Newark Community High School's theatre program is performing A MONSTER CALLS on October 29 and 30 at 6pm. The play tells the story of Conor O'Malley, a thirteen year-old boy who isn't afraid of the monster who calls, because it isn't the monster he is expecting. At first Conor thinks the monster might be able to help him with his meddling grandmother, his undependable father, and those kids at school.

Instead, the monster just wants to tell him stories.

'Stories are wild creatures,' the monster said. 'When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?'

The original novel by author Patrick Ness certainly resonated with readers. It has been adapted into a movie, and the play was devised by The Company at The Old Vic in London in 2018. The rights to perform the show required NCHS to secure approval from the authors of both the book and the play, but the cast and crew say it's worth it.

The process of building the show has allowed them to examine the ways in which people process loss, as well as the short and long-term consequences of not facing "monsters." The storytelling here is both metaphorical and realistic, and it's unlike any show they've performed in the past. The ensemble, present on the stage for most of the show, builds scenes, including nightmares and classrooms. At the center is Ava Keorkunian, who brings Conor O'Malley to life, and Willow Hager, who is the truth-telling monster. The crew is tasked with lighting the show, incorporating sound effects, and determining which scenic elements should be realistically portrayed. Juniors Maxine and Reagan Mikkelson composed original music, and sophomore Chloe Gyurkovics designed the artwork used to promote the show.

The show is recommended for audiences 12 and up since it references cancer, physical aggression, and loss.

Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to raise money for Ronald McDonald House.