Spend an evening at the Penny Lane Hotel with the cast of “The Beatles Slept Here,” a production co-directed by members of Foothill’s drama department, Cameron Liljekvist and Mahaila Woods.

The play takes place at the Penny Lane Hotel, where the Beatles had allegedly spent the night after their bus broke down. After finding out about this hotel online, four teenagers try to raise money for the hospital by raffling off a night stay at the infamous hotel. However, the hotel owner happens to hate the Beatles and doesn’t want the word to get out about their stay, thus creating the major conflict of the production.

“The Beatles Slept Here” is riddled with shenanigans, evil schemes, and occasional fan girl screams that contribute to the hilarity of the play.

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Video Credit: Foothill Drama Department

The directors picked this play primarily because of the humor but also because of the simple sets necessary to accommodate Spirito Hall, which Mrs. Rodrigues calls “the diet coke of stages,” because of its smallness.

In order to prepare for this play, auditions were held on September second and third and officially began with their all cast read around on September 5. Due to their open casting policy, the drama department allows students from other schools to participate; this play features two students that do not attend foothill.

Rehearsals have been held every Tuesday through Friday from 3 pm to a minimum of 4:30 pm. These were originally held in Mrs. Rodrigues’ room, but starting in October they moved to Spirito Hall to get used to the set.

“I’m most excited for audiences reaction to it, because it’s a funny show,” said Liljekvist when asked what he was anticipating the most for what opening night would be like.

The energy of the crowd makes it more real for the actors, making for a better performance. By feeding off this energy, the actors also bring more humor and life to the play.

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“I’m always surprised by how much life the students bring to the production the night of that they didn’t have the week before,” says Drama teacher, Karen Rodrigues about her students’ past performances.

When asked about their favorite part; both Liljekvist and Woods agreed it was the development of character and witnessing the actors growth from start to finish.

“From day one to now it’s been such a big improvement, it’s crazy.” Woods said.

If you’re up to see an entertaining show, join the audience in Spirito Hall on either this Thursday or Friday night.

“The Beatles Slept Here” starts at 7 pm, with the doors opening thirty minutes before showtime and the general admission is $7 for students and $10 for adults.

Background Photo Credit: Josh Ren/The Foothill Dragon Press