Whether one believes in aliens and UFOs or not, the hysteria a potential sighting provokes is a rich mine of comedy gold in the hands of a competent cast and director, as was the case in the recent production of “The Aliens Are Coming, The Aliens Are Coming!” at Becker High School.

 

The premise is not a new one.  A dilapidated desert motel located near a secret government facility much like Area 51 decides to host a UFO Convention to capitalize on strange sightings in the area and mysterious lights in the sky.  Media types, true UFO believers and a cast of other oddball characters make for a charming visit into the phenomenon.

 

A number of soon-to-be-graduated seniors turned in their last performances on the BHS stage in this one, with veterans Brittany Bodien, Sara Gretsch, Andy Johnson, Anna Landsverk, Austin Hill, Evan Schafer and Nick Norgaard turning in performances that ranged from the deftly comic to near manic hilarity.

 

For sheer show-stopping fun, sophomore Sarenity Klein took the prize with a slapstick stairway ascent/descent with multiple luggage items that was totally reminiscent of Lucille Ball in her heyday, and she had the cuts and bruises to prove it.  She said afterwards that she agreed with the old show-biz adage: “Comedy is pain,” but it is worth it.

 

The play was directed by Joseph Rand, with technical direction by Rich Kimmerle, lighting design by Greg Lynch and student direction by Tanner Stewart and Alexandra Kimmerle.  Set crew included: Emily Tesmer, Jasmine Anderson, Nicole Knudsen, Katie Novitsky, Kendra Gorman, Erin Fagin, Libby Verwey, Alora Nelson, Ian Kimmerle, Vanessa Gilles, Morgan Steffens, Abby Steffens, Samantha Stellmach, Holly Rowland, Ashley Volk, Katie Cantin, Evan Girtz and Morgan Tillman.