From now until opening night, we will be highlighting members of the Hartland High School Drama Club production of “Murder on the 518.”
“What do you do in your free time?” is a question that is likely to elicit laughter from Hartland High School senior Sidney Furge. With a full plate of challenging classes, a part-time job at Cromaine District Library and a host of extracurricular activities, Furge is anything but idle — putting her all into everything she does.
This fall, Furge adds “student director” to her list of achievements, as she helps prepare the talented cast of “Murder on the 518” for its upcoming production. In addition, she showcases her love of acting while playing the role of Lucy Blake, the faithful assistant to a pompous movie starlet, in the family-friendly murder mystery.
We caught up with Furge, a National Honor Society member, to ask her about her experience with Harland Drama Club’s return to live theater.
What is your favorite part about this production?
My favorite part of this show has been being on stage with my fellow actors again for the first time in two years. I absolutely love being able to collaborate with all of the other actors in the cast.
What motivates you to work hard, both as a Drama Club member and in life?
I’m motivated to work hard by the future and the goals I have set for myself.
Do you wish to pursue theater after high school?
I do not plan to study theater, but I want to still be involved in my college’s theater program and participate in shows.
Is it easy for you to memorize your lines?
Repetition is really what I need to memorize lines. Running through a scene multiple times helps me to get “off book,” but I do still have to look at my lines outside of rehearsal.
Do you prefer to sing, act or dance?
I personally like to sing and act more. Dancing isn’t my strongest suit … if you don’t believe me, you can ask my mom!
If you were a kitchen utensil, what would you be?
I would definitely be an air fryer, because they can be used for so many different things — and I, also, do a lot of things and have many different skills.
Is there someone who inspired you to audition for this show?
Not for this show, but the person who inspired me to start theater years ago was my sister.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my mom because she has always been there for me and has taught me so many things.
The Hartland High School Drama Club production of “Murder on the 518,” runs Friday, Nov. 12, through Sunday, Nov. 14, at Hartland High School (HHS), 10635 Dunham Road in Hartland. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are available online at www.hartlanddramaclub.com and at the door. Individual tickets purchased in advance are $13 for adults and $11 for students, children and seniors. Tickets purchased at the door are $15 for adults and $13 for students, children and seniors. Group rates are also available.
