While North Platte High School’s play may be called "Bleak Expectations," the show proves to be anything but with its slapstick humor, perfect comedic timing and brilliant cast. The plot of "Bleak Expectations," as the name might suggest, is a satirical take on Charles Dickens’ "Great Expectations," and follows the story of Pip in Victorian London as his older self narrates the show from the side. The show will run Thursday and Friday at 7 p.
m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
at the high school. Admission is $5 at the door. NPHS theater teacher and show director Brittany McDaniel said the best way to describe it “is if you were to take all of Charles Dickens’ works, hand them to Monty Python and ask them to create a play.
” Junior Jesse Smith, who plays the show’s villain Gently Benevolent, described it as “controlled chaos.” “It’s just such a chaotic show, but it's a lot of fun to put on,” he said. Smith said they were given “a bit of creative freedom” with parts of the show, describing a courtroom scene where he holds up a sketch that is just a stick-figure drawing he made.
But it wasn't all fun and no work. “It’s been a lesson in comedic timing,” McDaniel said. “How to be the straight guy and how to be the funny guy, how to deliver a punchline or set up a joke.
” Another obstacle was the prop-heavy aspect of the play. “Every prop is very specific,” McDaniel said, such as a three barreled shotgun, an anvil, a tiny horseshoe and even French baguett.