Canby High Theatre Delivers Live Foley, Lively Laughs in Austen Classic

Every year CHS Theatre aspires to bring fresh productions and new perspectives to the high school stage. Directed by Sullivan Mackintosh, who’s now in her 5th year leading the program, this season promises laughter and lightheartedness for actors and audiences alike. Make no mistake, however, whether characters have been ultra-serious or are laughing gregariously, Sullivan has actors and design teams pushing their artistic limits. 

Seeking opportunities that provide a challenge, Sullivan and her cast and crew take on Jon Jory’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s well-loved Pride and Prejudice. “What’s different about this show,” Sullivan explains, “is that some of the characters go between narrating to the audience and then move into a scene.” Abandoning the imaginary “fourth wall” opens up creative possibilities for Sound and Props design to respond to Sullivan’s query: “How can we create an experience for the audience that brings them into the world of the characters?” 

Playing her first lead role, Catherine Marquez, as Elizabeth Bennet, along with the other cast members, attended rehearsals every day after school. Catherine noted that Elizabeth’s character never really leaves the stage, which she found challenging. Regarding her favorite aspect of the role, Catherine relates, “I like how Elizabeth is so witty. Her responses are so funny to me I have to try not to laugh when I’m saying them.” Top cast: Elizabeth Bennet - Catherine Marquez '26, Mrs. Bennet - Juliette Mellander '27, Mr. Darcy - Carter Reed '26, Mr. Bingley - Isaac Evans '27.

Designers tackle challenges head-on! Costume design leader, Sylvia Goodfellow ensures the team’s ideas are suitable for the play, having researched time period, location, and social status of the characters. Costume sketches are often presented with different color palettes and patterns to allow for what works best in combination with lighting and set designs. Scenic Design: Eli McCoy '27; Costume Design: Willow Horner '26 and Sylvia Goodfellow '27; Sound Design: Leo Newell '26; Props Master: Harley Baxter '26; Lighting Design: Rei Woodruff '27

Sound Designer Leo Newell takes on the special challenges of a Foley sound design for the first time. “I will be making all the noises live while the show is going,” he relates. “Not only do I need to find the sound that fits the placement,” he says, “but find the ‘thing’ that makes the sound.” Leo adds, “I think a lot of the magic of the show is through interpretation, so the only real way to see the finished CHS Troupe 632 production of Pride and Prejudice is to come see it!”

Pride and Prejudice (adapted by Jon Jory) will be presented in the CHS Fine Arts Center Nov. 6, 7, 13, 14, 15 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. For a full cast lineup visit CHS Thespians on Facebook.