Figments, written in 1995 by Billy St. John, takes place in present day New York. This comedy revolves around the life of the playwright Rick Jacobs, who is having difficulties finishing his latest murder mystery. In order to help, the characters of his play come to life as figments of his imagination. While struggling to finish the story, he has other problems like his mother barging in and a crush that’s dating someone else. With all this stress, it’s no surprise that even more figments of friends and family come out. Despite all these characters around, Rick gets the end of his story and the girl.

The cast and crew of Albert Einstein’s Figments put on an entertaining and amusing production. The actors were all devoted to their characters throughout the show. Also, the technical elements of the play were excellent at distinguishing between reality and imagination.

Marc Cioffi, who portrayed Rick, was great. He was on stage longer than anyone else in the show and was able to maintain superior energy and focus. His dedication to the part was evident as he portrayed a myriad of emotions. Also, Michiko Feehan was a hit as Mama. With the ashes of Rick’s father in tow, her fussing over Rick came across hilariously. Michiko’s ability to develop her character turned a silly mother into an endearing character whose love for her son really shined through.

The supporting cast was just equally enthusiastic as the leads. The mystery figures of Rick’s play stood out in their ability to perform the same scene many times and still maintain the audience’s attention. They did this using versatility during the scenes based on the feelings of Rick at that moment. Elizabeth Lambert as Veronica and Jordan Hill as David were prominent due to their obvious devotion to their parts. Also, the figments of Rick’s real friends and family had admirable performances. Their hard work was clear in the way they took the original character’s personality and amplified it to fit the imagination world in which they lived. Carlos Castillo as Rick 2 and Adeline McCaul as Loni 2 in particular were very entertaining in their roles.

The technical aspects of the show were respectable. The closet that was integrated into the apartment was able to produce some hilarious moments in its ability to surprise the audience with cast members at random parts of the show. Also, the set had eclectic decorations everywhere including a Mr. Potato Head, a suit of armor, and even a portrait of Albert Einstein. Likewise, the costumes of the show were wonderful. They reflected the personality of the character very well. Furthermore, the costumes of the mystery figments coordinated which added a sense of consistency and unity throughout their differing scenes.

The endearing performance of Albert Einstein’s Figments was amusing and well done. The actors had commendable performances and the technical parts of the show were admirable. Altogether the cast and crew had an excellent performance.

by Grace Mattes of Chantilly High School

Photo Gallery

Lily Habenstreit as Loni, Adeline McCaul as Loni 2, Marc Cioffi as Rick, Carlos Castillo as Rick 2	Zachary Norris as Winston, Elizabeth Lambert as Veronica
Michiko Feehan as Mama, Marc Cioffi as Rick	Jordan Hill as David, Elizabeth Lambert as Veronica
Michiko Feehan as Mama, David Toro as Matt, Marc Cioffi as Rick

Photos by Joe McCary

The favorite teenage musical is back and better than ever! The 1972 version of Grease, written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, was an instant hit, winning several Tony Awards including Best Musical. The jiving, funky spirit of this show could not be contained by the stage, and in 1978 Grease was translated to the screen, featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in a classic American film. The movie and musical follow essentially the same plot: wholesome, goody-two shoes Sandy Dumbroski and rebellious greaser Danny Zuko fall madly in love over summer break, but as summer nights come to an end, the two never expect to see each other again. When Sandy transfers to Rydell High School in the fall, she is overjoyed to discover her sensitive summer sweetheart attends her new school, but Danny is not the same around his gang of renegade teens. Will social differences keep the lovers apart? Clad in poodle skirts, leather jackets, and a whole lot of spunk, a group of raunchy adolescents cope with the trials of being a teenager through singing, dancing, and rock-and-rolling.

In the lead role of Sandy, Abigail Kullberg led the production with enthusiastic aplomb. Her pure, soprano voice was a perfect complement to her consistently innocent, wide-eyed persona. As her love interest Danny Zuko, Eric Teran set the tone of 1950s swank. With sensational vocal conviction, hypnotic charisma, and dance moves as slick as the grease in his hair, Teran infused the production with passion. His vocal range was unbelievably versatile — he hit even the highest of notes with commendable agility. As Teran and his gang of leather-jacket rebels taunted each other and swaggered about the stage, their chemistry played tremendously well, especially during the iconic song “Greased Lightnin’.” Though at times Teran’s and Kullberg interactions left the audience wanting more, the two did exchange several moments of genuine sincerity.

