Experience the drama, humor, and romance of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” as the Howell High School Performing Arts Department brings this beloved story to the stage. Performances will take place at the Howell High School Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, and 7 p.m. Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors and can be purchased at the door or online at https://howellperformingarts.ludus.com.
“Sense and Sensibility” follows the lives of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor (Kaiyah Luethy) and Marianne (Addison Watts), as they navigate love, heartbreak, and societal expectations after their father’s sudden death. Elinor struggles to suppress her feelings for Edward Ferrars (Dante Somers), while Marianne becomes infatuated with the charming John Willoughby (Adam Kelleher), only to discover his true character. Meanwhile, the honorable Colonel Brandon (Miles Flak) quietly admires Marianne from afar. “Sense and Sensibility” balances humor and heartbreak as the sisters learn valuable lessons about love, resilience, and the importance of reason and emotion.
“We are thrilled to bring Jane Austen’s timeless story to life on stage,” said Amanda Malo, Howell High School drama teacher and director. “Our talented cast has worked incredibly hard to capture the essence of “Sense and Sensibility,” from its humor and romance to its exploration of societal expectations. We can’t wait to share this beautiful production with our community.”
The Howell High School Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center is located at 1200 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell.
We talked to some of the cast members:
Kara King
Age: 17
Parents: Marc and Karissa King
Siblings: Khloe King
Year In School: Senior
Activities: Advanced Drama, Acapella, Highlander Chorale, Hope Squad, Co-Captain of ITS, TIFTT at the MSU Wharton Center, Mikat Music Studios, Marketing Director for HHS Performing Arts, and being a part of the Global Scholars program.
Hobbies: spending time with my friends and family, graphic design, baking/cooking, and managing many other social media accounts.
Future Plans: Continue my education by majoring in public relations.
How did you get involved with the production?
Though I did not start my acting career at HHS, I started by participating in the musicals my freshman year. I have since had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people, and my love for theatre has grown immensely ever since.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
“Annie” – Orphan Ensemble; “Santa’s Zombie Apocalypse” – Coppinger; “Elf Jr.” – Chadwick; “Children of Eden” – Ensemble; “Rock of Ages” – Ensemble; “Fire Exit” – Janice; “Mamma Mia” – Ensemble; “Puffs” – Leanne; “Lightning Thief” – Luke; “Between the Lines Jr.” – Ensemble
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I love everything about this show, but I would say I most enjoy seeing the story come to life. I feel so incredibly grateful to be able to work with not only such talented actors but one of the most dedicated creative teams I’ve ever seen. From the first day of rehearsals, I knew this show was going to be so much fun.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
I have had so many amazing influences in my life, its hard to pick just one. I have been inspired by many graduated seniors, all of the talented people I have gotten to work with, and the many amazing directors and teachers I have had over the years. But I am specifically inspired by this show’s director and my drama teacher, Malo. She has provided so many opportunities for me and been one of my biggest inspirations over these past four years; I do not know where I would be without her positive influence.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
My favorite experience while being a part of this show would have to be the character building and relationship work. I am so grateful that this is something our director, Malo, prioritizes. Its so important to learn how to show familial relationships on stage and what it means to embody the character you’re playing.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
The audience should expect an emotional story about how both practicality and passion are important to live a fulfilling life. I also hope that the audience will see all of the hard work both the cast and crew have put into this show.
Aubrey Niemczewski
Age: 17
Parents: Steve and Rhonda Niemczewski
Siblings: Ethan Niemczewski
Year In School: Senior (12)
Activities: Archery, Advanced Drama, and ITS
Hobbies: Painting, drawing, and crochet
Future Plans: Going to college and continuing in the Arts
How did you get involved with the production?
I’ve been working with Malo and doing the shows for most of my highschool career.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I’ve performed in “Radium Girls,” “Mamma Mia,” “Puffs,” and now “Sense and Sensibility.”
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I really enjoy being silly with my character and working with my classmates.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My Mom has been a huge inspiration for me all of my life. My parents always encourage me to be my best and do what I love, I appreciate and love them so much.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
My favorite part of being in Sense and Sensibility is having a bigger role in a show than previous years. I’m having so much fun as Mrs.Jennings an enjoy being on stage with all of my peers.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
They should expect a romance story and family drama. They should also expect some breaks of comedy from a boisterous Mrs.Jennings.
Shaena Foley
Age: 17
Parents: Shelley Foley and Chris Foley
Siblings: Kendyl Foley and Braelen Foley
Year In School: Senior
Activities: the productions, International Thespian Society, Advanced Drama, Newspaper
Hobbies: hanging out with my friends, reading and writing, skiing, and taking walks.
