Summer Campbell-Kern Valley Sun

With centuries past no one could have expected the restoration of some of the world’s greatest leaders to take place right here in the Kern River Valley.

Famous leaders such as Cleopatra, Alexander the Great and the great Kublai Kahn were resurrected in all their glory at the Night of Notables performance held in the Kern Valley High School’s new fine arts building Saturday night. The annual event is in its third year in running. The event is put on my the Kern Valley high school drama I class, and all of the proceeds of the event go to the drama program.

The preparations for the 3rd annual Night of Notables began six weeks ago. All of the drama students were divided into groups, and each group was instructed to choose a notable historical figure to research. After researching their historical features they were presented with the challenge of creating a presentation to be performed at the Night of the Notables. Each group choose group members to represent their historical feature or features while the remaining group members served the audience their dinner. Each performance was coupled with a backdrop and historical costumes all of which were created by the individual groups.

Cleopatra, represented by Debbie Byrket, was the first to deliver a monologue. She was dressed in a long golden dress. Cleopatra explained how she was put into such a powerful place of leadership as Pharaoh of Egypt. She gave a brief description of her life which included romantic relationships with famous leaders such as Gaius Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony.

Pablo Picasso, performed by Angie Del Gado began his monologue by introducing himself. His full name is Pablo Diego Josˆ© Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Marˆ‚a de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santˆ‚sima Trinidad Clito Ruiz y Picasso. Picasso performed with the Efile Tower soaring above him.

Following dinner, Rasputin, Alexander the Great, and Lewis and Clark made an appearance.

Will Sherman provided a very concise representation of Rasputin with a heavy Russian accent. Rasputin told of his mystic powers and the ridicule he received for using his physic abilities.

Alexander the Great appeared in all his glory in a very authentic style costume, he was represented by Ethan Kennedy.

Avid explorers Lewis and Clark also made an appearance. Tyler Gibson and Boise Hurley spoke on behalf of the two adventurers.

English military leader and political leader Oliver Cromwell was depicted by drama student Paul Goodman.

The third annual Night of Notables ended with the invasion of none other than The Great Kahn, emperor of the Yuan Dynasty. Kublai Kahn represented by Logan Campbell, stormed the stage, as the grand finale. His deep voice reverberated off of the walls of the auditorium as he shared the story of his great power.

The visitation of this notable historical feature was a grand success. With appearances by Cleopatra, Alexander the Great and the Great Kahn the audience left feeling as though they had touched a part of history. 'I am very pleased with the students efforts,'commended Kern Valley High School drama teacher Sandra Hughes.

The Theater Technology class and the Future Homemakers of America (FHA) students also helped make the third annual Night of Notables production possible. The Theater Technology class ran all of the lighting and sound for the show, while the FHA class prepared all of the food for the dinner.

If you missed the Night of Notables, there will be many more great opportunities to see the talent of KVHS students throughout the year. Coming soon will be a One Act Festival put on by Kern Valley High School's drama II class, and then again in the spring a comedy night.