KINGSTON — As the cast of “Election” began rehearsal Monday afternoon, the roles representing the world of student politics became clear — the average guy versus an over-achiever running for student council president; a fast-talking news reporter; and the rest of the students barely showing an interest.
But these young students don’t think their characters are hyperbole. Alison Roberts, drama teacher of the Kingston High School Drama Club, chose the fall production because of its timeliness.
“The moral of the show is that politicians don’t always come out with the truth,” said senior Christie Fitch, who is playing one of the candidates, Christy Martin. “I’d like to see that [be different] in the future, but it’s not going to change … It’s not how politicians have been elected in the past.”
Despite a pessimistic outlook on the current political climate, these students are staying informed and staying involved. “Election” — an exaggerated portrayal of a high school student council race — reflects a world many are already familiar with.
“You don’t win on good intentions,” said Emma Walker, who plays the reporter.
Senior Alexander Walker (no relation to Emma) plays Fitch’s popular opponent, Mark Davenport. Alexander is president of Kingston High School’s student council. In June, he attended American Legion Boys State, a camp program that teaches how government works. Alexander is also on the Greater Hansville Area Advisory Council.
Kingston’s student council races don’t have debates, but Alexander wishes they did.
“That would have been cool,” he said.
“Election” features such political topics as campaign fundraising, talk-show appearances, campaign commercials and debates, including one about who has the more patriotic tie.
“[The play] tells us not to fall for campaign gimmicks, to be savvy voters — a message we can’t hear enough,” Roberts said via email. “I hope the performers and audience will take that message to heart. It’s also a very funny play, and it’s always great to get to get laughs.”
The students said there is a lot of theater involved in politics. Olivia Gurney, who plays Alexander’s campaign manager, said the purpose of one of her speeches is just to boast about herself.
There is a large “amount of pageantry” and bragging in politics nowadays, Emma said.
Christie added, “I love bringing the hysteria.” Her character overtakes Alexander’s candidate after she receives large donations from “shady” corporations.
The student-actors said they added a few relevant jokes after reading the news and watching the first presidential debate. Christie said they added in a line about “47 percent of the student population,” a reference to candidate Mitt Romney’s fundraising speech about Americans who don’t pay federal income tax.
All of the seniors in the play who are eligible to vote in November’s election say they are going to, but said they don’t hear or see enough of local politicians.
What did the students think local politicians should focus more on? Schools, of course.
“We have first-hand knowledge of schools,” said Mackenzie Szerlog, who is also on the student council. She said students have seen their programs slashed as the budget dips, and how buses aren’t available to take kids home after sports practice or other after-school programs. These students inevitably get the majority of their news from social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. A few students said they watch TV news or read newspapers, and one actor, Brandyn Byrnes, said he watches “The Daily Show.”
The play may be a satire of the political system, but through the knowledge gained in their classes and genuine interest in the world around them, Kingston Drama Club is bringing some hard truths to their audience.
You can catch “Election” this weekend, Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., in the Kingston High School Commons, 26201 Siyaya Ave. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors.
