CHS drama teacher Joe Hernandez has done a lot in three short years to revive Crestview High School’s once-renowned drama program. In its heyday, drama teacher Mrs. Shirley Cadle and her husband, then band director Mr. David Cadle (now our mayor), collaborated to produce big, glorious musical theatricals on a truly impressive scale. Their shows are fondly remembered by many in our community, so when Mr. Hernandez was hired, there was great anticipation for the stage spectaculars so many folks missed.

Reviving the drama program, Joe Hernandez has had to take baby steps as he inches the department in the direction of the big, splashy productions for which the school was renowned. His tireless enthusiasm and energy have paid off. Hernandez, who is heading off to the University of Southern Mississippi to pursue his masters in fine arts in theatre, leaves behind an equally spirited troupe of young thespians.

When the curtain rises on the brilliant Neil Simon comedy “Brighton Beach Memoirs” next month, it could be argued that the show would have three directors; Hernandez, his successor Allison Wilks, and the kids themselves. For during the gap between Hernandez’s departure and Wilks’ arrival at CHS, the troupe of seven performers have been self-directing themselves in preparation for their Sept. 17 opening night.

Compounding the challenges in producing “Memoirs” are the summer renovations to the Pearl Tyner Auditorium—an exciting feat in itself—which means Neil Simon’s wit has been echoing in a variety of rehearsal venues around town, including several church halls. On the bright side, when the curtain goes up next month, it will be a brand new grand drape, under a new ceiling, and the room will resound to a new audio system.

I talked to Jesse Hinton yesterday. He’s got the lead role in “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” a role originally played on Broadway by Matthew Broderick, who won a best-actor Tony for it. Jesse’s enthusiasm practically spewed out of the phone as he told me he and his six fellow cast members are doing “whatever it takes” to assure a successful production. I’ve seen Jesse, as well as the rest of the cast, on stage before and trust they will do a superb job.

It is an exciting time to be a theatre enthusiast in Crestview. I can’t wait to see to what heights Allison Wilks will elevate the CHS drama program.

Welcome, Allison! Break a leg!

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