A mere week after prom, formal wear once again populated the Cannon Falls High School auditorium stage, but instead of tuxedos and cocktail dresses, it took the form of ballgowns and princely tunics . From May 9 to May 11, the Cannon Falls theater program performed three showings of their spring play, After Happily Ever After. The performance offered a twist on traditional fantasy stories coupled with effective modern humor and proved to be a crowd-pleaser.
Undoubtedly, one of the most impressive aspects of the May show was the set design and props. They punched well above their weight and directly reflected the effort and creativity of director Annie Pederson and the theater crew. One particularly notable instance was the creative use of a digital screen to simulate a talking mirror, similar to the “magic mirror” in Snow White. However, the portable electronic was not the only impressive aspect of the set: the scene including a Rapunzel reference integrated both the elevated perch adjacent to the auditorium stage and its corresponding prop room that contained stairs in order for the princess to make her descent. Both occasions demonstrated the commitment of the theater program to create a unique and enjoyable show.
Perhaps the most unique trait of the show, however, was the witty writing. With sharp jokes and a use of both implied and explained humor, even the most serious and critical audience members were bound to find at least some parts of the show amusing. The unusual concept of a meld between modern and fantastical worlds allowed the traditionally old-fashioned spring play to adopt more recognizable dialogue – and humor – options. For example, the fairy narrators who would normally be expected to practice the King’s English instead made multiple references to modern-day events and took on a comparatively informal diction. By nature, however, the play presented a combination of both fantasy and modernity due its premise being a contemporary man being dropped into a mystical world. Thus, the scene was set for the development of potent jokes and clever dialogue, making the writing memorable.
The Cannon Falls theater program has a history of setting high standards for itself by continually performing well. As such, it can be difficult for any one play to stand out from the rest. Fortunately for this year’s, a unique setting and a skilled cast put together a show that succeeded in both living up to its expectations and also leaving its own imprint on the program’s history.
