Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA) will present a production of the play “A Monster Calls,” based on the novel by Patrick Hess.
Performances will be on Wednesday, May 8, and Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m. in The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at The J (5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211).
“A Monster Calls” tells the story of Conor O’Malley, a young boy facing bullying at school, his mother’s illness and his stern grandmother preparing to move into his house. One day, the yew tree outside his bedroom window magically transforms into a snarling, gigantic monster and begins telling Conor mysterious stories. The play explores whether the monster will hurt him, heal him or be the key to restoring his mother back to health.
Director Micah Margolies, an HBHA graduate, selected the show because he felt it was a powerful story that would resonate with children and adults alike.
“It’s such a beautiful story,” Margolies said. “It encapsulates so many fears that children face about being accepted and grappling with difficult situations. It’s a universal story that everybody can connect with. And, at the same time, it’s a very specific story about this one kid and the challenges he’s facing, both mundane and magical.”
HBHA Sofia Levine, a junior, plays Conor’s mom in the play.
“I think my character is the most hopeful and positive character in the play,” Levine said. “She really believes that she is going to get better. She’s juggling being a single mom and battling cancer. I find her incredibly admirable.”
Levine believes that “A Monster Calls” is an inspiring show that will appeal to audiences of all ages.
“I think people will enjoy the play because it has a lot of really cool theatrical elements,” she said. “There’s dancing and vivid imagery. We also have a really young cast with several freshmen in it who have worked extremely hard. And I think it’s a powerful story.”
The cast of the play is composed of HBHA high school students Elia Ellis, Eric Fine, Shai Friedman, Ethan Hobbs, Sofia Levine, Yoni Rich, Naftali Tilove, Jei Valdivia and David Wasserman. It is stage managed by Noa Levine and directed by Micah Margolies.
Tickets can be reserved in advance at a discounted rate by emailing Micah Margolies at . Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.
