Dara Slater, director of the spring play at Gerald G. Huesken Middle School, is excited for the cast of 21 sixth- through eighth- graders to present "30 Horrible Catastrophes of Middle School." "It's fast-paced. There's a lot of physical comedy," shared Slater. "If middle-schoolers were to put on a comedy show, this is what they would do. They are complaining about everything that makes that awkward (time) really difficult, but in a funny way."

The show will be presented at Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS), 2110 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster, on Saturday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 30, at 2 p.m. A special free performance for senior citizens will be held on Thursday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m.

The comedy presents 30 different scenes from middle school tied together by a dare from one student. "At the beginning, there's a student who says middle school is rough," said Slater. "They all agree except for one girl who challenges them to give her 30 catastrophes." After the ensemble cast presents 30 vignettes of the horrors of middle school, the challenger notes that she is glad the effort was made because all the students have grown closer and understand each other better.

"It's fun and laughter for audiences," said Slater. "Anyone who can remember what it was like to be in middle school will appreciate the humor." Although some audience members may remember a middle school when social media did not exist, Slater noted that "some things never change." "Look at that transition with boys and girls," she pointed out. "In elementary school you don't want anything to do with the opposite sex, but in middle school, you are supposed to dance with each other." Slater noted that a lot of students have struggled and more will struggle with that change in perception. "It's the idea of going through that transition from childhood to being a teenager," she said.

One of the biggest challenges presented by the show was a place to stage it. The new middle school does not have an auditorium, and the old middle school is under construction to become a new elementary school. Slater was able to secure the CVHS stage, but with not a lot of rehearsal or set construction time. "I needed flexibility," said Slater, who chose "30 Horrible Catastrophes" because it offered a minimal set that could be modified. "(The play) is set in a middle school commons area," said Slater, who noted that colored panels would be utilized. Lockers set in front of the panels will provide storage for props and costume pieces used throughout the show. The one-act, 60-minute play will require all cast members to be on stage throughout. Slater was thrilled to be able to make the show work for the students. "The kids deserve that because they care so much and they work so hard," she said.

Tickets to the show, which are discounted for students and seniors, may be purchased in advance at http://www.showtix4u.com or at the door prior to the show.