By Zoe Lenz 

   “It’s 1963, Los Angeles. The world is still smarting from two World Wars, but Hollywood is thriving in its Golden Age. The play starts in sunny Los Angeles, during the summer holidays. It’s the 1960s, and Aeva, Ollie, Shelley and Ilsa are four close friends,” says senior Manny Ortiz.

   The lights dim and a hush settles over the crowd. Slowly, the actors walk onstage and take their places. The lights go up, music drifts through the air and the show begins.

   The special Halloween staged reading, “The Blood Countess,” written by Manny, was showcased in the Evdokimo Auditorium on Oct. 26. The production is inspired by many works from the 1930s and ’60s and it is the first play to be performed by the TPA Drama Club this school year. The crowd was larger than expected and Mr. Sanderson even had to set out more chairs.

   Many students, parents and teachers came to support Manny and his production. Dr. Wallington, who attended the play, says her favorite part was senior Hannah Frazier’s singing segment.

   Manny says, “I hope this play brings more people to theater culture, and that it promotes theater related opportunities for students.” We are excited to see what the TPA Drama Club has in store for the rest of the school year.