The supporting cast of the production featured multiple scene-stealing actors. Rebecca Bradley, as Betty Rizzo, the sassy, boy-crazy tyrant of the “Pink Ladies” girl gang, employed wonderfully obnoxious sarcasm and priceless, eye-rolling facial expressions, adding a unique sauciness to her character. Carlos Castillo, as Roger, the rabble-rouser known for his unrivaled mooning record at Rydell High, sent eruptions of laughter resounding through the auditorium. In his solo song “Mooning,” his shameless physical comedy tripled the already ample hilarity of the production. Declan Enright, as Eugene Florczyk, the theater’s epitome of all dweebs, made a small role into an outstanding performance through his uproariously awkward dancing and unwavering nerdiness.

Albert Einstein High School’s technical elements were on point for a production bursting with swanky pizzazz. Despite a few sound issues throughout the production, the tech was overall a sweeping success. The chromatic, geometric set, creatively painted in a Mondrian style pattern augmented the explosively colorful atmosphere. Though sets could have been crafted with more attention to detail, they were functionally designed and allowed for dynamic versatility in the acting space. Additionally, the mesmerizing, brightly colored lights, which flashed like streaks of lightning in various scenes, engrossed audience members into the performance.

The Pink Ladies and Greaser gang never fail to impress. In a story brimming with adolescent angst, love, and rebellion, Albert Einstein High School created a retro, rock-and-roll riot that left audiences with the urge to get up and jive.

by Marielle Burt of McLean High School

Photo Gallery

Eric Teran (Danny); Thomas Richards (Sonny); Noah Habenstreit (Doody); Daniel Zucker (Kenickie); Carlos Castillo (Roger): ‘Greased Lightining’	The Cast ‘We Go Together’
Eric Teran (Danny), Kristina Rexford (Patty), Rebecca Bradley (Rizzo), Declan Enright (Eugene), Carlos Castillo (Roger): ‘Born To Hand Jive’	Daniel Zucker (Kenickie) and Rebecca Bradley (Rizzo) and the cast of Grease: ‘Born To Hand Jive’

Photos by Joe McCary

The Mystery of Edwin Drood is based upon Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel of the same name. Rupert Holmes’ Broadway adaptation earned five Tonys and the show has continued to be a popular performance choice for regional and high school theatres. The musical transports audience members to London’s Music Hall Royale, where the resident troupe is preparing to perform their rendition of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Audience members are introduced to an orphaned Edward Drood, played by the renowned male impersonator, Alice Nutting (Julia Timko). Drood currently lives with his uncle, choir teacher John Jasper (Jason Guerrero), but he and his fiancée, Miss Rosa Bud (Sarah McCully), were arranged to marry by their late fathers. Drama ensues though, as Miss Rosa Bud has gained the affection of more than one man; her music master, Jasper, is in love with her, and fellow orphan Neville Landless (Storm Kowaleski) longs for her affection as well. The plot thickens as Edwin Drood mysteriously disappears on Christmas Eve. What happens next you may ask? Only the audience can decide in this interactive show within a show, as the conclusion of the story was left unfinished due to Dickens’ untimely death.

Overall, the entire cast was lively and engaging, with several standouts. The chairman (Aaron Fellows) kept the show moving along and provided the story with some much needed clarity. His one liners and brisk line delivery enhanced his undeniable charisma. Julia Timko’s portrayal of Edwin Drood was spot on as she navigated the indifferent relationship between him and Rosa, and ultimately the amicable decision to end their engagement. Timko’s clear alto voice shone during “Perfect Strangers,” her duet with Rosa. Rory Beckett was delightfully bright and feisty as the Deputy; her sprightly dance moves lit up the stage.

The show included a small but talented ensemble, who each established strong identities of their own. The ensemble best complimented peppy numbers such as “Off to the Races.” The energy the ensemble added to the show and their interaction with audience members was exciting and unique.

The visibility of the running crew for the show was a bit distracting at times, but they moved set pieces quickly and efficiently. The lighting changes during musical numbers, spotlights, and blackouts were done well. The makeup was a delightful aspect of the period piece; every woman in the cast was perfectly done up as a Victorian era lady and Helena Landless’ (Maya Martin-Udry) cartoonish makeup accented her character’s dramatic flair perfectly.

