Royal Oak High School’s 'Little Women' is a Big Team Effort

It was three days until opening night of the Drama Club's performance of  when before the first dress rehearsal director Ed Nahhat gave a quick, quiet pep talk to the cast and crew gathered on the stage.

“You’re not doing this for me," Nahhat told them. “You’re not doing this for any adult who’s helped me. You’re giving this experience to yourself.”

Nahhat, a lawyer, actor and the founder of , said later that his approach to directing student productions is “to create moments for kids to shine.” The more than 100 ROHS students who participate in the Drama Club are getting those great experiences onstage and behind the scenes.

Jack-of-all Trades, Master of Many

Many of the students handle multiple duties, acting as club officers and at various times working on crew and acting. ROHS senior Claire Holloway has done everything from stage managing a production during her freshman year to playing lead roles. Holloway, who began attending theater camps at 6, plays Jo March in this show.

“There are 12 actors in this play but we try to find jobs for all of the students," said Becky Stange, an adult volunteer publicity coordinator. "We have a huge crew. The kids do tons of work. They sell ads. They come in on Saturday. They work in the evening.”

Her 17-year-old daughter, Meta, plays Meg, the oldest of the March family siblings. Meta, a senior, also has been part of the Drama Club all four years of high school and has performed in ’ youth and adult productions as well.

A Story About Family

When she was younger, she read the Louis May Alcott novel the play is based upon. “My mom had said, ‘You should read this before you grow up.’”

“There is a political story here, but overall it’s a story about family, your feelings about your siblings and your family," said Meta, who has one brother. “I love the sisters’ interactions. It’s natural and true – although maybe they’re too loving. But I like how (Meg) looks out for her sisters. She’s caring. It’s caused me to evaluate my life.”

Becky Stange said of her daughter, who's also performed in many musicals, “I have no clue where she got her talent. Neither my husband nor I can sing nor dance.”

But Claire Holloway’s life in the theater might not be as surprising. Her parents’ first date was at a play at the University of Windsor. Now her father Todd designs the sets and her mother Holly the costumes for the club's plays.

Moms and Dads Get in on the Act

Parental mentoring is an important part of the drama club productions, Nahhat said.

Todd Holloway estimates the crew of parents and students spent approximately 60 hours over seven Saturdays building the sets. A team of two adults and six or seven students worked on costumes, Holly Holloway said. Other crews handle lighting, sound, publicity, makeup and props.

“This would be much more difficult to pull of without parental involvement,” Meta Stange said.

If you go

What: "Little Women"

Where: Royal Oak High School Auditorium

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: $5 students, $10 adults. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 248-435-8500 or at the door prior to performances.