Christian youth troupe puts teen issues on center stage

‘Dead Serious About Life’  examines teen issues like  sex, drugs and abuse and shows a way to change.

Area high school students (from left) Matt Lansdale of Hamilton High School, Kayla Blair of Dixie Heights High School, Jamie Heineman and Alex Resendes of Edgewood High School, and Tani Linville of Lakota West High School are in the touring cast of “Dead Serious About Life,” a production by the faith-based youth theater group Mishpachah.

Contributed photo Area high school students (from left) Matt Lansdale of Hamilton High School, Kayla Blair of Dixie Heights High School, Jamie Heineman and Alex Resendes of Edgewood High School, and Tani Linville of Lakota West High School are in the touring cast of “Dead Serious About Life,” a production by the faith-based youth theater group Mishpachah.

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By Richard O Jones, Staff Writer 1:00 AM Sunday, November 29, 2009

TRENTON — It isn’t the lure of the spotlight that draws Edgewood junior Jamie Heineman to the stage, but a chance to help other teenagers.

This is Heineman’s second year with the Mason-based Mishpachah — or “Mish” to those close to the program — a nondenominational Christian theater troupe that tours the area with the play “Dead Serious About Life.” The current cast members are mostly from Fairfield, Lakota and Edgewood schools, but also come from as far away as Lebanon and Northern Kentucky.

“Dead Serious About Life” will be performed at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Edgewood High School.

“I saw the show when I was in middle school and wanted to get involved and meet more Christian friends,” Heineman said.

The play takes place at a party without adult chaperones, where the problems of the various characters come to the surface.

“It deals with teen issues like sex, drugs and abuse,” Heineman said. “It shows kids how to change their lives.”

Heineman plays Kylie, “a tough, dark character who has a bad attitude as the result of living with her abusive, alcoholic father,” she said. “She finally breaks down and realizes she has to deal with her issues and get some help from one of the other characters.”

Heineman’s classmate and friend Alex Resendes is now in his third year in Mishpachah, this time playing Alex, an alcoholic teen who tends to be a mean drunk, belittling those around him.

Being with the group helped him gain some confidence. The first year, he worked backstage before stepping out into the lights.

“I’d heard about the show and wanted to help out, but I didn’t have the courage to be on stage,” he said. “At first it was a little scary with all the people looking at me, but once you’re out there, it’s a no-brainer.”

The group not only helps teenagers find a better way to cope with their problems, but is also a support group for those involved.

“I’ve made a lot of great friends,” Resendes said, “people I can talk to about anything that’s going on in my life.”

Tickets are $9 at the door or $8 in advance, available by calling (800) 459-7268.

“Dead Serious About Life” will also be performed Feb. 20-21 and June 18 at Lakota East High School.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2188 or rjones@coxohio.com.

Mishpachah presents “Dead Serious About Life”

When: 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-6

Where: Edgewood High School Auditorium, 5005 Ohio 73, Trenton

Tickets: $8 advance, $9 at the door

Info: (800) 459-7268

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