Performed by the Contra Costa Christian High School Drama Program, December 1 and 2, 2006 at the Dean Lesher Knight’s Stage Theater, Walnut Creek CA.

Players in alphabetical order: Jessica Blommer O’Malley (Yencha the Vendor); Mackenzie Blommer O’Malley (Magistrate); Stephen Blommer O’Malley (Leon Tolchinsky); Matthew Burlingame (Mishkin the Postman); Robert Burlingame (Dr. Zubritsky); Lindsey Cook (Lenya Zubritzky); Mike English (Gregor Youskovitch); Rebekah Eskandani (Slovitch the Butcher); Dena Nederhood (Sophia Zubritsky); Gavan Wyrick (Snetsky the Sheep Loser).

Director: Ms. Robin Lynn Rodriguez ; Assistant Director: Breanna Head; Set Design/Construction: Earl Head; Set Manager: Robert Burlingame.

Director’s Notes: A village cursed with stupidity? Could any such place exist in reality? Is Neil Simon’s play a farcical fantasy or biting social satire? One of the most enjoyable aspects of performing any play with students is uncovering nuances that you only discover after weeks of rehearsing material over and over. Simon’s play reminds me of this fact, as I become increasingly aware of the observational humor that he has inserted throughout what at first seems like a slapstick comedy. I think Simon hits many nails on the head with his ideas of what education is and isn’t, and how people might play stupid or cower in a cave of ignorance as an excuse not to engage life. One thing I notice particularly is his cynicism about the demagogy that intellectualism and religiosity can be in our world. Perhaps this strikes close to home, since I’m hearing all of this through the filter of being both a Christian and a teacher. Could Christian education be the ultimate forum for dumbing down students? Perhaps, if “education” looks like Leon’s as he tries to teach Sophia arithmetic. Has Christianity becomes a formula in our classrooms, or a paint-by-numbers way to look at the world? I can understand how Simon might get that impression. That’s when I am reminded of what I love so much about this school. I love the opportunity this school gives me to challenge students in their understanding of God and the part that we play as His ambassadors in the world. I am so glad to be a part of our school when I realize that we are not falling into the trap of complacency. From what I know of my colleagues’ passion, I know that this is not happening to our students. At our school, we are lovers of all wisdom and understanding. We are passionate about the active part that we will play in God’s plan. Neil Simon will not find a Kulyenchikov in our classrooms. After all, we are doing this play.