By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

Jemison intermediate and middle schools’ Performing Panthers Drama Clubs are presenting two plays beginning at 6:30 p.m. on March 22 at the Jemison High School Auditorium.

The students have been busy practicing many hours each week since Christmas break ended.

“They’re excited. They’ve had a good time with this,” Lela Carr, director of the JIS play, said. “I think they’ve really enjoyed working together, and it’s a good bonding experience for them too.”

JMS director Jillena Smets, who is also assisting in directing the JIS play, said students from both drama clubs have helped each other along the way.

“All of the students have worked hard and practiced many hours in preparation for the plays,” she said.

Carr said the JIS drama club will perform “The Gingerbread Girl” by D.M. Larson.

“It is a kind of a spin-off of ‘The Gingerbread Boy,’” Carr said. “It’s very cute, and the kids have worked very hard.”

“The Gingerbread Girl” plot begins where “The Gingerbread Boy” ends, according to Smets.

“The story ends up being more Frankenstein than fairy tale but promises a happy ending,” Smets said.

“The Jemison Middle School Performing Panthers will round out the night with ‘The Hysterical History of the Trojan War’ by D. M. Larson,” Smets said. “This is still Homer’s Iliad but told in a modern way that that audience can enjoy and have a laugh.”

Both drama clubs will present their plays first to students and teachers during school hours.

Tickets for the evening performance are $5 for adults and $2 for children. Admission is free to children younger than 5 years old.

“I’ve personally enjoyed watching the students that have returned each year grow and become more confident and excited to new students each year,” Smets said. “We certainly have a lot of talented young people in our small Jemison community. The students have really impressed me with their willingness to learn and step out of their comfort zones.“

The groups offer special thanks to backdrop artist Rachel Lawley and school administrators.

“Also, a big thank you to the parents for allowing their children to be a part of this,” Carr said.