By attending a play this weekend by local high school students, audiences also will be supporting area new mothers. Warsaw Community High School Select Theatre Class will present Jane Austen’s “Emma” Friday and Saturday in the high school’s Black Box Theatre. The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. both days. All of the proceeds go to the BABE Boutique in Warsaw. According to “Emma” director and theater teacher Dana McAfee, BABE aids new mothers in need of supplies and furniture. All tickets are $5, with additional donations accepted the night of the performances. “Emma” takes place in Highbury, an isolated village in Surrey, England, in 1813. McAfee described the play as “a classic Jane Austen tale of a woman whose matchmaking skills continue to backfire on her while she throws the lives of those around her into turmoil. She is so busy trying to match the couples around her that she fails to see the love right in front of her.” The cast, in order of appearance, includes Savannah Cousins as Jane Austen; Patrick Jennings, Mr. Woodhouse; Hannah Bishop, Emma Woodhouse; Derek Grose, Mr. Knightley; Kristen Murdock, Harriet Smith; Connor Julian as Robert Martin and a servant; Lucas Thomas, Mr. Elton; Maralee Frush, Mrs. Weston; Kahler Snow, Mrs. Bates and a servant; Kiara Stewart, Miss Bates; Cindi Trier, Jane Fairfax; Jonathan Combs, Mr. Weston; Chance Parker, Frank Churchill; and Sarah Kerschner as Mrs. Elton. Director is teacher Dana McAfee. Leonard Gagnon is on lights and sound; John Lacheta on spotlight; and stage crew includes Elizabeth Brown, Gianna Burkholder, Kirstin Davis, Nick DiVacarro, Kathy Frazzetta, Casey Helser and Annie Wray. Ushers include Alek Jansen, Nic Jansen, Emma Lehman, Makayla Mevis, Cherokee Rodgers and Joanna Taylor.
