The central conflict of the play follows a young man, Orlando, and his love, Rosalind, who, unbeknownst to him, disguises herself as a man and offers Orlando advice concerning their courtship. Although she could easily reveal her identity, Rosalind instead remains in character so that she may test the strength of Orlando’s love. All the while, several other characters fall in love by chance and pursue each other in varying, comedic degrees of desperation.

Nerinx Hall’s leads were all quite entertaining, but two of the brightest were McKenzie Moser and Maggie Hogan, who played Rosalind and Celia, respectively. Moser’s animated face and conviction when speaking made her energetic character all the more enjoyable. Her performance exceeded that of most high school students as she so eagerly, and naturally, adopted her role. Nearly matching her in energy and skill, Hogan’s portrayal of Celia was also engaging. When the pair spoke together on stage, their lively interaction appeared effortless, a sure mark of excellent casting.

The supporting cast’s talent, although not as remarkable, was accented with standout performances by Jimmy Reddy, who portrayed Touchstone, and Claire Wenzel, who played Phoebe. Reddy demonstrated an ease for comedy in both his skill and timing, never-failing to draw a laugh from the audience when on stage. Wenzel did an excellent job with her role as the eccentric, stubborn pursuer of “Ganymede,” Rosalind’s alias. Both made the second act even more enjoyable.

The show’s technical aspects were executed almost flawlessly. Usually an issue in high school productions, the transitions were smooth and indicated an excellent stage crew. The music and sound effects selected were perfect for the environment in which the play took place, unifying the play as a whole. The only minor flaw lay in the set, which did not seem to reflect the talent that Nerinx obviously possesses. It was easily overlooked, though, as performers such as Moser and Hogan commanded attention.

Full of humor and performed by a lively collection of actors, Nerinx Hall’s solid production of As You Like It is sure to entertain.

by Meghan Edwards of Holt High School

As heads of household Senex (Andrew Cheli) and Domina (Hannah Gibbons) depart on a short trip to visit Domina’s mother, they leave slave Hysterium (Evan Turek) in charge. What they don’t plan on is the fact that their son, Hero (Jordan Wolk), is in cahoots with Pseudolus (Mario Meyer), a slave attempting to earn his freedom by setting up Hero with the girl of his dreams, Philia (Elizabeth Burnes). Pseudolus attempts to play the puppeteer in a grand illusory scheme, but what ensues is much confusion, chaos, and comedy.

Meyer does a commendable job playing Pseudolus. The resounding energy and unbridled enthusiasm with which he delivers his lines and songs carries the show. He gives the performance his all, bringing laughter and light to the stage. Turek owns the part of Hysterium, mastering the nervous, panicky demeanor of an overworked slave-in-chief. Wolk plays a charming Hero, personifying the characteristically awkward teenager in love, with his strong vocals far surpassing the graceless stereotype.

Erronius (Vincent Wienhoff) stands out as one of the best comics in the show. His hunch-backed gait and quavering, elderly voice combined with his endearing cluelessness make for tons of laughs throughout the show. Marcus Lycus (Devin Cox) also proves quite funny, through his over-the-top reactions, most notably a shrill, girlish scream throughout a giant chase scene.

Technical elements of the production remain simple, yet effective. Lighting (Krishna Ganim, Cullen Clifford, Tyler Yancey, Emily Jasper, Anthony Domijan, and Emma Butler) remains plain, yet fulfills its purpose, and there are no noticeable sound problems throughout the show, a miraculous feat for a high school production. Set (Matt Bannes, Ryan Cantillon, Keith Smith, John Baraba, Tim Jones, Emily Weinstroer) and costumes (Mario Meyer) are fun and colorful to match the mood of the show, remain accurate to the period, and add to the overall setting of the show. All technical elements of the show blend successfully to help tell the story.

The biggest weakness of the production may be drawn-out, uncomfortable moments toward the beginning of the show, during which it proves difficult to observe any rapport between the actors. However, as the show progresses, actors fall into their roles more smoothly and the chemistry between them becomes more evident, improving the flow of the production.

