There is an ancient curse on the village of Kulyenchikov, Ukraine. The inhabitants have been afflicted with the detriment of stupidity by the vengeful Vladimir Yousekevitch. The only man who seems to have the ability to break the curse is a travelling English teacher named Leon Tolchinsky. Tolchinsky finds himself in a conundrum. He is in a race against the clock to help teach a young woman named Sophia Zubritsky become smarter, while at the same time finding himself precariously in love with the same young woman.
This is the plot of Fools, the Neil Simon play being put on by the Hicksville High School Repertory Company this coming weekend.
Junior Alexander Kalemkeridis plays villain Count Gregor Yousekevitch.
“My character’s ancestor Vladimir Yousekevitch cursed the town with stupidity after his son killed himself because Sophia’s ancestor was forbidden to marry Vladimir Yousekevitch’s son by her father who finds out that Vladimir’s son is illiterate. Gregor Yousekevitch wants to marry the play’s present day Sophia Zubritsky to avenge his family,” Kalemkeridis said.
Senior Brianna Kelly plays the role of Sophia Zubritsky. Kelly said “there is no love in the town of Kulyenchikov because even the idea of love is too complex for the villagers. All Sophia knows is that she does not want to marry Count Gregor. When Sophia sees Leon, she knows she likes him but Sophia is a simple soul. In one part of the play her father Dr. Zubritsky describes Sophia as interesting because she likes drinking water and touching things.”
Senior Michael Marmann plays the role of Sophia’s father, Dr. Zubritsky. Marmann said “even though my character is a doctor he is still stupid just like everyone else in Kulyenchikov. Dr. Zubritsky has never been to medical school but he runs a practice out of his home.”
Dr Zubritsky’s wife and Sophia’s mother Lenya is played by senior student and aspiring film actress Kalene Speranza. Speranza said “the role of Lenya is very different from other roles I have done before. This is my first time playing a mother.” Speranza added, “I really like the chemistry between all the characters in the story, and my fellow actors as well.”
Pat Lavin is a senior with future aspirations of working in the TV and film industry. He plays Leon Tolchinsky. Lavin was mostly tight lipped about the story but did say that “Leon has to decide if he wants to stay and teach Sophia, or if he will leave the village.” Lavin added with a smile “I really can’t tell you why or anything else, you have to come see the play and find out for yourself.”
This intriguing comedy has all the elements of a Broadway play but you don’t need to go all the way out to the city to see it. Tickets are seven dollars and can be purchased at Hicksville High School Lobby at the door. Fools will be presented on November 14, 15, and 16. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