The cast and crew of The Mystery of Edwin Drood worked together to create a captivating, interactive and spontaneous musical experience from the second we saw “Drood” prominently advertised on the windows of the school to the playful ending we chose for ourselves.

by Alexis Lahr of Thomas Wootton HS

Photo Gallery

Aaron Fellows and Abi Fuentes	Sarah McCully
Julia Timko and Sarah McCully	Aaron Fellows, Abi Fuentes, Julia Timko
Rory Beckett and Maya Martin-Udry

Photos by Joe McCary

The internationally acclaimed musical has been made into two popular films, spent nearly seven years on Broadway, and won eight Tony Awards. Set in Baltimore in 1962, Hairspray tells the story of loveable, chubby Tracy Turnblad on her path to fame, acceptance, and first love. Tracy’s determination to achieving racial equality for all is the principal undercurrent among all the singing, dancing, and hilarity that this show entails.

Jason Guerrero stole the show in his portrayal of Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s shy-turned-fabulous, heavy-set mother. Playing a female character that is well-known as being performed by male actors, Guerrero found a perfect balance between feminine mannerisms and powerful stage presence. His sense of timing was impeccable, and his dedication to character never broke, culminating in a memorable and comical performance.

Rory Beckett shone in her role as meek and big-hearted Penny Pingleton, best friend to ambitious and idealistic Tracy (Emma Sheffer). The two created a dynamic duo of support and friendship and played off one another well. While some vocalists throughout the show were lacking in strength and pitch, two incredibly talented standouts were Jackson Schaeffer and Nadia Turner. As a black student struggling to find equality in a world of adversity, Seaweed (Schaeffer) sang wonderfully in his anthem of expression, “Run and Tell That.” Similarly, Seaweed’s mother Motormouth Maybelle (Turner) had a powerful, soulful voice. Her vocals in the hauntingly beautiful song, “I Know Where I’ve Been,” were staggering and top-notch.

The ensemble was an integral part of the show, especially with such a large cast. Despite drops in energy and occasional lack of commitment; enthusiasm and passion for performing prevailed, especially towards the end of the show and during large dance numbers.

The costumed stage crew did a great job of being completely unnoticeable as they executed smooth scene transitions. Because all principal cast members had body microphones, the sound kinks were frequent throughout the production. The set was well-crafted and varied; the flashy studio for the Corny Collins Show was especially intricate with a large banner that stretched the entire length of the stage.

In spite of some issues with cast cohesion and technical defects, the cast and crew of Albert Einstein High School delivered a solid and colorful performance of Hairspray.

by Emma Banchoff of Washington-Lee High School

Photo Gallery

Emma Sheffer (Tracy Turnblad)	Emma Sheffer (Tracy Turnblad), Rory Beckett ( Penny Pingleton)
Emma Sheffer (Tracy Turnblad), Jason Guerrero ( Edna Turnblad), Hunter Shippey ( Mr. Pinky)	Aaron Fellows (Wilbur Turnblad), Jason Guerrero (Edna Turnblad)
Jackson Shaeffer (Seaweed) , Nadia Turner (Motormouth Maybelle), Lydia Tefera (Little Inez)

Photos by Joe McCary

You Can’t Take it With You is a Pulitzer Prize-winning three act comedy, written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, that premiered in 1936. It is the story of two families; one, the Kirby’s, are a proper, business-oriented family consisting of a mom, dad, and their son Tony (Awate Serequeberhan). The other is the lovable Sycamores, led by their patriarchal grandfather, Martin Vanderhof (Milton Garcia). After one of Vanderhof’s granddaughters, Alice Sycamore (Zoe Goozner) falls in love with Tony, she is very reluctant to introduce him to her abnormal family. In the end, the two families come to realize they can learn a lot from each other, and Tony’s father Mr. Kirby (Abi Fuentes) is happy with his son’s marriage.

As the lead role, Milton Garcia did a fine job portraying the grandpa, especially toward the end of the show. It was there he really had a chance to shine, delivering his speech to Mr. Kirby about living a more relaxed life, and doing what he loves. Another outstanding performance was that of Tony Kirby. Serequeberhan brought a definite realism to his character, and his romantic chemistry with Alice was spectacular. He was always in character, whether speaking or not, and his responses to the actions of others were superb. Serequeberhan was always easy to hear, and was a definite standout in this show. As Alice, Goozner was memorable, portraying all of her emotions well, and eliciting good reactions from the audience.

As a whole, the ensemble worked fairly well together. Not all of the jokes were hit, and it was difficult to hear some of the cast throughout the show. But the energy grew as the show progressed, despite some slow moments that impeded the show’s flow.

