Halloween is approaching and a spooky way to get into the spirit is with the upcoming Godinez Fundamental High School’s fall play. 

The play, “The Best Haunted House Ever,” will be at the Godinez theatre Oct. 28-29 Thursday to Friday. There are two performances at 3:45 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday. Tickets cost $5 during the initial pre-sale and will be $7 at the door.

The story revolves around two separate groups of high school students (Godinez and Segerstrom High School) plus the police, exploring a haunted house that belonged to a former science teacher.

Drama director Richard Marting assures students that the actors and environment will follow CDC guidelines. 

“We have multiple air purifiers going on in the auditorium, everyone in the auditorium is required to wear a mask, all performers will be wearing clear masks so they are still masks, but we can see their faces,” Marting said.

Everyone attending is expected to follow all safety procedures. 

There have been many challenges for the cast and crew as the show approaches. 

They range from students placed in quarantine to exposure or testing positive for COVID-19, “doubling up” the cast with extra actors and the daily stress of  long rehearsals and keeping up with homework for other classes.

Performer Michelle Ortega reflects on the rehearsals with the rest of her fellow actors.

“So far, I think all of us have been progressing really well,” said Ortega. 

Live performances and viewings were cut short by COVID-19. So this will be the first live play many Grizzlies attend since the shutdown of schools March 2020. 

Understudy Luz Robles is excited for students to fill the seats. 

“We haven’t performed in a whole year and it’s going to be very fun to get to be on stage in front of an audience. I hope the crowd is big and people like it,” said Robles. 

As the world is beginning to resemble some normalcy, the drama department continues to work hard to produce a fall play. 

The entire cast welcomes Godinez students to the auditorium as the spookiest season of the year arrives.