According to Chloe Elie, a member of the cast of the upcoming Lancaster Mennonite High School (LMHS) theater production, before choosing the spring show, director Dean Sauder bounced some ideas off his drama class students. Elie noted that when the winter musical show had to be canceled, Sauder wanted to choose a spring show that would showcase students' individual talents. "(Sauder) took a script that was a lot of acting and added singing and dancing," said Elie. "Everyone gets to shine in their own way (in this show)."

"All the World's a Stage," a series of six folk tales from Italy, India, Spain, West Africa, Ireland, and Arabia, will be presented in the patio area of Millstream Hall with the audience in the parking lot between Millstream and the Rutt building on the school campus, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Shows will be staged on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 29, 30, and May 1, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, May 2, at 3 p.m. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets, and they are welcome to bring picnic lunches to create their own dinner theater experience. To enhance the cultural experience, traditional songs and dances from around the world will be presented between the skits.

Cast member Isaac Kraenbring reported that some students will be playing as many as six different characters, since each folktale is its own complete story. He described his part in one tale, noting that Sauder has encouraged students to develop each character they play as a distinct entity. "In the Irish folktale, I am the Great Bear of Orange," he said, adding that the story is similar to that of "Beauty and the Beast." "(Instead of objects), the people are transformed to animals, but when a princess loves the bear, he becomes a prince," explained Kraenbring.

Cast member Megan Esch said she enjoys the challenge of playing different characters. "Each skit has a different atmosphere," she explained, adding that the first one will have a cartoonish feel.

Student Sofia Masciale-Walmer noted that among the songs would be those originating in West Africa, Ireland, and Spain, along with a selection of lullabies.

Katie Sina, who serves as choreographer for the production, said that basic costumes with accent pieces will designate different characters.

"Another way we are making it fun is by adding pop culture anachronisms (to the timeless tales)," noted cast member Josiah Esch.

Masciale-Walmer shared that the biggest challenge is the uncertainty that has surrounded COVID-19 cases and resulting restrictions, but she noted that students are facing the situation with a flexible attitude. "If something happens, we will try to make a way around it," she said. "But we are putting a ton of hard work in, and if it doesn't happen, we have to (be prepared) deal with it."

While there is no cost to attend one of the shows, tickets are required. There will be opportunities to donate to the Lancaster Mennonite drama group. Tickets may be reserved by emailing boxoffice@lancastemennonite.org, calling the box office at 717-740-2456, or visiting http://www.lancastermennonite.org.