‘Why Mosquitoes Buzz’: Durham’s Legendary Hillside H.S. Theatre Produces First Film

 DURHAM, NC — The award-winning Hillside High School Drama Department is making history by presenting its first cinematic production. Written by Hillside alumna, Jasmyne M. Jones, Why Mosquitoes Buzz is an African folktale inspired by the classic children’s book ‘Why Mosquitoes Buzz in Peoples Ears’ by Verna Aardema and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. Produced and directed by Wendell Tabb and Tiffany Agerston, with original songs by Xavier Cason, this film is sure to keep audiences filled with laughter and wonder as they unfold the story’s mystery.

Producer Wendell Tabb says, “This fun and exciting film will teach young viewers valuable lessons about honesty, kindness, and responsibility.” Written with a unique sensitivity and connection to wildlife and nature, Why Mosquitoes Buzz is the perfect educational resource for youth of all ages. The show streams on-demand via ShowTix4U beginning Friday, June 25, 2021, at noon until Sunday, July 25, 2021, at 11:59 pm EST. General admission is priced at $10 per viewer.  Educational Classroom Showings are available and priced at $25 per classroom. Purchase tickets online now at https://www.showtix4u.com/events/HillsideTheatreDNC

In this episode of Spectacular Mag Shorts, I talked with Why Mosquitoes Buzz producers Wendell Tabb, Hillside’s Director of Theatre, and Hillside Music Educator Tiffany Agerston, along with the film composer Xavier Cason, retired Hillside Band Director and former Durham Public Schools Board member. They detail how and why the production came about, the trials of producing during a global pandemic, and what to expect from the Hillside Theatre department during the upcoming season. The trailer for Why Mosquitoes Buzz is also included.

Following Mr. Tabb’s 34-year legacy of Broadway-level plays and international drama exchanges, this film is making groundbreaking history for Hillside High School. With support from the school and community, the drama students worked together to maintain a professional production schedule, showing the world that all things are possible. Students were relentless in rehearsing on Zoom and practicing film techniques using Flipgrid.

They committed to the process of social distancing during greenscreen film work; often recording with no more than two students at a time. In honoring COVID-19 restrictions, innovative masks were thoughtfully handcrafted by artist Jada Hamlett, a graduate of Hillside High School.

In a quote shared by Hillside High School’s Principal, Dr. William T. Logan, he states, “I am tremendously excited about this new venture into film that has been embraced by Hillside’s Theater family.  The filming of Why Mosquitoes Buzz is a perfect example of how a global crisis can spawn ingenuity in arts education, specifically, theater.  I am so proud of our students, Ms. Agerston, Mr. Tabb, and everyone who helped to make this project a great success.”

Audiences will be in awe of the imaginative footage captured and brought to life by industry professionals, and Hillside graduates, Teodros Debela and Philip Wiggins of Playground Studios Durham. Electrifying musical arrangements presented by the Collective Groove Band will compel listeners to sing and dance to this outstanding soundtrack, rendering the brilliant possibilities of remote studio recording.

Producer Tiffany Agerston states, “It is the desire of Hillside Theatre to continue to engage our viewers and encourage our students to stay fully involved in the production process from the stage to the film screen.” The students of Hillside Drama have shown the world that no matter what, never give up on your goals and dreams.

This is the perfect film for children of all ages. Educational classroom showings afford teachers the opportunity to inspire students with an interactive film they will want to see again and again!

Viewers are invited to join the students of Hillside High School Drama and witness ‘Why Mosquitoes Buzz’ streaming on-demand now!

For more information, visit https://www.showtix4u.com/events/HillsideTheatreDNC