LARNED — “HERstory,” the summer recreation drama production for area youth, is a show that revisits America’s progression that truly shaped the importance of women in today’s culture.
Performances were held recently at the Larned Community Center.
Larned High School graduates, Haley Roberts and Dallas Munden, wrote the play but credits their young cast in helping to create the unique setting of a “women’s museum.” Roberts and Munden co-wrote last summer’s play as well.
Munden said she was impressed with Larned’s youth drama program.
“We are so blessed to have been given the chance to work with such young talent,” she said. “The show has been so fun to put on. We are all very delighted to be a part of such a stupendous program.”
Emily Tanner, also an LHS graduate, worked as the set director as well as the hair, makeup, and costumer designer.
Elizabeth, played by Brooke Butler, drags Bobby, played by Maverick Munden, to a “women’s history” museum and is intent on teaching this young boy the importance of women in America throughout history.
Bobby is overwhelmed with boredom in this choice of a “field trip” until each exhibit “comes to life” and explains her role in shaping this nation.
By the end of the play, Bobby, enamored most with the Marilyn Monroe exhibit, learns to appreciate those who came before him.
Flapper girls, a dust bowl mother, “Rosie the Riveter,” Marilyn Monroe, hippie girls, rocker chicks, and present day politicians all brought the past back to life, as each exhibit recalled her place in America’s history. Music of each decade accompanied each era which brought an air of nostalgia to the dialogue.
With the summer drama program coming to an end, Roberts, Munden, and Tanner will be looking to go back to school in the fall to continue their studies.
Roberts will return to the University of Kansas. Tanner will head to Wichita State University.
Munden will return to Barton County College where she is an active member of its theater program.
Along with appearing in several BCC productions last year, she also co-wrote Barton’s student production last spring.
“Dallas Munden was one of the most talented and versatile actors that I had the privilege of working with while she was a student at LHS,” said Janet Fleske, Larned High teacher. “She attacked every role I gave her with enthusiasm and created many memorable roles, small or large. I’m so happy that she is so successful at Barton. She’s definitely making her mark.”