Technically, the show was very well done. The lighting was nice throughout, and the choice to wash the stage in blue when Tony and Alice arrived home late was a good one. The set was beautiful and detailed, and props like an authentic typewriter really made it all come together. The actors used the size and levels of the stage to their advantage. Overall, considering two of the “props” were live animals (a dog and, much to the surprise of the audience, a snake), all of the technical aspects were smooth.

You Can’t Take it With You‘s message of loving your family for who they are is clear, and Einstein High School did a good job of presenting it. By blending the comedy and romance together well, the cast was able to keep the audience enthralled through the entire show.

by CJ Tragakis of Lake Braddock Secondary School

Urinetown is a musical comedy, which manages to poke fun at politics and corporate mismanagement while also keeping the audience laughing. It revolves around a town where, due to a drought, the UGC or “Urine Good Company,” controls the public restrooms where “it’s a privilege to pee.” The plotline and eventual surprise ending make it an amusing show for any audience to see.

The wonderful ensemble was lead by the bold Officer Lockstock (Malika Cherifi), whose narration of the play was a joy to watch. Although Lockstock is normally a male role, she mastered the part, using her outstanding voice and committed stage presence. Alongside her was Officer Barrel (Awate Serequeberhan), who kept the audience laughing with his dead-on New Jersey accent. The vocal and theatrical chemistry between the two was fabulous and shone through, especially in “The Cop Song.”

The cameos and smaller parts throughout the show added a lot. One memorable character was that of Little Sally (Tracey Gearhart), performed with excellent facial expressions and cute pronunciation of her lines. Another unforgettable character was Hot Blades Harry (Milton D. Garcia). Even though he wasn’t a major part until the second act, his body movement and voice made him stand out and captured the audience’s interest.

The energy of the entire cast was infectious. In big numbers such as “Run Freedom Run” and “Urinetown,” everyone added their own spark to the play, proving that even a small role has a big part. While sometimes the lead vocals sounded a bit weak, the ensemble made up for it, providing well-rounded harmonies that blended together remarkably.

The sets of the play, although unusual, made a great backdrop for the actors to work with. The two huge toilets on either side of the stage were used in a notable way; deceased characters would come back through the toilets and then be “flushed back down to Urinetown.” Another point of interest provided by the set was the placement of the orchestra. They were placed on stage, behind the “Urinetown” sheet, in between the two toilets.

Altogether, Albert Einstein did an awesome job and proved that even if a musical has an awful title, like Urinetown, it can still be a fabulous show.

by Shannon Bartnick of Seton School

Written by Children of a Lesser God author Mark Medoff, Stefanie Hero incorporates snippets from familiar fairy tales and gives them a twist to form a wry comedy with an inspiring underlying message. Stefanie (Melissa Carter) has had to take charge of the kingdom after her father disappeared to become a knight and her mother absorbed herself in perfecting her self-pity. On top of the typical duties of running a kingdom, she must be a parent to her three siblings and deal with the amourous advances of one Leopold T. Bosco (Freddy Mancilla), kingdom conqueror extraordinaire.

Albert Einstein High School’s production managed to convey a completely foreign land by creative technical design and comical performances. Though sometimes marred by mistakes in the execution of lighting and sound and overall erratic energy levels within the show, Einstein still captivated with original ad-libbing and audience involvement.

Carter effectively played the no-nonsense princess, undercut with a sense of vulnerability. As the comically egotistical, Mancilla cultivated a flamboyant persona which, paired with his amusing ad-libbing and involvement with the audience, made his presence in a scene a welcome addition.

Andrew Kullberg as Horace, Leopold’s horribly disfigured assistant, gave an excellent performance, especially by carrying out the character’s speech impediment consistently yet still understandably. Also, Malika Cherifi‘s Queen Harriet Ann managed to be enjoyably over the top, yet still sympathetic, a feat that others in the show weren’t quite able to manage. The program’s requirement of stagehands participating in the show was aptly carried out by the eight involved, managing to add to the performance and effectively cover the shows many transitions.

The technical crews managed to pull off complex effects, especially the three-headed dragon and creative uses of lighting, but seemed to have difficulty with some of the more basic aspects. The background music was somewhat over-powering at times and there were consistent problems with the microphones. Some lighting cues seemed delayed and the side spotlights shined into the audiences eyes a few too many times.

Despite some issues, Einstein gave a heroic effort in their performance of “Stefanie Hero.”

by Stephanie Quinn of Hayfield