For this semester’s drama production, the class will perform Cheaper by the Dozen, a play based on the true story of Frank Gilbreth and his family of 12 children. The show will run April 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. in Ground Zero.

The plot follows around Dad (Kyle Hudecek, ’14) as he works to get each child ahead in school The kids assume he wants them to do the best in their studies, but the audience soon finds out there is a sad reality motivating Dad.

Oldest daughter Anne (Jenna Orcutt, ’13) gets fed up desiring to live as like other teens by going on dates and dressing like the popular crowd. She rallies a rebellion which Dad resists. The tension grows as all the kids join in the revolt.

The play bears no resemblance to the ’03 Steve Martin remake of the 1950s movie, but director Susan Ainley believes that the story is much more realistic and entertaining.

“I love this play,” Ainley said. “The cast has worked many hours rehearsing to make it an enjoyable experience for all. The characters are so real and honest, I know the audience will love it. I believe it’s the best production for FCHS in many years.”

Because of the preparation involved, Orcutt feels that the show will run smoothly, and expects to put on an entertaining drama.

“I think that the performances will go well,” Orcutt said. “It’s a fun play and we all enjoy performing it. We pretty much have it down so it will be fun to show it to people. It’s not perfect yet, but by the time we perform we hope it’ll be as close to perfect as it can be.”

Due to all the level of elements involved in the production, a few challenges were presented to the cast, differing from last semester’s The Gift of the Magi.

“This play is a full three-act production, with a full set, and new costumes designed and made by the wonderfully talented Karin Hierholzer,” Ainley said. “The students had to learn 84 pages of text. Blocking was a challenge, with as many as 16 people on stage at once.”

With a long script, the actors contributed even more time to rehearse the play, which is why Ainley hopes that the student body encourages their peers.

“I hope every student, and their families will come see the play,” Ainley said. “They have worked everyday, several Saturdays, many lunch periods and countless hours at home memorizing lines to give their best effort for our school. They deserve our support!”

Now in his eighth partaking in dramatic productions, Robbie Hill’s, (’14), role of Bill came naturally for him, as he felt a connection with the character.

“I am not really feeling the nerves this year,” Hill said. “Being in drama for about eight years really helps you with the whole stage fright thing. Plus my character I have to play this year was really easy to learn because we share a lot of the same qualities.”

According to Ainley, the production will appeal to all audiences with its original storyline.

“I can guarantee everyone will find something to love about the play,” Ainley. “It’s very funny, true to life, and has a heart-wrenching element that is bound to make everyone want to see it more than once.”

Cheaper By the Dozen will run April 13 and 14 in Ground Zero at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from cast members at lunch and in school offices after the Spring break vacation.

For more information about the drama department, read the Nov. 18, 2011 article, Behind the scenes of ‘Gift of the Magi’.