Many Reasons to See ’30 Reasons Not to Be In A Play’!

The final dress rehearsal is taken for ‘30 Reasons Not To Be In A Play’ in order to be prepared for their first show. They will officially perform on November 1st at 7 pm and on November 4th at 2 pm.

By Laysha Vargas-Guizar

‘30 Reasons Not To Be In A Play’ is, in summary, 30 reasons why not to be in a play. Each reason varies from understandable to hilariously ridiculous ones. Due to unexpectedly hosting two fall plays, 30 Reasons was directed by a former student of Mrs. Galvan, Nathaniel Crabtree where he really put his style of humor in. 

The show opens with Mason Perez, ‘25, stating that what you are watching is in fact not a play, because plays suck, cue the performers listing reasons why you shouldn’t be in a play. 

This play isn’t one continuous story, it’s made up of little segments with their own plots and own jokes. There are some running gags such as Perez coming in and saying that plays suck or the gag where the all dreamboat Travis (Connor West ’27) and his girlfriend.

West is someone you’d really like to keep an eye out for. Their physical performance along with their timing on dialogue is super hilarious. 

The physical humor is done very well in 30 Reasons.

The stage is set with a row of chairs where the students listing off the reasons sit when they’re not performing up front, however, they are still a joy to watch. 

In the background these students are seen to still be acting, having small discussions with one another, reacting to the reason being provided, etc. 

One of my favorite moments seen on the chairs is when after a discussion about whoopie pies and the need to get the recipe, you see Liam Bradford, ‘26, turning to his partner, ask for the recipe, writes it down, then, a few minutes later is seen eating one of these whoopie pies. It genuinely made me laugh so hard.

Even though they keep reminding you that this isn’t a play, you can just tell about all the effort that was put into the performance. Actors that aren’t acting are so good at acting you can’t tell they’re acting. All the performers did so well, making you feel casual and even understand the pains of being in a play.

All the sound effects in the show were another great way to enhance the humor of the show. They were timed well and fit in the joke they’re making, sometimes making the joke funnier!

The lighting done in the show was done amazingly. It really helped characters and moments stand out. A notable scene of this is when fireworks were “set off”, and the lights were made to immerse you into the chaos as if there’s actual fireworks being set off in the Rotary Theater. It’s truly an amazing experience.

‘30 Reasons Not To Be In A Play’ truly feels like a love letter to theater by how well it was put together to “hate” on theater. It is definitely directed to those theater kids who can maybe relate to these hilarious reasons in one way or another, but it’s also so silly enough that students and parents who watch can leave with many favorite reasons not to be in a play.

The play’s fun and comedic tones really make it an entertaining experience. Along with its performances by Redwood’s talented performers this play is a must see.

There’s so much to see on stage, little gags that you didn’t notice, many little things that would make this story 10 pages long. All more of a reason to watch this play for yourself.

Come down on November 1st at 7 pm and November 4th at 2 pm to the Rotary Theater to see the hard work of Redwood’s Theater Department. 

Tickets can be purchased here, make sure you bring a friend along too!

Tags: arts, arts & entertainment, play, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, redwood theater, rhs, visalia ca