The first play is a comedy titled “The Internet is Distract–OH LOOK A KITTEN!” The play is about a high school student attempting to write a class paper on “The Great Gatsby,” but her research is disrupted by internet drama, questionable Wikipedia entries and cat videos.

The second play is “World Without Memory” and is a drama about an elderly man struggling with memory loss. The play is told from his perspective, replicating what it is like to live a life with shifting memory.

The one-act plays are a chance for HCHY performers to stretch their acting talents. Each actor is playing multiple parts across the two plays. In the first play,

This will be the first time in three years HCHY has been able to perform on The Grand’s Kabaret stage. The COVID pandemic made performances in the Kabaret impossible, but the cast is excited to be back in the theater space. The performing space is smaller than the standard stage, but it allows for a closer audience connection.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Healthy Community Healthy Youth performers rehearse in The Grand Kabaret for the Night of One-Act Plays. In this scene a high school student struggles to finish a class paper while facing constant online distractions. From left are Ray Jorgenson, Graham Wilkins, Nate Zacate, Emmie Stangel and Jayda Goold.

Recent high graduate Graham Wilkins performed on stage at The Grand three years ago and said he prefers acting in the smaller, more intimate space.

“I think it is more fun honestly,” he said. “The audience is only five feet away, and it is easier to observe their reaction.”

The Grand is also excited to see the return of theatrical performances.

Grand program manager Tamara Furth said, “We’re happy to have theater back and would like to host more of it.”

Furth said the Kabaret space creates a more intimate environment for audiences and performers.

Audiences are encouraged to come early to the 7 p.m. Friday performance. The Grand will have food and drink service available before Friday’s performance for those who want dinner and show.

The performances start at 7 p.m. Friday, July 15, and 1 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at The Grand Kabaret. Tickets are $5.