Thirteen teenagers, from six local schools and two home school groups, have come together to perform Sandra Fenichel Asher's full-length play, “Everything Is Not Enough”. The show will be performed at the Newnan Community Theatre Company on 1st Avenue in downtown Newnan.

“Everything Is Not Enough” is a modern-day drama adapted from Asher's 1987 novel in which the main character, Michael, spends the summer before his senior year of high school trying to find his place in the world. His life has been mapped out for him by his father, but Michael wants to go in his own direction. While finding his own course, he and a female co-worker become friends, and find themselves in the position of trying to figure out what to do about her friend who is abused by her alcoholic boyfriend. Getting a summer job against his father's wishes, dealing with new some-what hostile locals, old friends and abused new friends, are all things Michael has never dealt with. Though this show is geared toward a high school aged audience, it's very suitable for middle school students and adults as well.

Auditions for this show were held in late September and were open to all teenagers who were enrolled in middle school or high school. Co-directors Bree Hicken and Meghan Hubbell chose this particular script as a way to showcase the talented teenagers at the community theatre that may not be involved in their local high school drama groups or who don't have drama curriculum offered at their schools. "There are a lot of talented kids in our community," said Hicken, "and a lot of them are still trying to find a place to share their talent." The co-directors decided they wanted to direct a teen only show, after working on a project earlier this year, which was open to a larger age group. "Sometimes they get lost in the middle. They aren't little kids, and yet not adults. So they can help with a lot of programs at the theatre, but there aren't always acting roles for their age group," said Hubbell.

Both directors were extremely surprised and pleased by the amount of interested teens that came for the two night auditions. There proved to be not only talent on stage, but off as well. The entire cast and crew, including stage manager, back stage, lights and sound are all teens. There will also be teenage musicians performing their own songs during the intermission of the performances.

Starring in the role of Michael is Kyle Hersey. Hersey, along with Cameron Clark, is part of the Veritas homeschool group. Kelsey Gentry portrays Linda. Gentry is a member of the Eluminatus homeschool group. Representing Newnan High School is Levi Morgan (Buddy). Northgate High is represented by Mark Kirsch (Macelroy). Four East Coweta High School students are in the play. They are Sara Pierson (Traci), Jake Azarowicz (Pete), Alex Ferguson (Pop), and Kristin Owens (Interviewer). Davis McCondichie and Jason Abraham attend Arnall Middle School. Both are interviewers in the play. McKenna Jefferson, also an interviewer, attends East Coweta Middle School. Michaela Dildine attends Madras Middle School and she completes the group of interviewers.

Performances for “Everything Is Not Enough” will be held November 28 and 29, as well as December 4 and 5. Friday and Saturday show times are 8 pm. The Sunday matinee is at 2:30. Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and over and $5 for ages 12 and under. This special event will be performed in NCTC’s black box theatre. Reservations can be made by visiting the theatre’s website, newnantheatre.org (registration required), or by calling 770-683-6282.

Eine2.jpg: Left to right: “Everything Is Not Enough” cast members Kyle Hersey (in the starring role of Michael), Kelsey Gentry (Linda), and Levi Morgan (Buddy).

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