The MMU Theatre Department presents its final show of the year; the comedy Popcorn Falls. The show features this year’s seniors acting on stage as well as building the set.
Popcorn Falls is a small town facing bankruptcy due to the construction of a dam by the neighboring city, destroying its namesake falls, which were the town’s only tourist attraction and source of income. Desperate to save their community, the townspeople take advantage of an unusual loophole that would bequeath them a windfall of money if they just “put on a play.” The task proves to be more difficult than it sounds, presenting a multitude of challenges that the characters must overcome in delightful comic fashion. The townspeople of “Popcorn Falls” like to be called “kernels.” Will the kernels succeed? As the curtain falls on their play within the play, hopefully the town will still be popping!
In the MMU production, a small cast play a multitude of characters all striving to save the day and their town. The town’s Mayor Trundle, the show’s protagonist, is played by Onyx Hughes. The neighboring town is ruled by the morally corrupt Mr. Doyle, played by Sam Bernstein. All of the other quirky and zany citizens are played by just two actors; Brady Gouse and Sonya Klinger, giving these two performers the exciting challenge of pin-balling back and forth between different characters throughout the play, sometimes at lightning speed in scenes that feature bunches of them. “Popcorn Falls” may be a made-up place, but for 75 minutes, the seniors at Mount Mansfield Union High School will invite the audience into this wacky town as the play explores the themes of community, perseverance, and the power of theatre to bring people together.
Performances are Friday & Saturday, May 30th & 31st at 7:30. Tickets are $6 for students & staff and $8 for general admission and will be available at the door.