It’s the height of the Cold War, and the only thing standing between America and the forces of KAOS is Maxwell Smart, bumbling-but-brilliant secret agent of CONTROL. Can he save four kidnapped women, the Statue of Liberty and a princess? Audiences are invited to find out on Friday at the Kay Porter Theatre.
Maxwell Smart is played by Poplar Bluff High School student Jack Funke, who was drawn to the role for its personality.
“I did research — the play was announced in November — and I think Maxwell Smart is literally me,” he laughed. “I thought it’d be fun, and I think that I share a physical resemblance to Don Adams, the original actor.”
This is Funke’s second PBHS Drama Club production. He and his co-stars have savored the shared creativity and camaraderie of theatre.
According to Destiny Jackson, who plays Agent 99, “I think in our area, in Southeast Missouri, there’s not a lot of arts being promoted. It’s hard for kids to go for something artistic. So I think having this drama club is a great way for kids to get into arts, and go into drama for free.”
Jackson is co-president of Drama Club and a veteran actor in her junior year.
“Get Smart” was adapted by Christopher Sergel from the 1960s TV show of the same name. Director duo Nicholas and Michelle McDaniel added it to the club’s roster for its practicality and hilarity — the technical aspects were relatively uncomplicated, and students quickly resonated with the script.
“It was an easy way to get a lot of cast members on stage,” Michelle McDaniel explained. “It was one of the plays that clicked for our group. We definitely have the right cast for this.”
“They’ve done a great job,” Nicholas McDaniel agreed. Most of the cast make time for rehearsals amid other extracurricular activities like athletics, math club and choir, he added.
Grace Vandewarker, who plays CONTROL secretary Miss Finch, hopes the community will turn out to see the culmination of their efforts. “It’s a really fun time. We’ve worked really hard on this show.”
“Get Smart” premiers at the Kay Porter Theatre at 7 p.m. April 19, with shows at 7 p.m. April 20 and 2 p.m. April 21. Admission is $5.
More information is available on the PBHS Drama Club Facebook page.