Live Arts Theatre Opens HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL Today

What's up with the kids today? That's a question that's been asked for generations. And far too often, the answer misses the boat completely, either over-hyping or underplaying what's really going on. According to director Scott Piehler, that's the true appeal of Live Arts Theatre's next production, HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL.

"I fell in love with this script when it was only available in manuscript form back in 2012," said Scott. "Dan Ahearn and Janet Reed were commissioned to write the show by Primary Stages, an off-Broadway theatre company. Their mission was to create something true to life. And they pegged it."

HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL was always intended to be performed by a school age cast. The cast reaction is what brought Scott back for a second production.

"Every cast member has been raving about how accurate the show is," he noted. "And, as a parent who has come through the high school years with my own child, I adore the way the script shows teens as the complicated, thinking people they are."

What kind of show is "HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL?

"That's a tough one," chuckled Scott. "It's a day in the life of a High School. A Monday to be precise, after the student body has experienced a tragedy. Parts of the show are serious, parts of it are laugh-out-loud funny. You know, like life."

While the show is more of a play with music rather than a traditional musical, there are a few great musical numbers that add to the fun, and explore topics like school dances, lunch time, and the dreaded pop quiz!

"Every director has 'their' shows," says Scott. "This is one of mine. A real undiscovered gem. I directed this show once before in a scholastic setting, and I can't wait to show it to even more people. "

The cast is comprised of local middle, high school, and college aged actors along with two adult teaching artists. The cast features: Joshua Tyner, Gabrielle Wood, Joanna Meyer, Jordan DeMoss, Kendall Allmond, Robyn Lucas, Jackson Greene, Lauren Lucas, Alli Pierre, Madelyn Greene, Terrence Harvey, Makenna Greene, Paul Franklin, Hailey Sullivan, Sarah Struck, Rachel Reaves, Colin Grams, Jessica Hunt, Victoria McClure and Austin Gilbert.

Due to thematic content, Live Arts is recommending the show for those 13 and older. There are no depictions of objectionable behavior, but the characters do discuss some weighty issues, and there is infrequent mild adult language.

IF YOU GO:

HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL

January 22-30, 2016

Friday/Saturday evenings 8pm | Sunday January 24 2:30pm

Belfry Playhouse (downstairs at Norcross Presbyterian Church), 3324 Medlock Bridge Rd, Norcross GA

For tickets and more information, visit www.liveartstheatre.org.

Pictured: The cast of High School confidential rehearses choreography. HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL opens at Belfry Playhouse on January 22. Photo by Kendal Franklin.

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