Comedic play focuses on break-up angst

By Sarah Nigbor

ELLSWORTH – If you’re in need of a good laugh, Ellsworth High School’s spring production, “It’s Not You, It’s Me” is sure to tickle your funny bone. Tickets are on sale for this hilarious oneact play, directed by Katie Traynor.

The plot is eclectic and quirky, showcasing the talents of EHS drama students, who have worked hard to perfect their comedic timing.

“I wanted something funny and light coming off of Covid, since everything was cancelled last year,” Traynor said. “Comedies are notoriously difficult because not everyone can get the timing down.”

During a rehearsal on Tuesday, March 23, it’s apparent the kids are thrilled to be onstage. The atmosphere is giddy, with a lot of giggling and teasing.

The play is especially meaningful to this year’s juniors and seniors, who weren’t able to perform last year. It’s also Traynor’s last show for a while – she’s expecting her first baby in June. The first play she directed at EHS, “The Brothers Grimm,” was written by Don Zolidis. He also wrote “It’s Not You, It’s Me,” so she feels as if she’s come full circle.

“It’s been fun seeing the kids put their own spin on their characters,” Traynor said. “They’re choosing their own costumes and props, and there’s a lot of creativity with how they interpret lines.”

The play opens with a couple breaking up, and follows them and other couples through relationships and realistic, cringy break-ups. With each new scenario, someone is sure to relate to the scene being played out before them.

“Whether your boyfriend is a Canadian secret agent or monk in training, or your girlfriend is a psychic or pathological liar, one thing is for sure: they are about to dump you. Exploring the painful art of breaking-up through comedic, awkwardly realistic characters, this series of wildly hilarious scenes are sure to make you feel relieved not to be the receiving end of those five fatal relationship words,” reads the play’s description.

The one-act play lasts about 40 minutes, so there will be no intermission. The cast has been rehearsing since mid-January, so the production came together quickly.

“The beauty of high school, but a challenge, is kids are involved in everything,” Traynor said. “This play allowed us to trim down the number of rehearsals, because kids only had to rehearse with one other person.”

Tickets are on sale in the EHS office and will be for sale at the door. Adults are $5 and students are $3. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31; 7 p.m. Friday, April 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 2, all in the EHS Cafetorium.

“I hope the audience appreciates how hard the kids have worked,” Traynor said. “It will be hard to go away (in June), but they’re not rid of me yet. Maybe it’s time for someone else to shine.”

The community can look forward to next fall’s production,” Oklahoma!” directed by Karen Kornmann.

Quinn Emery in her role as Sarah in Ellsworth High School’s rendition of “It’s Not You, It’s Me.” Photo courtesy of Rebekah Conrad

Macy Gutting, who plays Catherine, wraps Nick White, who plays Jacob, in a hug during an EHS play rehearsal. Photo courtesy of Rebekah Conrad

Ana Winger (Ellie) and Aaron Windsor (Jack) in a scene at a restaurant in “It’s Not You, It’s Me.” Photo courtesy of Rebekah Conrad

Marisa Dendinger (Angela/Jenny) throws a glass of water in Aaron Windsor’s face during a scene in “It’s Not You, It’s Me.”Photo courtesy of Rebekah Conrad