Bishop DuBourg’s production of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is a funny, fast-paced show with lovable characters that provide a lot of laughs. Throughout the hysterical chaotic events that occur one after another, the cast and crew simply offer a good time, and hold to their promise of “a comedy tonight.”

by Melissa Jung of Marquette High School

Belle is a beautiful girl living in France with her father, the crazy inventor. The Beast is a prince that was turned into a beast by a beautiful sorceress because of his selfishness, and greed. Gaston, the handsome brute of the town, wishes to marry Belle, and is willing to do anything to make that happen. When Belle’s father trespasses in the castle of the Beast, he is captured and held prisoner. Belle offers to take his place, and stays with the Beast. At first, the two despise each other, but after Belle tries to run away and gets attacked by wolves, Beast saves her life. Belle and the Beast slowly fall in love, and all is well, until Gaston hears of the Beast, and tries to kill him. The town attacks the castle, and a battle rages on. The castle’s inhabitants win over the townspeople, but Gaston manages to stab the Beast before the Beast kills him. Belle breaks the spell, and the prince survives because of her love.

The story was well put together, and well delivered for what the directors had to work with. The blocking was clever, and used almost the entire lecture hall, keeping the audience on their feet. The actors did a great job of staying in the light, and made a conscious effort to stay loud when they didn’t have a microphone. The energy levels varied, but stayed mostly high during exciting parts of the show. The effort of the smaller characters made the difference between a dull and exciting show.

Belle, played by Molly Fowler, and Beast, played by Dalton Mathis, were paired perfectly with his strong voice and persona, and her soft, lovely presence. The contrast showed the audience how easily even two opposites could work together. They complimented each other perfectly, and gave the audience a hope for a happy ending between the two of them.

Although the lead actors showed true talent, the supporting cast was the icing on the Beauty and the Beast cake. Even though some voices may not have been the strongest without microphones, these actors gave it their all. Mrs. Potts, played by Annabelle Gyngard, and Gaston, played by Brandon Janssen gave true examples of extreme characters. From Gyngard’s loving persona towards Belle to Janssen’s extreme confidence, these two had a lot of talent, and showed the audience just what they were made of.

The set didn’t look fabulous at first glance, however a plain black background proved to be more than met the eye. There were countless furniture props and wall decorations that made this set special, and kept the audience looking for small details throughout the show.

Having come such a long way to find this particular stage, Northwest High School showed the audience why Beauty and the Beast is such a classic, and should be continued to be seen and heard throughout the years.

by Jessi Reynolds of Pattonville High School

The school edition of Jonathan Larson’s massively successful 1996 musical, Rent, follows various friends living in New York City and deals with topical themes such as AIDS, depression, drugs, alcoholism, and homosexuality. It is composed of almost only song with little spoken dialogue, reinventing and almost creating the rock opera with its conception. Critically and financially, Rent is a worldwide phenomenon. It changed the face of musical theater, so naturally the students of McCluer had much to live up to.

Everyone in the production stepped up to the challenge, many with great ease. At the center of the story is Roger (Lavalle Moore) and Mimi (Adrienne Thompson), both very effective and passionate with their roles. Both are vocally and physically demanding, facing great character development and difficult vocal work. However, the two always sold the audience with their confidence, natural charm, and constant energy.

In the supporting cast, one of the greatest standouts was Alexis Tucker as Maureen. She had the daunting task of bringing to life the role of the spunky, gay performer Maureen who must exude great amounts of confidence while still being likable, a tough job on its own before you consider that she must also have tremendous vocal skills. However, she blew it out of the water and her hilarious performance of “Over the Moon” brought the audience together and taught them that while watching Rent, it is more than okay to laugh when there is humor and cry when things turn dark. Alongside her was Jessica Williams as her girlfriend JoAnne whose vocals were some of the most impressive I have seen in a high school production. In “Take Me or Leave Me,” they complemented each other tremendously.

The ensemble was good at the beginning, but really came into their own throughout the show, bringing energy and spirit whenever they were onstage. When they opened Act II with “Seasons of Love”, the solos went to members of the cast who were not leads, but proved that every actor in this show had something great to bring to the table and the solos were nothing short of terrific.

The set was simplistic, but it worked and was in tune with the show. They utilized the space as much as they could and were able to use the strategy that “less is more” to their advantage. The orchestra was powerful and kept up with the music with ease, very surprising considering how much there was to learn and master. The costumes as well were very in tune with the time and setting, very much worth noting.

