The clock is ticking as the BHS On-Stage Players prepare for the Fall Drama production of All in the Timing. Written David Ives, All in the Timing is a collection of six one act comedies titled “Sure Thing,” “Words, Words, Words,” “Mere Mortals,” “The Universal Language,” “The Philadelphia,” and “Variations on the Death of Trotsky.” The cast consists of twelve students and is directed by English teacher, Beth Nischan.

Ms. Nischan explains that All in the Timing’s comedy primarily comes from word play, and literary works such as Hamlet. “[However,] there’s some humor for everyone, even if you’re not an English nerd,” she assures. While many students at BHS are familiar with the high school’s musical productions, dramas such as All in the Timing are portrayed differently. Brooke Owens, a freshman in the cast explains, “You have to be more dramatic [and] put more effort [into your acting] because there’s no singing or dancing.” Isabel Tipton, a senior in the cast adds, “[Being in a play] is harder because you have to express things without music.”

Although rehearsals for All in the Timing have just begun, actors continue studying their roles conscientiously to prepare for opening night on November 18th. It seems that each actor has his/her own opinion about the character they are portraying. Brooke Owens’ character is a monkey named Swift in the act, “Words, Words, Words.” She explains that despite the difference in species, she can still do the part justice. “I can act crazy and evil [on stage], which is who I am. I may look sweet and innocent on the outside, but I’m not,” she jokes.

Nick Damraksa, a junior in the cast plays a con-man named Don in the act, “The Universal Language.” In this act, Don is a man who pretends to speak a different language, and cons people into taking lessons from him. “[Portraying him] is going to be a challenge because I’m definitely not a con-man, and I don’t speak a made up language, but I like how he is an honest, good person at heart.” Isabel Tipton plays the character Dawn who is a quiet and shy girl in the same act, “The Universal Language.” She explains, “Part of acting is about playing someone who you aren’t in real life, which is part of the fun.”

Since it is Ms. Nischan’s first year directing On-Stage Players, All in the Timing was chosen because it is the ideal play due to the simplicity of the set. Even so, some aspects of the play face a challenge. Props such as typewriters are required for some of the acts, which, due to their antiquity, are difficult to find.

The cast of All in the Timing is optimistic that after all their hard work, the audience will appreciate the level of commitment that they have put into the production. “I just hope they are able to laugh,” Ms. Nischan says, “All in a Timing is a comedy, and we want everyone to find something they enjoy.”