When the bell rings at 2:20, most students rush out of class, excited to get home. But not the students participating in this years fall play, “Triangle.” The story highlights a massive fire that broke out in a shirtwaist factory during 1911 in New York City, resulting in 146 deaths. It’s a story of friendship, oppression and courage. For director Catherine Hopkins, “Triangle” is more than just a play.

“I think we’re at a time where we are looking at, in terms of St. Louis, the role of unions, and how they protect workers,” Hopkins said. “Our councilmen are heavily debating whether or not we should continue having fully formed unions in our companies, so this is an interesting way to look at how unions started, and why they’re so vital to worker’s rights.”

This will be Hopkin’s second fall play with the high school. She directed last year’s “Our Town”, and she is looking forward to this year’s presentation. So are the many students acting in the play.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s growth in their role, and seeing the audience’s reaction,” Cory Barber, sophomore, said. Barber acted in “The Addams Family” last spring.

Phoebe Thoroughman, junior, has one of the lead roles in the production. She, along with Barber, is excited for this year’s performance.

“Our set designer is planning some really cool things,” Thoroughman said. “The last scene with the fire is going to be really intense and emotional.”

This year’s production promises a different look than last year’s “Our Town”, mainly due to the loss of seniors following the 2016-2017 school year.

“We lost a lot of really strong seniors last year, but we have a larger pool of people now,” Thoroughman said.

This young, dedicated group has been preparing for “Triangle” since the third day of school. There have been many hours of rehearsal leading up to now, but all of the practicing and anticipation will soon be over.

“We’ve been kind of hopscotching around all of the other responsibilities they have, but we’re in the home stretch now,” Hopkins said.