Kelly Banker (Courtesy photo)

Anna Banker (Courtesy photo)

High school seniors Anna and Kelly Banker, who play the roles of Hope and Ruth in Lawrence Academy’s upcoming production of Wilson Wants It All, have been active as performers, directors, and producers since they enrolled at LA as sophomores. They have a long history of producing plays during their summer vacations, inviting local students to participate and honing their own skills as they provide opportunity to their young actors. Last winter the two produced and directed fellow students at LA in a performance based on the musical, Chicago.

Wilson Wants It All is a political thriller, complete with mistaken identities, intrigue, romance, and betrayal. The year is 2040, and the United States, with its seven political parties, is still talking about hope and change. Americans are bombarded with media images in a way that makes today’s world of advertising pale by comparison. Political gain has trumped good policymaking, and as the union of the United States threatens to disintegrate, there is one woman who may be able to keep it all together. Groomed for the position of president by Wilson, her political handler, 30-year-old Hope is unwillingly poised to take on the challenge. When she meets Ruth, a woman who could be her double, the two relish the opportunity to trade their roles in life. Chaos ensues as they each eventually claim to be the voice that will take the country forward.

Performances are Nov. 4, 5, and 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Richardson-Mees Performing Arts Center on the Lawrence Academy campus in Groton. The facility is handicapped-accessible; admission is free. For more information visit the Lawrence Academy website at www.lacademy.edu or call Mr. Sugerman at 978-448-1601.