SBHS Theater Soon to Bring Unrivaled Energy to the Stage

“It’s been incredibly fun because it’s iconic,” said play Director Gioia Marchese about the upcoming Santa Barbara High School (SBHS) Theater production. Coming to the stage for two weekends of Nov. 6 and Nov. 16, The Breakfast Club captures how five teens from separate worlds break through judgment and loneliness to find a shared humanity. 

Because of the limited cast of characters, Marchese decided to rehearse and perform with a rolling cast, giving each role to multiple different people so that nine casts were formed, each set performing at least once throughout the production’s run in November. This twist in casting has changed the way the actors prepare for their roles, working with new faces almost every rehearsal. To capture the emotional depth and sincerity of the famous breakfast crew, Marchese encourages her actors to “work from the inside out,” drawing from their own personal experiences and letting the flow of the story affect them internally, making for an unmatched performance of emotion.

The Breakfast Club is a coming-of-age story set in a high school during a Saturday detention. It follows five students from contrasting social groups: the nerd, the athlete, the princess, the bad boy, and the basket case, who are forced to spend the day with each other. At first, their personalities clash and they judge each other based on mindless stereotypes, but as the day progresses, they each open up about their struggles, insecurities, and pressures. The play unfolds as they begin to see through one another’s labels and discover unexpected connections. The story explores themes of identity, understanding, and the sometimes overlooked pressures of a teenage life – all within the walls of one classroom. 

Regardless of the exciting yet intimidating changes in casting, actors feel confident about their upcoming show. Lead actor for Bender and Andrew, Chase Houston said, “This is one of those productions where I feel like we’re actually on top of things and we’re ahead of the game.” 

Actors say their roles are fun to further uncover and decipher as each one resonates with real student problems and challenges that almost everyone faces. Marchese hopes that adult audience members feel reminded not to dismiss their teenagers and listen, understanding that although still young, high school students’ lives can be seriously tough. 

The Breakfast Club will take place Friday, Nov. 7, Saturday, Nov. 8, Thursday, Nov. 13, Friday, Nov. 14, Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16 at 7:00 p.m. Showtimes on Sunday, Nov. 9 and  Nov. 16 are at 4:00 p.m.