This weekend, Sequoia Drama put on their second mainstage production of the year, “Community Garden”. 

“Community Garden” by Justin Borak is a one act play set fittingly in a community garden. The main character, Ralph, is a new resident of Uptown, Chicago. On his first day as a volunteer at “Uptown City Community Garden”, Ralph witnesses the stories of members of the community through a series of tableaus. These community members experience grief, anger, joy, and love and Ralph sees how the garden brings people together. 

Going along with the environmental themes of the play, cast and crew members spent rehearsals and weekends gardening on Sequoia campus. “[The play] shows how taking care of the environment and taking care of each other go hand in hand.” senior Joey Corea said. The theme of community is certainly reflected onstage. Crew members collaborated on an original design for the mural framing the vibrant set. Students were appointed as assistant directors to create original music and choreography to implement into the show. Production teams like lighting, sound and costumes, were all led by students. 

 In just 7 weeks of rehearsal, the cast and crew were able to put on a full length show. The cast shares what the rehearsal process is like. “I really like how it feels like a community and is such a fun environment,” senior Carter Norton said.

Along with main roles, a large ensemble was cast. The ensemble plays garden volunteers, students, customers and even forms a band that plays instruments live! “My favorite part about the rehearsal process was the ensemble work we did where we worked with Besher Garcia, one of the assistant directors in the show, to create meaningful transitions,” freshman Logan Gehart said.