Classic children's novel transformed into a play

An 8-year-old's life will take center stage in the Green River High School play this week.

"Ramona Quimby" by Len Jenkins is based on the novels by Beverly Cleary.

Terrin Musbach, Green River High School's theater director, said Ramona Quimby and the Quimby family are an average family that live on Klickitat, an average street. The audience will get to learn and grow with the family as they experience what we are all familiar with -- the seasons of life.  

Musbach and assistant director, Karen Feigel, wanted a play that would be for kids and families. The one-act play will not have an intermission.

"Additionally, this script breaks the fourth wall, so we acknowledge the audience often. These are new concepts for some kids, so we have a great time figuring the best way to produce the show," she said.

Families can relate to the main character Ramona, who is played by Karlee Cutler. Ramona is an 8-year-old girl who goes through good and bad times in her life.

The cast and crew have been working hard preparing for the performances.

"They work very hard and manage difficult schedules; we are always very proud of their work ethic," Musbach said. "Kids surprise me all the time, no day, minute or moments are the same. They have lovely insight and intuition on the human condition."

The GRHS thespians had a dress rehearsal Monday and then put on a special performance for students Tuesday morning.

"The audience can expect to empathize with the Quimby family," Musbach said. "After all, we all watch the leaves fall off of trees, endure the harshness of winter winds and weather, crave the warmth of spring and summer, and experience the cycle of the seasons again. The play has been fun, and has come with many lessons.  Above all, throughout the seasons of life, family is our brightest shining light, the light that gets us through the darkness."  

The play is scheduled to take place Thursday and Friday evenings at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. All programs will take place in the GRHS theater. General admission tickets are $5, while student and senior tickets are $3.

Cast list

Ramona Quimby: Karlee Cutler  

Beezus Quimby: Taisa Stocks

Bob Quimby: Morgan Burbank

Dorothy Quimby: Kallee Raza

Aunt Bea : Julia Eaton

Howie Kemp: Nathaniel Knight  

Uncle Hobart: Michael Montoya

Mrs. Kemp: Elaine Comer

Mrs. Griggs: Emily Cacho

Susan: Sarah Kropf

Tammy: Sarah Roberts

Selma: Lynzi Johnson

Mr.Frost: Spencer Kurth

Old Man: Treyson Rasmussen

Doctor: Malachi Webster

Brownies: Katy Robinson, Suzanne Malicoat and Reina Kropf

Classmates: Katy Robinson, Reina Kropf and Suzanne Malicoat

Crew list

Stage manager: Caitlin Hart

Costumes: Katelyn Gambles and Gillian Maldonado

Makeup: Sabrina Mora, Seyarra Puckett and Leona Grimes

Set: Sean Miller, Gus Schultze, Adeline Hoskins, Elizabeth Murdock, Danielle Davis, Preston Bartlett, Elaine Comer, Madasynn Straw, Suzanne Malicoat

Tech manager: Devyn Merrell

Lights: Maddie Burge, Dylan Strange

Sound: Sheridan Kent and Brastin Moore