The Central Kitsap High School drama team has announced their wintertime production for this year; H.G. Wells’ fantasy and sci-fi story: The War of the Worlds. 

The War of the Worlds was originally published in 1897 as a book. CKHS will be putting on an adaptation by Dr. Carrie Cole. 

“[It has] A lot of things going for it. Really I think it’s great, it’s different than what we’re doing with Legally Blonde or what we did in the fall,” said Zachary Timm, the drama teacher at CKHS, as well as director of the show. 

Teddy Schmitt, who has worked as stage manager for many of CKHS’s productions also cites excitement for the upcoming production.  

“[We’ll get to] see what range people can do because we haven’t really done a horror show before, so it’s gonna be pretty cool,” Schmitt said.  

The production formatt is quite different from prior shows, including the performance, set design and lighting. 

“I think with a staged reading, it’s just so different from a typical directing process. You know, we’re not really worried about costumes. We’re not really worried about lighting design. Or even set pieces.”

The music and sound for the show will also all be played live by the tech crew. 

“We’re going to have the tech crew playing instruments, or banging tables, or pots and pans to create sounds,” said Timm. 

Further setting it apart from previous productions, Cole will be joining the production in its final weeks to help the cast and crew perfect their final performance. 

“So she is actually going to be joining us towards the final week of the production. She’ll be here for the show week and will be able to work with the cast… So it’s definitely a blessing. And we’re really lucky to have this opportunity to work with somebody who has so much experience in the field of theater and also science fiction fantasy,” said Timm. 

For those who are unsure about the show’s horror and sci-fi theme, the drama team will also be performing and holding auditions for Legally Blonde in the spring. Dates have not been set yet, but students are already buzzing. 

Zee Gemmer, CKHS sophomore, who has been in several productions at the school prior, said of the excitement and the drama program as a whole, “It has been absolutely amazing… It’s my favorite place… I’m not able to do this show… but I will be doing the spring show of Legally Blonde, which I think everyone should do because it’s going to be such a fun time.” 

Timm said overall of the upcoming production, “[We’re] learning to tell the story in a way that’s really interesting, entertaining, and engaging for the audience.” 

The dates for the performance of the production are February 23rd-25th.