When the curtain rises and the lights are dimmed, the audience members are in for the ride of their life. Senior Ben Koses has just finished writing his second play.
Koses wrote his first play, “Consequences,” last year for his service learning project. It ran in WS for two nights leaving people with the over arching message that we as people should overcome our differences.
Now for his senior Capstone he is choosing to once again light up the stage with his ideas on bullying and the difficulties of growing up.  This time, though, it will be a musical.
“18 is a musical comedy that examines the challenges facing a high school senior, including the biggest change in life: becoming an adult,” said Koses.
Koses found that he really loved play writing, so choosing to write one for his Capstone came naturally. Only this time around he wanted to spread more than just a message.
“[I am] going to donate all the [money from the tickets] to a charity organization,” said Koses.
The story for his musical came from his love of watching and reading plays. His inspiration for his most recent work came from one of his favorite playwrights.
“It’s a parody of Jason Robert Brown’s 13,” said Koses. “Rather than the challenges of becoming a teenager I’d examine the obstacles of becoming an adult.”
Koses started working on 18 long before school even started. He knew it was a lot of work so he decided to get ahead so it would be ready to air this school year.
“18 took me five months to write, including two rewrites but I’m pleased with the final product and can’t wait to see it on stage,” said Koses.
Koses got help with some of his closest friends to write the music, but he took it upon himself to write the lyrics.
He wasn’t afraid to ask for help when he needed it. You can’t have a musical without the help of a cast and other key players.
“I’m looking forward to holding auditions in December and performing in May,” said Koses. “I highly encourage [people] to audition and see the show.”
Last year when his play Consequences debuted, it was very emotional for him. It’s not every day you get to see your work come alive on the stage. Though 18 is a comedy and not a tragedy like Consequence, Koses still feels like it will be just as wonderful for him to see his work performed.
“When I wrote Consequences last year, I combined my love of theatre with my love of writing to spread a positive message,” said Koses. “I felt as though I’d contributed to the community, that I’d made a difference.”