Smith Flat drama students take a trip

What: "Canterbury Tales"

Who: Charter Smith Flat School drama department

Where: former Charles Brown School, 6520 Oak Dell Road in El Dorado

When: Thursday, Feb. 2; and Friday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m.

Cost: $3 for children and $5 for adults

Information: 530-409-1188

The high school drama students at Charter Smith Flat School are taking a sojourn to Canterbury and are inviting the public to come along.

"Canterbury Tales" tells the story of eight pilgrims, each with wildly different personalities, going on a journey to Canterbury. Along the way, each of these colorful characters tells a story to pass the time. The stories range from serious dramas to hilarious comedies.

The satirical play based on the stories by the famous Renaissance author Geoffery Chaucer will be presented at the former Charles Brown School, 6520 Oak Dell Road in El Dorado. Show dates and curtain times are Thursday, Feb. 2; and Friday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m.

The Smith Flat drama department is well-known in the community for its high-quality drama productions. This year, the production will incorporate some new elements.

There will be a specially recorded video played at the beginning of the play filmed off-campus to add to the “mood of the play” edited by Caleb Hanson.

In between scenes, there will also be custom-written music by Nic Halabicky, a senior in the class who is the music director and also an actor.

Another anticipated special event during intermission will feature Alex Ferrand along with some of his fellow actors in a sword fight that he has choreographed.

Frederico “Pico” Van Houtryve, a former award-winning California newspaper photojournalist, who replaced David Combs as the English, French and drama teacher, this fall, directs Canterbury Tales.

Van Houtryve also teaches visual communication, a senior English elective, as well as photography at Charter Smith Flat.

The cast and crew are: David Bath as Pardoner, Nicholas, Arviragus and usher; Devin Bayard as Reeve, John, Aurelius and house manager; Rachel Bluhm as Wife of Bath, Allison, Joanne and costume designer; Jordan Coble as Prioress, Dorigen and publicity manager; Alex Ferrand as Simekin, King, Usher and fight choreographer; Jacob Foster as stage manager; Nic Halabicky as Franklin, Chanticleer and music director; Caleb Hanson as Miller, Jacob, Voice of Chaucer and publicity designer; Rebecca Kent as Cook, Hen, Maude, Waitress and make-up manager; Ryan Koban as Knight, Harold, usher and concessions; Katie Setty as Hostess, Queen, Eveline, Old Woman and props manager; Frances Swickard as Fox, Hilde, Agnes and set designer; Kayleigh Talley as Avaline; John Verzello as Allain, Astrologer and tech manager.

Admission for this entertaining play is $3 for children and $5 for adults.

For more information call 530-409-1188.