With the audience seated closely around the edge of the stage, Becker High School presented its spring play, 45 Seconds from Broadway, with lots of chuckles and laugh-out-loud moments last weekend.

 

“We try to alternate the spring play from comedy to more serious drama each year,” said Director Joseph Rand. “Neil Simon is a great American playwright known for witty and funny shows.”

 

45 Seconds from Broadway is set in the Polish Tea Room, a coffee shop/restaurant based on real-life Edison Café in New York City. Characters wander in and out, sit down, chat with each other and give glimpses into their lives in the Big Apple.

 

The coffee shop is run by characters Bernie and Zelda, who make it a home away from home for everyone who enters. They help young, starving artists by giving them food, advice and employment. Established actors and native New Yorkers also frequent the coffee shop bringing their own humor and wisdom.

 

The talented cast of 14 began preparing the show in late March, practicing most days after school. 

 

All the characters in 45 Seconds from Broadway are considered lead roles. They were played by Cole Cook as Solomon, Emma Kolbinger as Mickey, Michelle Johnson as Anastasia, Nathanial Hed as Bernie, Emma Tweten as Zelda, Amber Vogl as Arleen, Elizabeth Moeller as Cindy, Grace Klapak as Rayleen, Ben Verwey as Harry, Larissa Tollefson as Megan, Ella Nettestad as Bessie, Charter Aanenson as Charles, Frank Potter and Isabelle Todeschini.

 

The elaborate set, designed to look like an actual coffee shop/restaurant, was created by Rich Kimmerle. Although this is his last show as the lead tech director for Becker, he will be remaining on in an assistant role.

 

“Rich is incredibly talented and has created beautiful and memorable sets over the last eight years,” said Rand. “We will miss him in the lead role terribly, but are glad to have him remain connected for the program.”

 

Grace Tillman was this year’s assistant tech director.