BHS Theatre tackles modern dark comedy

Blaine High School Theatre Arts will grace the Black Box stage Thursday, opening “A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes,” a dark comedy in which a family’s Thanksgiving dinner is presented as if it’s a high-stakes sporting event, complete with sports broadcasters overhead narrating the family’s festivities. 

But that’s not the only unique thing about the play. Director Olivia Theilemann said the first page of the script gives clear instructions: No set pieces, no props, no miming. 

“This is quite different than any fall show I’ve done in the past,” Theilemann said, explaining that it was unlike any other play she had seen before. “I wanted something different, and quick, and modern.” 

The limited physical tools means the audience relies on the words spoken, costumes, actors’ movements and their own imagination to paint the full picture. 

“We’re all taking a risk here,” Theilemann said. 

It’s a risk that the cast seems to be up for, saying they’ve enjoyed putting it together with Theilemann and fellow cast members since work started on the show in mid-September. 

“You meet so many people, and make friends with people you wouldn’t have otherwise met,” said Raine Schrengohst, a freshman who plays Trainer, one of the family members. 

“A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes,” an original play written by Kate Benson, depicts a multigenerational family, whose members each have their own distinct quirks and personalities. Several cast members said they’ve enjoyed developing their characters and figuring out how to bring them to life. 

Theilemann said the show, which runs just over an hour long, provides a realistic portrayal of complicated family dynamics and relationships, offset with comedy from the unrealistic setting. 

“Everyone who comes to see it will see their family somewhere in this family,” Theilemann said. “And be prepared for a crazy twist in the last five minutes that you’re not expecting.” 

“A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes” will open on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Blaine High School Black Box Theater, 1055 H St. It will run Nov. 13-14 and Nov. 19-21 at 7 p.m. and on Nov. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at the door with cash or card, and cost $10 for students, seniors and members of the military, and $12 for general admission.