Future Plans: Going to college
How did you get involved with the production?
I have been doing crew since my freshman year of high school so I had to do my senior show.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I was one of the assistant stage managers for “A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream,” “Radium Girls,” and “Mamma Mia.” Last year I stage managed “Puffs.” I also did flys for “The Lightning Thief” and “Shrek.”
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I most enjoy the connections everyone builds with the script, each other and their characters/roles.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My inspirations are all the former seniors apart of the theater department because of the dedication and talent they displayed.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
I love tech week and seeing all the theater tech aspects be added into the show. It’s where I see the show come to fruition.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
They can expect to see a heartfelt story between sisters that every single person can find at least one piece of a character they relate to.
Celeste Sharma
Age: 17
Parents: Mary Ann Krug, Akshay Sharma
Siblings: None
Year In School: Senior
Activities: ITS, Advanced Drama, Sense and Sensibility
Hobbies: Drawing and writing
Future Plans: Completing my undergrad and hopefully going to medical school to become a doctor.
How did you get involved with the production?
When I discovered that the play this year was going to be Sense and Sensibility, I became very interested in it and decided to audition. I really wanted to do something on mainstage for my Senior year.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I was an Assistant Stage Manager for Puffs, which was last year’s play.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
The amount of bonding cast and crew does. We wouldn’t really have the opportunity to grow so close otherwise.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My mother. She’s an extremely hardworking, supportive woman and I wouldn’t be who I am today without her.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
Interacting with my fellow cast members on stage.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
Emotional familial relationships, heartbreak (but not too much), and exciting romance!
Lindsy Preuss
Age: 17
Parent: Jade Preuss
Year In School: 12th
Future Plans: Undecided
How did you get involved with the production?
I knew of the play since it was announced last spring and auditioned this fall.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
All of it really. The people and how close we all get is something really special, and the feeling of being on the stage- there’s just nothing like it.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
Former seniors from our drama department are people I look up to strongly.For the last two years I’ve looked up to the seniors of advanced drama and thought “that’s where I want to be” and now i’m here, and it pushes me to be a good example for the underclassmen.
Delaney Day
Age: 17
Parents: Colleen Murray-Day and Tim Day
Siblings: Riley, Donavan, and Alexandria Day
Year In School: Senior
Activities: International Thespian Society, The Main Four (newspaper)
Hobbies: Drawing, video games, and playing guitar.
Future Plans: Working towards an Acting BFA.
How did you get involved with the production?
In May, when the fall play was revealed, I began reading the book and was enamored. I fell in love with the characters and story and knew I had to audition.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I’ve been in four other productions total, two mainstages and two student-directed plays (blackboxes). My favorites to play were Megan Jones in “Puffs,” and Pemberton in “All By Myself.” I also played Sob Sister in “Radium Girls” and Gretel in “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.”
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I love playing villains, it’s incredibly rewarding to humanize these characters and find common ground with them and the audience to make the character relatable.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
A large reason I started auditioning in sophomore year was witnessing just how great high school theater could be, and that was due largely to the seniors of years past. People like Brett Lee, Ava Moore, and Lucas Somers have been incredibly inspiring to me and their talent and ambition have fueled my passion for theatre.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
Forming bonds with unlikely friends and learning a story inside & out. Also I get to speak very sillily.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
They can expect a bittersweet story about the trials and tribulations of women in the Regency Period and the realities of choosing love or riches.
Derek Cordero
Age: 17
Parents: Lynette Cordero, Rex Cordero
Siblings: Josh Cordero
Year In School: 12th Grade
Activities: International Thespian Society
Hobbies: Piano, video games, trivia
Future Plans: Math teacher (?)
How did you get involved with the production?
Having been integrated in the theater community, I heard many-a-time about the play, and decided I would love to try to be on the main stage for my last year of high school. Along with that, insight about the plot and its theme was very interesting to me.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I was featured in student-led black boxes last fall and spring, playing Narrator 1 and Narrator 2 respectively.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
The people. Every person that is a part of this is so fun, and I enjoy every moment that I’m here.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
I find that the people I surround myself with are my inspiration. I notice the effort, passion, talent, and love that many of my peers pour into their craft, and that alone pushes me to strive for anything remotely similar.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
Having an excuse to talk like an Englishman. It’s not every day that you can have a good reason to speak in a foreign accent (not that I need a good reason to speak in a foreign accent anyway).
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
An emotional roller coaster, and the track is also speaking to you in a British accent.
Miles Flak
Age: 17
Parents: Tracy and Alan Flak
Siblings: Elijah Flak
Year In School: Senior
Activities: Theater; International Thespian Society
Hobbies: Playing guitar and keyboard; composing music; writing; hiking.
