wotimes.com

The synopsis: Two very different brothers are held together by a tragic bond. Curiosity turns to violence in this poignant story of fraternal love.

Down Came The Rain, a story that explores family relationships through the eyes of two siblings as they enjoy the experience of a weekend camping trip, is being performed once by the West Orange High School Theatre Department on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the high school.

This production will be the local Thespians’ entry in the one-act play competition at the Florida Theatre Conference in Lakeland later the same week.

This is a statewide competition and one that these award-winning Thespians have taken top honors in on several occasions. The Florida Theatre Conference will bring together theater departments representing high schools from across the entire state competing for the chance to be one of the two schools that will represent the state of Florida at the South Eastern Theatre Conference this coming March in Kentucky.

In previous years, West Orange has had the honor of advancing to the national level with a production of Children of a Lesser God and Holy Ghosts. The production of Children took first-place honors at the national level and garnered a Best Actor and Actress Award for its two leading performers, Ben Rush and Rainey McCoy.

The cast and crew for Rain consists of Jennifer Colaiuta, Chase Countryman, Justin Durgana, Kalyn Eury, Brenna Hayes, Brogan Haynes, Aubrey Hoffman, Jaci Johnson, Hannah Linquanti, Brooke Morris, Lisa Pedraza, Alex Quinn, Sarah Schodrof and Vincent Van Rijn. The two brothers make up the entire cast and will be played by senior Michael Ross and sophomore Jacob Waldron.

The West Orange students have been working closely with special-needs students in researching information for the show and their individual performances.

Ross, who plays the role of Brucie, a 14-year-old special-needs individual, said: “This show has really opened up a broad spectrum for me. It’s helped me to better understand individuals with special needs and to catch a glimpse of our world through their point of view.”

Waldron portrays the older brother who is responsible for taking care of Brucie, and he says that the play has given him “an appreciation for the struggles that families endure and for the special love and joy that comes from knowing a special-needs individual.”

Admission to the 45-minute production will be $5, and all seats are general admission. Reservations are not required. The school is located at 1625 South Beulah Road in Winter Garden.

Director Ken Rush said: “I am very excited about this production and hope that local audiences will come out and support the West Orange Thespians as they represent our school at the Florida Theatre Conference. Those attending the show will have an evening of laughter, of tears and, as always, of professional quality theater on a high school stage.”