World Premiere: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Reading Rooms

On Thursday, March 26, TFS will showcase the world premiere of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Reading Rooms, a brand-new play by Chris Grabenstein. Directed by TFS Instructor of Theater Arts Heather Daurity, the production features 18 middle school students performing both on stage and behind the scenes as part of a dedicated crew.

One might wonder how TFS was chosen to host a world premiere. The answer is two-fold. In the fall, Mr. Grabenstein issued a “casting call”, seeking a producing partner for his new one-act play. Mrs. Daurity, who brings extensive theater experience, had previously directed both of his works, The Island of Dr. Libris at TFS and Curiosity Cat at Forest Moon Theatre, and reached out to express interest. Excitingly, TFS and Mrs. Daurity were selected. “I am personally a big fan of Mr. Grabenstein's writing,” shares Mrs. Daurity. “ I didn't expect to be lucky enough to get the opportunity, but I am grateful to Mr. Grabenstein for trusting me with his fantastic script.”

Mrs. Daurity and her students began preparing in December with their first read-through. By early January, they moved into blocking rehearsals, spending time shaping actor movement and developing character choices. Along the way, the cast has even met Mr. Grabenstein via Google Meet, giving him the opportunity to see their progress and offer feedback.

Behind the scenes, the crew has been just as busy, building costumes, painting sets, and transforming the stage to bring the setting to life. They’ve also recorded sound cues and programmed lighting to enhance each moment of the performance.

Bringing a play from script to stage requires a tremendous team effort, and Mrs. Daurity makes it a priority to ensure students understand that every role is important to the final production.

What makes Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Reading Rooms especially unique is its setting. “I have never seen a play set in an escape room,” says Mrs. Daurity. “Escape rooms are really popular, which gives the play an opportunity to connect with audiences on a different level.”

That built-in appeal also brings a sense of urgency to the stage. “Escape rooms have a natural excitement and intense energy that goes hand in hand with theatre,” she explains. “In a play, you always want to feel like the characters are fighting against all odds to accomplish their objective, and this show allows both the actors and the audience to experience that in a very tangible way.”

The play will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 26; Friday, March 27; and Saturday, March 28, in the Fellowship Hall at TFS.

Additionally, Mr. Grabenstein will be in attendance for the school-wide performance of the play on Thursday, March 26, from 9:15-10:00 am. On Friday, March 27th, he will present two visiting author sessions to our students. From 9:15-10:00 am, he will speak to students in grades 4-8. He will share his writing journey and focus on the Lemoncello books. From 10:05-10:30 am, he will speak to students in grades K-3 and focus on his book series, Stinky's Stories.

Tickets are now on sale for Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Reading Rooms. Https://our.show/lemoncello

You won’t want to miss it! Get your tickets now. We’ll see you there!