Rumor Has It

Rumor has it, the Hempfield fall play is back! The fall play has been a tradition since the school was opened in 1956. Originally, it was called the “annual school play.” In 1970, it became the Fall play.

This year’s fall play, Rumors by legendary playwright Neil Simon, is a comedic play using horseplay and buffoonery. Originally released in 1988, the play has seen plenty of success in theaters around the world. It’s about four couples that arrive at their 10th anniversary celebration party for New York’s deputy mayor and his wife, only to find the mayor wounded in bed and the wife missing.

Our students, Rachel Husenits, Morgan Verellen, Jocelyn Davis, and Kate Livingston are all seniors who have been in every fall play since they were freshmen. With the many practices and long hours spent rehearsing together, they have grown very close and made meaningful connections with one another. Verellen, when asked about her favorite moments throughout the years of doing the play said, “Dress rehearsal and talking to each other, eating Chinese food, and freshman year because we had tons of free time.” The fall play brought these four together and kept them together creating memories they will carry with them throughout life. These are moments, the memories, and the friendships that help to define a high school career.

All four seniors are looking forward to this year’s performance and are calling it “the best one yet.” In the words of Husenits, “Rumors is definitely my favorite play we’ve done so far. It’s a very amusing play, and it’s fun for everyone in the cast to perform. The cast this year is smaller than usual, but I like that because it allows everyone to truly bond and grow closer.”

The cast is smaller this year than in previous performances, but it seems like everybody in the cast loves it this way. Livingston states, “I think this year will be really fun, since the cast is so small. I hope to get close with all my classmates.”

This tight knit crew is made up of many seniors including Sarah Podkul, Lucy Dellera, Benny Kudrick, Abby Dunlap, Malea Nadeo, Laney Springer, Carly Fox, Shaylee Cohen, and Cody Comm. This being their senior year, they believe it’s time to “really put on a show.”

Davis spoke jokingly about how excited she is to “surprise our parents and others” by performing such funny stunt work and one-liners on the stage.

The play will take place November 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 11th at 7 pm. There are also 2pm shows on the 4th and 11th. The two act comedy will be performed on the auditorium stage using a “Black Box ” seating arrangement. Entry fee will be $3 for students and $5 for adults. So spread the Rumors and come see the show!

About the Contributors

Dick Dornin, Contributor

Richard Dornin was born and raised a Hempfield Spartan his entire life. He, however, has not always been interested in writing. From playing basketball since he was in third grade, going through surgery on his knee, and never really being super interested in school to really wanting to embrace a passion that has been hiding deep inside. Dick is looking to write about current events that happen at Hempfield for the newspaper and pursue higher levels of journalism and writing in general after graduating college. Most of his time is spent playing basketball for the school and working after school along with on the weekends. Between participating in these activities and work, he finds time to hang out with his friends. Dick's plans for after high school involve attending university for four years and studying social work and communication with the intentions of getting into journalism as a writer.

Tyler Goodlin, Contributor

Tyler Goodlin has Spartan in his blood; his father a Spartan, his grandfather a Spartan, and now he a Spartan. Born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, he spent his elementary days in Hempfield, but moved to Tampa for a brief stint. He returned to Greensburg at the age of 16. With his father being an executive for the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Tyler has always been interested in journalism. Tyler spent many days at the Trib's headquarters in Pittsburgh studying how newspapers are produced. He decided to take up journalism senior year with collage on the horizon, a minor in the subject is very likely for Tyler. His time outside of school is spend golfing and focusing on his studies. He enjoys travel and has seen most of the United States. All of this travel makes Tyler very cultured and open minded to new ideas. Tyler's plans after high school include attending a four year university and studying finance. Taking journalism should help him in his journey to become a successful college student.

Malea Nadeo, Contributor

Born and raised in Hempfield, Malea Nadeo has been a member of the Spartan community her whole life. She is the Overall Administrator of Hempfield Area Mini-THON, a member of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and Project 18, and fills her free time with a plethora of clubs. She loves getting involved around the school and spends most of her time raising money for Mini - THON, volunteering for United Spartans, and taking photos at pep rallies and sports events. Malea is most passionate about Television Writing and Broadcasting, where she is an anchor on Hempfield's news "15601". When she isn't in school, Malea enjoys spending time with her friends and family, creating videos, and listening to her favorite music. In future years, Malea hopes to go to Penn State University for telecommunications and media industries to go on to work in television and help create movies. Writing for The Royal, taking photos for the yearbook, and anchoring 15601 allows Malea to do what she loves best - connect with her school community.