It’s showtime folks! Get the popcorn and the Junior Mints ready. Fillmore High School is putting on another great play! The Writer, Director, and Producer, Mr. Josh Overton, and the Fillmore Drama Club will be performing Guides at the Fillmore High School Theater in Fillmore, Friday, November 8thand Saturday, November 9th at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 10th at 2 p.m.: and again on Friday and Saturday, November 15th and 16th at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 17th at 2 p.m.: then the last weekend on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, November 21st, 22nd, 23rd , all showtimes 7 p.m.

The outstanding cast is as follows: Dedawen played by Mariam Bazurto, Dunnwindy played by Presley McLain, Leanne played by Erin Overton, Danny played by Anthony Campos, Luke played by Fidel Escoto, Bob played by Sam Kafka, Madam Lucinda played by Hannah Fairall, Sarah played by Evelyn Martinez, Genie played by McKenna Taylor, Betty played by Tamara Rodriguez, Grace played by Joy Zerrudo, and of course Mrs. Ruby played by Judy Fairall-Woods.

I had an interview with The Man Himself Mr. Josh Overton and this is how it went:
Question: What is a Guide?
Overton: Someone who has “passed over” to the hereafter. Guides are tasked with helping mortals who may be on the wrong path.
Question: How many years have you been doing plays at F.H.S.?
Overton: John Wilber hired me to be the Drama Coach in 2001. His main reason for hiring me over someone else? Back then I had hair, and looked like a young William Shakespeare.
Question: What are your three favorite plays you have done at F.H.S.?
Overton: Every one of the shows we have put on at Fillmore holds a special place in my heart. I loved “In the Cards”, but only a handful of audience members were in attendance. Also, in order “Death and Nicotine”, “Totally Rad 2 Camp Bigfoot”, and “Guides”. I also loved “The Rainmaker”.
Question: What are your drama students nickname and why?
Overton: My actors proudly own the moniker “NERD”. A nerd is anyone who is deeply passionate about something. My herd of nerds love acting and it shows. Yes, their nerd is showing.
Question: Has the school closing for six school days because of high winds and fire danger affected your production of Guides?
Overton: Yes and no. We lost a lot of rehearsal time because all facilities were inaccessible. But this wonderful cast of Nerds created their own rehearsal opportunities.
Question: What are your feelings about this cast?
Overton: This group is overflowing with talent and personality. So much of what you will see on the stage originated from these quirky young actors. Their creativity made this one of the easiest plays to direct. I can’t wait for the show to open so that everyone can see their excellence.
Question: Does this ever get old for you? Or is just in your D.N.A.?
Overton: Each production has its own difficulties and “Guides” is no exception. But every time I question my ability to take on the new project, one of my Nerds spontaneously reminds me of the joy of live theatre.
Question: Who would you like to thank?
Overton: The cast of “Guides” deserves my thanks first and foremost. They have dedicated countless hours for the pure love of performance. My beautiful wife, Inger, she has always been a great supporter of our shows.
Question: Will there ever be a sequel to “Guides”?
Overton: I have been working on “Guides 2” for years now. I finally feel I can finish that script. Look for it to take the Fillmore High School drama stage next spring! It will be called (Drum Roll!) “Death is Weird”.
Question: What is your dream for Fillmore High School drama? What would you love to see 10 years from now?
Overton: The Nerds of Fillmore High School drama deserves a real theatre. We feel blessed to have the opportunity to create art in the drama room. Unfortunately, the drama room is just a converted band room. Most of the amenities of a proper theatre are missing; a scene shop, dressing rooms, fly space above the stage. The list goes on and on. We don’t even have our own restrooms for our audience--you! Someday we’ll have a real theatre. Until then, we will continue to work our magic in the drama room.

Well folks, you have all you might need to know about the show. I do want to say something from my heart. I have been around the drama program over the years; I am proud to say I am a nerd! What Josh Overton does for this program is way above the call of duty as a teacher at Fillmore High School. Like so many teachers at Fillmore Unified School District, he works so hard for their programs and their classes. I support our teachers and I would hope you all will too. So, we will see you at the play. It is cheaper than a movie ticket and a better show. Don’t forget the candy and soda, and come support the arts!