Rent is a show about community and love and on the stage of McCluer, there was more than enough to keep the spirit and passion of the characters and the story pulsating through the theater.

by Alex Bush of Mary Institute St. Louis Country Day School

The show opens with Bob Wallace (Mark Messmer) and Phil Davis (Charlie Moody) singing for the troops of the 151st Division. Throughout the entirety of the performance, both Messmer and Moody displayed outstanding chemistry between each other. It is completely believable that the two are good friends through their performance. Playing opposite the two men are Betty (Katherine Potts) and Judy (Emma McCann) Haynes. Potts displayed lovely vocals and a strong, independent woman through her portrayal of Betty, and McCann proved to be a triple threat by excelling in the areas of vocals, acting, and dance. Other standouts within the performance include the strong-willed Martha Watson (Emily Jean Henry), General Henry Waverly (Jack Ruzicka), and, of course, Ezekiel Foster (Jake McCann).

Even though the principle characters lit up the stage with their impeccable vocal abilities, it was when the ensemble joined them that the true energy of the production could be felt. All members of the ensemble seemed like they truly enjoyed being onstage, and none of them lacked a single ounce of energy. Two ensemble members stood out in the performance. Bridget Biundo and Naomi Walsby excelled in the numerous tap numbers within the show, and both had excellent stage presence. Both seem to have great knowledge of many types of dance, and many encomiums should be given to both the choreographer of the show and to their private dance instructors.

The technical aspects of the show enhanced the overall performance greatly as well. The light cues were precise and sound cues were never late. The microphones the actors used provided clear sound, but at times they were either too loud or they would cut in and out. Despite this minor flaw, the sound aspect proved to be one of the best. One technical aspect that should be recognized is the set itself. In order to make quick and easy set changes, the set was designed to fold in on itself, with different scenes on either side of the flat. This creative design proved to be very impressive and invaluable to the overall flow of the performance.

The cast and crew at Notre Dame High School should be very proud of their accomplishments through White Christmas. The overall show was truly a wonder to behold, and many will be singing the songs until next Christmas.

by Mario Meyer of Bishop DuBourg

The Bully Plays contains multiple scenes which convey aspects of bullying differently in each. Holt High School performed five of the scenes from this selection, “The Bully Pulpit,” “A Bully There Be,” “The Conundrum,” “Nobody Nose,” and “Flash Mob.” The scenes took very different approaches to tackle the aspect of bullying, from mime to Shakespeare. The various short plays had highs and lows throughout, with some scenes having more energy than others. Because of the short time frame for each short play it was difficult to develop characters, but most actors were still able to show depth of emotion.

The Long View is a one-act, which the school had previously performed at St. Louis District Theatre Contest and placed first. The play starts off with a fight scene in which the characters experienced a wide range of emotions. During the one-act, most characters had to deliver a monologue about how they felt about witnessing the fight. These moments were crucial to understanding the motives behind their actions during the scene. The actors all had great stage presences and commanded the stage during their monologue moment, despite line stumbling or distracting noises from the audience. The many different characters and scenes showed off the actor’s ability to be versatile.

The technical elements also helped to stand up to bullying; it included large words associated with bullying like exile and courage, with dramatic backlighting in blue and red. This really set the tone for the production. Also, the platforms on stage allowed the actors to work with the concept of levels to better get the message across to the audience. However, there were a few lighting problems during transitions in the show. All the actors had mics and could be clearly heard, but noise could be heard backstage if the microphones were left on. The special effects of having a screen with a display of the text messages the actors were saying was a very interesting concept that helped to aid in the story telling of “Flash Mob” in The Bully Plays.

Overall, this production left the audience with a powerful message about promoting anti-bullying in schools.

by Alexa McKenna of Parkway Central High

Into the Woods was written by James Lapine, and was composed by Stephen Sondheim. It was first performed at the Martin Beck Theatre in New York on November 5, 1987. The first showing ran for 765 performances and won the 1988 Tony Awards for the Best Book and Score. The production was filmed only 3 years after the original opening night.

