Although you may think that having a black-out during a school play would be a disaster, Steel Magnolias proved otherwise this Saturday night! The darkened theatre, lit only by the light of the cell phones in the audience, was transformed into a show all it’s own. The actors all continued to improvise lines for their characters as they entertained the crowd with silly jokes and conversation. After finding out that it would probably be at least an hour until the lights came back on, the director, Valley Drama Teacher George Cooper, prepared to send the crowd home. However, they had other ideas. The still enthusiastic audience suggested that the girls continue with a radio play. And that’s just what they did! The cast of Steel Magnolias continued their show in the dark, and the spectators loved it. Eventually, the lights came back on, the cast moved into position on stage, and the show continued smoothly. “In 20 years of directing, I haven’t experienced this. I am very proud of the cast/crew response to the black-out and the audience was very supportive,” says Cooper. As they say, the show must go on!