A Dark and Stormy Knight by Christopher Burruto is a “Monty Python-esque” production of a young princess days away from coronation, but her tempered heart is set on becoming a knight.
Opening night of this witty and comedic production was presented at Southmoreland High School, on Thurs., April 9. There were also two more showings on the following Friday and Saturday.
Aside from her evil uncle Lord Spencer, played by senior AJ Cowan, wanting the throne, Princess Elenora, portrayed by senior Taylor Millslagle, must escape from his kidnapping with the help of two knights-in-training Ogilvy and Dennis, portrayed by seniors Sage Guynn and Johnny Hough.
In the first few scenes alone, Millslagle proved herself to be a great actress as both The Dark Knight and Princess Elenora. She completely fulfilled her duty as being the “hard-headed, strong, frightening, and masculine” princess that she was.
There could not have been a better candidate to portray Princess Elenora/The Dark Knight than Millslagle.
The primary comedians of A Dark and Stormy Knight were pages Olgivy and Dennis. Throughout the entire production this goofy, dynamic-duo gave the crowd many opportunities to laugh out loud. Guynn (Olgivy) and Hough (Dennis) worked so well together, and the tone they created was so naturally hilarious, that there never seemed to be any points of confusion with lines or direction when they were present.
It is also observed in Act I that Cowan played an excellent evil Lord Spencer. Lord Spencer was originally casted to be “stuck up” and “snotty,” however Cowan did an excellent job at putting his own spin on the character to make him angrier and power hungry.
His sidekick Klaus portrayed by senior Taylor Sipos, truly helped Cowan fulfill his character to the maximum. The witty and “poke fun” attitude of Klaus toward Lord Spencer created somewhat of a comic relief at the points of the play that were meant to be serious and plotting.
A Dark and Stormy Knight was an absolute success for the drama department at Southmoreland High School. Three showings. Three consecutive evenings. Opening night alone brought in over $1000 profit through ticket sales and concessions.
There is no doubt in the future that drama club will achieve maximum success with the amount of talent that is roaming of the halls of Southmoreland High School.