Future Plans: I plan to study psychology at the university level, and hope to continue with acting during and beyond college
How did you get involved with the production?
Having learned of all the theater opportunities available to me by joining the Advanced Drama class offered at the high school, I was inspired and decided to audition for the fall plays.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions?
I have never acted in a play before, however I was a member of the pit band for the spring 2024 production of The Lightning Thief.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
My favorite part about being in the production has been all of the meaningful connections I’ve been able to make with fellow cast members and the crew. It’s empowering to see so many devoted people collaborating towards the common goal of making the show a success.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
I think I’ve always been inspired by the way that theater communicates stories in-person, and how actors in any field are able to empathize with their own character and those around them–however unique and complicated they may seem. My involvement in the high schools’ Rock Band last year especially opened my eyes to the world of performing arts, and the thrill of performing along with my involvement in the spring musical led me to pursue acting in my senior year.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
I’ve really enjoyed the combination of fun and hard work that goes into rehearsals. I think being able to portray a character onstage is extremely rewarding too, because it allows me to dig deeper into what makes that character themself, and expands my perspective on how unique and interesting people really are.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
Audience members can expect to see a truly wonderful show, the product of a beautiful, heartfelt story, and the unwavering dedication of everyone involved.
Addison Watts
Age: 17
Parents Names: Shannon and Dave Watts
Siblings: Vincent Watts
Year In School: Senior
Activities: Theater; choir; Hope Squad; ITS.
Hobbies: Activism, learning the piano, ceramics crafts/scrapbooking.
Future Plans: I plan to study political science and constitutional democracy
How did you get involved with the production?
I have been in Howell’s mainstage productions for the last 4 years, I love theater and I am passionate about it so I try to involve myself in any production possible. I was thrilled when I heard this year’s play was Sense and Sensibility. I’ve read Jane Austen for years and I was so ready to be a part of making it come to life.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play
“Midsummers Night’s Dream – Cerces; “Radium Girls”- Mrs. Middleton/ Townswoman; “PUFFS” – Sally Perks; “The Perfect Score” – Hannah; “Sense and Sensibility” – Marianne.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I love that every rehearsal takes you to a different time and place. I walk in as a teen girl from Howell in 2024, and with my first line, I become a woman living in Britain in the 1800s.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My biggest inspiration for the show is my castmates. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work with such talented people and I am truly inspired by their choices and how they make this show come to fruition. but most of all I’m so inspired by our director Malo, the vision she has for this show is incredible and I’m so lucky to have been able to work with her for the last 4 years.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
My favorite part about being In a production especially one with a smaller cast is that we all put so much dedication and time into making the show come to life. We all become so close to one another and you truly feel like your cast mates are another family.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
The audience should expect to be transported back in time, immediately fall in love with this show and the characters, and draw some parallels to their lives too!
Kaiyah Luethy
Age: 17
Parents: Amanda and Ben Luethy
Siblings: Selah Luethy, Obie Luethy, Elleah Luethy
Year In School: Senior
Activities: NHS, ITS, President of Acapella, Captain of Classicality, Highlander Chorale, New Group, Advanced Drama, The Main Four(newspaper), Mikat Music Studios
Hobbies: Hanging out with family and friends, cooking, crafts, hiking
Future Plans: I want to major in music therapy and continue with singing throughout college and in my career.
How did you get involved with the production?
I love all things theater and when it was revealed that the fall production was gonna be Sense and Sensibility, I knew that it was a no-brainer to audition.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
“Wizard of Oz” – munchkin; “Annie” – orphan; “Elf” – ensemble; “Rock of Ages” – ensemble; “Radium Girls” – Irene; “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” – Mrs. Beaver; “Mamma Mia” – Ali; “Mean Girls Jr.” – Janis; “Odds Are” – Molly; “The Lightning Thief” – Clarisse; “Sense and Sensibility” – Elinor.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I’ve been doing theater since I was 4 years old and I’ve always found the stage to be a safe and comfortable environment where I can showcase my talents. Playing the role of Elinor allows me to do this while also connecting with the character and putting parts of myself into her. I’ve been able to get to know myself better through Elinor.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My mom is my inspiration because she is so selfless and is always there to help me with anything I need, especially with all things singing and drama. For every audition my mom helps me practice and gives me pointers. For every role that I have, she helps me run lines. For every single performance that I do, my mom is in the audience. I owe so much of my happiness to her.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
My favorite part about being in this production is getting to build relationships and finding community. Every person in this production has contributed to providing a safe and comforting environment where I have the confidence to be myself.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
Audience members can expect to see a beautiful production filled with laughing, crying, and heartfelt, unconditional, sisterly love.
