‘That’s the Spirit’ will be performed at Northwest Catholic in West Hartford from Nov. 22-24, 2024.

Submitted by James Drzewiecki 

Get ready for a night of laughs and thrills as the Northwest Catholic Dramateurs take the stage with “That’s the Spirit,” a unique blend of spooky suspense and comedic mischief.

This marks the first year that Mr. Brett Simms is directing the Dramateurs, and his debut production is proving to be a hit with students.

“It has been so much fun to put together,” Simms said. “When you’re laughing all the time at rehearsal, it’s so great.”

The play kicks off with the mysterious death of psychic Jenny Davenport at a lodge once owned by the famous illusionist, The Great Marvel. Enter Claire Voyant, another quirky psychic, who assembles a team of eccentric characters to crack the case. Audiences will meet Bella Donna, a woman accompanied by her mischievous ventriloquist dummy Chester; Anne Boleyn, who harbors a fear of axes; and Ernst Slater, a man with x-ray vision.

“You are sure to laugh, many, many times,” said Simms.

Simms’ passion for theater is a lifelong journey. He recalled being involved in plays and musicals from a young age. After college, he took on the role of music director for Southington Youth Summer Theater, where he recently completed his fourth year.

“Directing is something I always wanted to step into, and I’m really glad that now I have the opportunity to do it,” Simms said. “Especially with a group of kids like these who are so into it.”

One of Simms’ key goals as a director is to foster a sense of community among the cast.

“It’s one thing to put on a show and have it be technically good, but my favorite part about theater is the people you get to work with,” he explained. “I think back to all the shows I’ve been in. I might not remember my lines or the songs I sang, but I’ll always remember who was in the show with me.”

For Simms, the connections made during a production are just as important as the performance itself. “I think it’s important for the kids to not only connect with their characters but also with the people they’re performing with,” he added.

As a director, Simms places great value on the hard work and dedication required to bring a show to life.

“It’s not easy. You have to memorize your lines, you have to practice your music over and over again until you’re comfortable with it,” he said. “But there’s no greater feeling than finishing a production and saying, ‘I did everything I could to make this the best possible show for the audience.’”

Performances of “That’s the Spirit” are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22 and 23, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at northwestcatholic.org.

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