The Hinsdalean_2019-02-14

PULSE Student actors feeling ‘Love/Sick’ Play combining humor and heartbreak takes stage at Hinsdale Central By Ken Knutson kknutson@thehinsdalean.com

“I can have 18 people, and they all have leads,” he said. “For 10 or 15 minutes, two people are the star of that scene.” Senior Hannah Kiperman, who portrays Woman, a character that helps book-end the play’s collection of stories, has appreciated that dimension of the production. “I think it definitely allows for more focused acting work,” Kiperman said. “I’ve never been in a play where it’s just me and one other person who get to work on something.” As one might suspect, Kiperman’s stage partner is Man. They share the afflic- tion of obsessive impulsive disorder, with hilarious results. “When they think of a thing, they just want to do it,” she said. Theater-goers will discov- er exactly what they want to do. Sophomore Emma Linane plays Louise, who gets a singing telegram from her boyfriend. “It’s more intimate,” she said of her short scene. “I really like my vignette because it’s really different and fun, and I get to act a little crazy because I’m overwhelmed with all these different emotions.” Priester said his scene — in which his character gets cold feet on his wedding day — calls for him to rely on, well, a kind of uncom- mon sense. “I’m in a bathroom and (the bride) is knocking on the door and coming in,” Priester said. “I can’t see her on our wedding day, so we put on blindfolds. “It helps you listen better to your partner because you’re not looking at them,” he added. “It’s more of an adventure.” Kostro said another ben- efit of the format of “Love/ Sick” is that rehearsal times

In the realm of romance, “destiny” brings to mind images of two kindred souls uniting in a lifelong embrace. But how about the relationships that crash and burn? Or those that never get off the ground? Chalk those up to destiny, too? Hinsdale Central Drama is exploring such themes in its production of “Love/ Sick” at 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, Feb. 21-23, in Central’s auditorium (see Page 18 for details). The play by John Cariani, who also wrote the amateur theater standard “Almost, Maine,” is similar to that celebrated and comedic commentary on love in that it is told through a collec- tion of nine short vignettes. But “Love/Sick” comes at the topic from a less hap- pily-ever-after perspective, according to senior cast member Harry Priester. “Maybe it’s our desti- ny to not fall in love and not be married,” Priester remarked. “It’s just saying that not everyone is going to have a perfect cookie-cutter life.” Described by its publisher as “the unromantic comedy for the romantic in every- one,” the play evokes a lot of laughs while mixing in a considerable amount of pain and disappointment. Central English teacher and play director Chris Kostro said “Love/Sick” touches on a range of emotions. “It’s still a comedy, but of the nine vignettes, seven of them are bitter — love that just doesn’t work out,” Kostro said. He said the work was not chosen because of the show dates’ proximity to Valentine’s Day. Rather, he liked the format which allows a large number of actors to sink their teeth into significant roles.

Hinsdale Central student and “Love/Sick” cast member Noela Musil rehearses a scene for the school’s production of the John Cariani play, running Feb. 21-23. The work consists of nine vignettes, both comedic and bittersweet, including one starring students Ellie Mather and Harry Priester and another featuring Ellie Pena and Michael Tu. (Jim Slonoff photos)

could be more targeted for students, many of whom are involved in other school activities. “They only had to come to rehearsals two days a week (instead of five). I’ve been running three-hour rehearsals where I work with two kids for an hour and a half, and then anoth- er two kids for the next hour and a half,” Kostro said. “I think it takes a little bit of pressure off of those kids.” He is eager for audience members to see the actors’ skills showcased.

has helped her discover her authentic self in a stage of life when facades often prevail. “I don’t need to worry about what other people are going to think of me,” she said. “It really matters whether or not I find myself successful.” Perhaps it’s the same way with love. Only the parties in the relationship can truly measure its success — or lack thereof. “I think that’s really key to life,” Kiperman said.

“I hope that they appre- ciate the work that the kids do. We have really talented kids here, and we’ve been very lucky to be able to do all the productions that we’ve been able to do,” Kostro said. And don’t expect to be preached at. “This show has no agen- da. The stories do explore love in a really interesting way, but it’s not a didac- tic theater piece,” Kostro remarked. Kiperman said being part of Central’s drama program

The Hinsdalean • February 14, 2019 • Page 17