Many voices in this performance are extremely melodious, some mentionable examples being Olivia Gacka, who plays the Baker’s Wife, and Alex Bush, who performs as Cinderella’s Prince. Their song together, “Any Moment” shows off their vocal talents and its comic timing is perfect. “It Takes Two” is another vocally talented piece, sung by the Baker’s Wife (Gacka), and the Baker, who is performed by John Dunagan. Bush also performs another outstanding song as Cinderella’s Prince with his hilarious partner, Rapunzel’s Prince, who is played by Alexander Schroeder, in the song “Agony.” Along with its reprise, “Agony” is one of the most entertaining songs. All of these actors also excelled in performing their characters in depth with the proper facial expressions.

There are many other talented actors as well, including Cinderella, the Witch, Jack, and the Narrator/Mysterious Man, who are played by Madi Cupp-Enyard, Katherine Bush, John Rush, and Devin Chabot respectively. All of them play believable characters with well performed reactions to the story. Another mentionable character is Cinderella’s Mother, who is performed by Molly Burgess. Burgess has a clear, beautiful voice, which is showcased in “Cinderella at the Grave.” Many of the actors also have great stage business, including the cow, Milky-White, who is played by Peter Condie, who sways back-and-forth during “It Takes Two.”

The set for Into the Woods is extremely well designed, with authentic trees. During the second act, it is an ingenious idea to have a picture of the Princes in Cinderella’s house. The costumes are also authentic, along with being extremely intricate.

Although many of the actors are extremely vocally talented, some of them are difficult to understand. At some points the acting is bland and lacking in energy as well. The lighting adds to the performance, but at times it was off. Sometimes the spotlights even shone one of the stage crew.

Into the Woods is an absolute fairytale, with quirks at every turn. MICDS puts on a surprisingly enchanting tale that captivates every moment…”Maybe They’re Magic”…

by Tiffany Vonderahe of Northwest School District

The last thing anyone truly expects from window washing Finch is for him to swiftly rise the ranks of the World Wide Wicket Company, but with some charm, a little luck, and a lot of comedy, this is exactly what Finch does. In this charming comedy depicting the ’60s workplace, Finch meets and manipulates plenty of people and even falls in love along the way. The musical opened in 1961 and won seven Tony Awards, and Parkway Central’s rendition was also a great success.

While the entire cast delivered a strong performance, the leads in particular made the show shine. Aidan McCarter as J. Pierrepont Finch displayed his character’s charisma and ambition in a memorable performance. Onstage love interest, Greta Rosenstock as Rosemary Pilkington, also delivered a noteworthy performance as the hardworking yet dreaming secretary with a beautiful voice. Matthew Greenbaum, as head of the company, JB Biggley established his jocular character in a performance further establishing the comedic ’60s workplace. His onstage nephew Jake Blonstein as Bud Frump maintained a distinct and comical characterization with noteworthy enthusiasm.

The entire cast in fact, maintained a high energy level that kept the show running at a quick pace. Alexa McKenna as Smitty, sustained her believable character and strong voice throughout the performance. Lizzy Langa as Hedy LaRue established a particularly entertaining character with her steady New Jersey accent, believable tipsiness, and interaction with the other actors onstage. Kyle Pollack’s performance was both multi-faceted and impressive as he played Mr. Womper, Mr. Twimble, and a Feature Dancer, where for each of his characters he developed an entirely new stage presence with an excellent voice and unique flair.

The technical aspects of the show were diverse and well-maintained. Lighting was notable with its many cues, spotlights, and changing colors throughout the performance. Costumes were colorful, true to the time period, and covered a large and varied cast. Sound went smoothly for the production with only a few minor issues throughout.

There were few problems with the show. Scene changes seemed to be long at times, although the impressive orchestra playing between scenes usually kept it from becoming too noticeable. There seemed to be a few issues with the curtain and some set pieces, but the set itself was striking for its diversity and utility.

In all, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying was a spectacular performance that truly succeeded in showing “The Company Way,” the business world of the 1960s, and most of all, the remarkable actors and tech crew of Parkway Central.

by Allie Hult of Holt High School

Based off the novel by Ken Kesey of the same name, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest made its Broadway début in November of 1963. After 82 performances, it closed, but has since been revived and was made into the highly acclaimed 1975 movie version that won several Academy Awards.

