The Video Gamapalooza by Don Zolidis was chosen in November 2022. (Bob Schneider/CHAT News)

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

NEW

Alexandra Middle School opens curtains on ‘Video Gamapalooza’ show

Jan 25, 2024 | 4:41 PM

From Pong to Pac-Man and Candy Crush to Fortnite — a new play explores the past and present of video games.

Students at Medicine Hat’s Alexandra Middle School are putting on The Video Gamapalooza over the next two weekends at the high school’s Performing Arts Centre.

Sophia Frederick, who plays narrator two in the show, said it’s a production for all ages.

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“Not only are the jokes for all ages, but also the different amount of games from different generations,” Frederick said.

Student Nate Hennes wanted to be in an Alexandra production for over a year after he watched a previous play put on by the middle school.

“Before even my first day in Grade 7, I knew I was going to try to get involved, I knew I would audition, so I’ve just been ready for this, I’ve been trying to get in,” Hennes said.

Hennes ended up getting two roles in the show: an 19th century orphan who ends up spending all of his money at a video arcade and a student in college for a video game program who runs away from home.

The play was chosen over a year ago by director and Grade 7 teacher Shelby Benedetto.

Benedetto wanted to choose a theatrical comedy that would connect with people of different generations.

“It was a thought process of what’s popular in today’s culture — video games — and how can we take that and turn it into something that everyone of all ages will love,” she told CHAT News during a matinee show Thursday.

Shelby Benedetto says she chose the play after looking for something popular in today’s culture that everyone can love. (Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News)

That search for a play brought her to Don Zolidis’ The Video Gamapalooza, a show that Benedetto thought would be a great choice for the community.

More than just the performers are involved with the show, which has been rehearsing since October 2023.

Alexandra teachers pitched in to build set pieces and create costumes and even Benedetto’s family got involved to help bring the script to life.

“It takes a lot of hours,” Benedetto said.

The Video Gamapalooza runs Jan. 26 to 27 and Feb. 2 to 3 at the Medicine Hat High School Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are $15 at the door.