SPRINGFIELD The Drama Studio will open its 23rd season on Oct. 16 with a production of "Ascension Day" by Timothy Mason.
The play takes place in 1947 at the Solid Rock Lutheran Bible camp on a Wisconsin lake and is about nine teenagers who are struggling for independence and personal identity in the years following World War II. The young people are also learning how complicated human relationships can be as they plan their future after high school.
Directing the play is Dan Morbyrne of Hadley, now in his fifth year as a member of the Drama Studio faculty. Costume design is by Greta Breglio-Redman and scenic/lighting design is by Craig Milne, both of West Springfield.
"Ascension Day" was first produced at the Drama Studio in 1988. Since then, the Studio has presented two other plays by Timothy Mason: "The Less Than Human Club" and "Time on Fire."
"Tim Mason is one of the best playwrights currently writing for teen actors," Steve Hays, the Drama Studio's executive director, said. "He creates multilayered characters and supports the building of a strong acting ensemble."
Cast members include Jacob Mueller and Brianna Paine of Springfield; Alexandra Lucey and Lucy Gouvin of Longmeadow; Quinn Hegarty, Seth Olsen and Adaire Robinson of East Longmeadow; Charlie Fullwood of Holyoke; and Allison Reardon of Hampden. The Stage Manager is Kevin Morton of Holyoke.