MRH’s production was anchored by the heavy dedication each actor showed by staying true to their character. Miguel Hernandez portrayed McMurphy with the perfect playful stubbornness that his character required. Each patient in the mental hospital had their own distinct personality and it was evident that each actor had explored their characters’ unique dispositions. John O’Keefe, who played Martini, fully committed to the physicality of his character’s illness, making his performance stand out amongst the rest. In contrast to many of the patients’ lively demeanors, Anna Wermuth played the somber Nurse Ratched, showcasing her unwavering cruelty. The onstage bonds that formed between the patients proved to be a major component in forming the complex power struggle between the patients and the staff.

Several other notable performances were given throughout the show. Zach Arias, who played Billy Bibbit, showed rapid and dynamic change as his character would undergo a wide spectrum of roller coaster emotions. Chrystopher Kluttz had the audience laughing with an incredibly humorous performance as the drunken guard, Mr. Turkle. Maxx Diebold, who played Chief Bromden, smoothly narrated the story from his point of view. One vivacious scene that called forth the majority of the cast had the patients dancing in plaid and checked lounge pants as Billy Bibbit (Arias) was married off to Candy Starr (Taylor Kennedy), leaving the audience cheering for more.

One of the most impressive aspects of MRH’s production was perhaps their scenery and props. The set pieces, designed by James Owens, were fully detailed and depicted (what I imagine to be) an extremely realistic looking mental hospital. Pill bottles, cards, and cigarettes decked the stage, further setting the scene of the slightly imbalanced crew. The lighting (Megan Hanak) also helped differentiate between certain focal points and perspectives. Dull paint and fenced off windows all added to the eerie atmosphere.

Maplewood Richmond-Heights High School opened the window to a community that existed behind bars under the governance of electroshock therapy and lobotomy. Supported by an incredible set, a cast of enthusiastic actors, and a blood-tingling story, the MRH Theatre Department brought to life the story of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

by Audrey Lipsmire of Northwest School District

Guys and Dolls is the story of unrepentant gamblers and unexpected love. High-roller Sky Masterson finds himself in the company of Christian mission leader Sarah Brown after making a wager that he could take her to Havana. The bet was made by Nathan Detroit, who needed money to host a craps game. Nathan’s fiancé of fourteen years, Adelaide, is greatly distressed by the long engagement and hassles Nathan for a wedding throughout the entire show. In 1950, Frank Loesser, Jo Swerling, and Abe Burrows created the musical that would be loved for decades.

Pattonville did an excellent job displaying the relationships between the different characters. The set was creative and aided in the flow of the play. The costumes were period accurate and colorful, giving the production life. The actors were filled with energy as they sang and danced across the stage. The lighting was dynamic and added to the moods of each scene. Overall, the school gave an exceptional performance.

Kalen Riley, in the role of Sky Masterson, showed the suave sarcasm of his character very well. He had great chemistry with Sarah Brown, played by Sarah Vik. Vik had a lovely operatic voice and could hit every note. While the two leads did an excellent job, the secondary leads stole the show. Nathan Detroit (Aaron Landgraf) was energetic and added life and movement to the show. He interacted well with the others on stage and performed well in his song “Sue Me.” His paramour Adelaide (Anna Pirrie) seemed to channel Vivian Blaine, who played the same role in the original stage production and on film. Her accent was spot-on and her dancing was great.

Although the main actors did an excellent job in their performances, they were not the only ones. Nathan’s sidekicks, Benny, Nicely-Nicely, and Rusty Charlie, were played by Jacob Painter, Kyle Baldwin, and Devin Harris respectively. They worked together through the whole production but also stood out on their own. Baldwin did a great job in his song “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” All three were able to sing their lines in the difficult “Fugue for Tinhorns.” The Hot Box Girls all danced well and in time; everyone seemed to know the steps.

The technical side of the play was outstanding. The lights, designed by Elizabeth Watson, were vivid and nearly every spotlight was even and on its mark. Although sound had some technical difficulties, the audience members in the balcony could hear nearly every word. Two set pieces that stood out were the Hot Box Stage and the New York City backdrop; both were filled with color and it was evident that a lot of work went into their construction. The costumes (led by Ana Cruz) only added to the effect of the production. Overall, the play would not have been the same without the work of the technical department.

Pattonville High School put on an enjoyable production that was fun for all who watched. The audience learned that love can come from unexpected places. The costumes, set, and music transported the audience to the early twentieth century.

by Anna Weeden of Holt High School