PV Actors Star in Little Shop of Horrors
-Christina Bulosan
This past weekend, two of our Panthers participated in a musical hosted by Pismo Beach Youth Theatre. Daniel Geiger (10) and Alina Davila (10) stepped into the shoes of their characters in the 1960's musical, Little Shop of Horrors. The show involves a meek flower shop assistant Seymour (Daniel Geiger) who yearns for his coworker Audrey and has an unusual, mysterious plant that manages to gain more business for the shop. Although this plant earns more attention and fame for the shop, it thrives for blood and essentially, eats people. This develops conflict with Seymour and his morality.
Each song number had an early 1960s "doo wop" feel as well as a little Motown. The genre of music was mostly enforced by a trio of street teens (one being Alina Davila), who followed up almost each scene with some dancing, lovely dresses/costumes, and great vocals. Little Shop of Horrors adapted into a movie in 1986 where it began to gain more popularity.Both Geiger and Davila have been involved with Pismo Beach Youth Theatre for a while (Davila being involved for 1 year and Geiger for 4 years).
Both students have rehearsed for this musical for about 2 months and had their performances for, unfortunately, only two days on February 19 and 20. The cast consisted of about 10 talented actors/actresses from various high schools (such as Nipomo High School, Arroyo Grande High School, etc.) throughout the area. "Daniel and I didn't know anyone on the first day, but we all developed great friendships by the end of the performance," claims Davila. Geiger agrees and adds, "Everyone was just so lovely and fun. It was a really great experience."
Babies on Campus
-Noemy Ramos
As most students have seen, there are babies all around campus. It is for the Development of Child Psychology class. The babies are supposed to provide unforgettable lessons. I asked some students about their overall experience with the Real Care baby and if having the Real Care baby made them change their mind on the age they want to have a baby.
Pilar Reyes (12) said,”I think babies are extremely cute, but when it came around to me having to deal with the Real Care baby, I did notice how hard it was to have a baby. The Real Care baby did change my mind on the age I wanted to have baby. I used to think I wanted a baby around 22, but now I’m thinking not until I’m around 28. I just want to bring a baby into this world when I know I’m completely ready to take it on."
Monica Peralta (12) “I honestly liked having the baby with me, but it was so difficult to focus in class, because I was so focused on the baby to make sure he wouldn’t cry! It was difficult at first, but once I got the hang of it, it wasn’t so bad. Also, I actually thought about the age I want to have a baby and all I know is that when I’m ready, I’ll feel it."
Ms. Fuller added, “The babies are designed to prevent teen pregnancy, prevent child abuse, and give a more realistic lesson on babies. Although using Real Care babies for teaching are a lot of work, the lessons students get to learn are so valuable for them. Also, after 10 years, we are finally going to get a whole new bunch of new Real Care babies, so I am excited for that!"
Pilar Mendoza (11) said, “My overall experience with the Real Care baby was great. It taught me how to care for a baby and how to have patience with the baby. The Real Care baby didn’t change my mind on the age I would like to have a baby. I’ve always thought 20 was a good age to have a baby, although, I’m probably not going to get a lot of sleep. I think babies are just so cute and fun to be around."
Book Review: Looking for Alaska
-Vanessa Nunez
This book has a before and an after. It’s definitely a before and an after. Once you get past the obnoxious characters and stereotypical actions and you listen to the words, you understand the point. The before will give the after more significance. You’re asked a lot of important questions. Questions only you can answer for yourself. This book makes you think. You think of life, death, and last words. This book starts silly and goofy, but it gets real so fast you feel like you got punched in the gut.
Our main character, Miles (a.k.a Pudge), starts the story looking for the “Great Perhaps” and he meets people you’d never believed would even exist. You read his life of before and after. You live the before and after with him. You’ll get annoyed and frustrated, but by the end you find yourself caring about these characters more than you thought you would. The characters change and stay the same.
After reading this book, I was in shock. I didn’t know how to react if I agreed or disagreed. After a few minutes, I accepted it, not as fact or opinion, but I accepted it for what it was. It gives you a lot to think about, it makes you feel and think, as books should.
Pain doesn’t go away, you make room for it. That’s an important idea to keep while reading this book and in life in general. I hope you understand what I mean. Whether you decide to read the book or not.