The Cloverleaf High School Drama Club traditionally alternates between presenting a drama one year and lighter fare the next. This fall, students will be asked to step outside their comfort zones with the drama “David and Lisa.”

The show originated as an Academy Award nominee for directing in 1962, hit the stage in 1967, and was an Oprah Winfrey made-for-TV movie in the late 1990s, starring Brittany Murphy.

It is a straight drama about teen mental illness, including teenage schizophrenia and phobias. The play also highlights the very tender relationship between two teens battling their illnesses at a treatment center school.

The Cloverleaf High School Drama Club presents “David and Lisa” Nov. 3-6 at the Cloverleaf Elementary School stage. It will begin with a free dress rehearsal for senior citizens Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

The cast will perform the show at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3, 4, and 5. There will be a matinee on Nov. 6 at 3 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door starting one hour prior to each show. Adult tickets are $8. Students are $6.

“The show is very unique and the challenge for the actors and actresses will be demanding,” Director John Carmigiano said. “When dealing with the issue of teen mental illness, the subject is very serious, and the students were asked to really research their characters so they can deliver an accurate portrayal and give the topic the professionalism it deserves.”

Cloverleaf student Taylor Claycomb serves again as assistant student director and stage manager. Seniors Sophia Reed (Dr. Alice Swinford), Matthew Butt (David), Delaney Sheldon (Lisa), Allison Chudzinski (Josette), and Alex Jervis (Simon/Mr. Clemens) bring plenty of experience to a younger, but experienced cast.

“There is a lot of trust with the seniors and veteran actors and actresses to pull off a show like this,” Carmigiano said. “The kids are working hard to make this show a success.”

Underclass veterans Alexandria Hunter (Mrs. Clemens), Kevin Chudzinski (Ben), Corina Rivera (Maureen), Reilly Cipullo (Carlos), Catie Hyatt (Sandra), Chloe Schwanke (Kate), Julian Everstijn (John), Grace Winrod (Barbara), and Kyle Chudzinski (Robert) also star in the show.

Dana Diehl (Secretary/Girl) and Kaylin Weingart (Mrs. Ferris/Woman) are new to CHS Drama, and round out the cast.

“The students and community helpers are always a great help in pulling off each production,” Carmigiano said. “We couldn’t do it without everyone pulling together.”

The set was co-designed by Carmigiano and community member Eric Martin, who is helping with construction. Community member Tammi Chudzinski helps with the costumes and props. There is also crew assistance from Mariel Leatherman, Baeden Smith, Michaela Hamel and Karen Martin.

The sound is being directed by Jim Heinrich, the father of Cloverleaf Elementary School music teacher Lisa Heinrich. CHS art teacher Mollie Jarvis also helped with the graphic designing for the show.

Due to some of the topics and brief adult language, the show is recommended for teens and adults only.

Cloverleaf Elementary School is located at 8337 Friendsville Road, Seville.