Four Central seniors perform for final time with Red Dagger theater club

As funny as Neil Simon's farcical play "Rumors" is, this weekend's performance will be bittersweet for four Cape Girardeau Central High School seniors who are finishing a productive run together in high school theater.

The Red Dagger, the high school's theater club, opens "Rumors" today with a 7:30 p.m. performance at the Central Junior High School auditorium. The show will be performed at the same time Friday and Saturday.

When that closing curtain comes down, Logan Young knows she will be saying her theatrical goodbyes to people she has come to know well over her high school years.

"It's so easy to form a close-knit family when it comes to theater because you're with these people every day for, like, two months," said Young, who plays Cassie Cooper, bitter wife of a political candidate. "It's hard to step away from that when you're finally done with it."

Brodrick Twiggs, a member of Red Dagger productions throughout his high school career, said it will be hard to break up the team, but he's excited about his life ahead -- a future he hopes will involve acting in Hollywood films and maybe a stint on Broadway.

Twiggs plays the part of Lenny Ganz, a quick-witted auditor. The role, he said, was taxing, involving a three-page monologue.

"I had to devote my life to that monologue," Twiggs said.

"Rumors" has provided a fast-paced, funny way to go out, the cast members say. The farce follows several wealthy couples gathered at the suburban home of a deputy New York City mayor and his wife to celebrate the couple's 10th wedding anniversary. Comic complications arise after the host shoots himself in the earlobe and the hostess goes missing.

Rachael Irvin plays the part of "quirky" Chris Gorman. Irvin wants to be involved in theater at some level beyond high school.

"My parents don't think it's practical, but I'm a big believer in doing what you love -- and this is something that I love."

Christen Limbaugh, plays the role of Claire Ganz. Limbaugh describes her character as a "petty high school girl," a "pot-stirrer," with a biting sense of humor.

Limbaugh said it will be difficult to walk away from theater.

"On stage, the energy you get with your cast members, it's just like the best feeling there is," she said.

mkittle@semissourian.com

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