the lost performers a chance to be remembered.
“We’re telling these people’s stories, bringing attention to them, and giving them a happy ending, even if it’s bittersweet. These people were performers, so they weren’t always looked on kindly, so to be able to give them a chance to be seen by the people in our community today is special,” said Rodriguez.
Overall, preparing and putting on this show has been a lot of work for the kids, but it’s been extremely rewarding.
“This is just so meaningful, and I feel like putting in the work to make it great is worth it. This is based on real people and we’re almost giving them some closure in a way. It’s very powerful,” said Junior Salem Dabrowa.
All the kids were grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in such a moving show.
“I want to thank my friends, my family, and my directors, especially Mrs. Nelson. She has given me so many opportunities while I’ve been here and being able to grow as much as I have in the past four years has meant a lot. I’m so happy to be closing this journey out with some of my best friends,” said Rodriguez.
For those who missed tonight’s show don’t worry! There are plenty more fantastic shows to catch. Shows will be held on Friday, March 10, and Saturday, March 11 at 7 p.m. A final show will also be held on Sunday, March 12 at 3 p.m. So come on out and enjoy some circus fun—it’s a riveting show nobody will want to miss.
“It’s more than just supporting the kids and supporting the arts. I think this is a play that people really need to see. It makes your emotions run all over the place–-it makes you sad, it makes you laugh, and it makes you feel inspired. It’s just nonstop,” said Nelson. To learn more about Hobart High School, visit https://www.hobart.k12.in.us/hhs.