Written and composed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II in 1943, Oklahoma! was among the first book musicals, in which the songs and dances are fully incorporated into the plot. The tale unravels in the year 1906 on a farm in the Oklahoma Territory bordering the town of Claremore. Romance springs up between the farm girl Laurey Williams and the cowboy Curly McLain, along with the always flirtatious Ado Annie and an earnest Will Parker. Yet there is jealousy and confusion in the bright western air as the characters struggle to discover their real love, and avoid the threatening presence of Jud Fry the farm hand.

The soaring vocals from Sophie DeLeo as Laurey transported the viewers out west and into the world of the character’s thickening relationships.

The convincing acting of Will Parker (George Castillo) and Ado Annie (Lilly Constance) brought the rocky relationship to life. While Sophie DeLeo captured the hearts of every audience member with singing that soared in the theatre, her expressive features and gestures accurately portrayed Laurey’s indecision about Curly.

The laughs were ringing from the audience as the conning Persian Peddler, Ali Hakim (Alexander Warren), hilariously attempted to avoid marrying Ado Annie as he found himself confronted by Pa’s shotgun, all the while keeping up a lively stage presence and a Persian accent. Beth Cashin as Gertie Cummings gave an impressive laugh that cackled and shrilled to fit her character’s exasperating frivolity. Although in act one the cast lacked some energy, they were able to pick it up in the exuberant finale. The choreography remained simple, such as in the Dream Ballet, yet it never surpassed the actor’s abilities and so the ensemble dances were clean throughout. The humor was the show’s constant companion as laughter sounded in both acts one and two.

A functioning log cabin that the characters could climb on and enter through the front door aided the plot as it allowed characters to leave the stage in a clever way. The set also had a screen backdrop and as time progressed the blue sky shifted to a night sky with stars twinkling above. Notable as well were the effects of the lighting which reflected the mood of the scene. In the Dream Ballet a red glow cast Laurey and Jud’s shadows on the backdrop creating an interesting dynamic between the dancing characters and the shadows. However, some cast members talked during the applause and the words were lost. Similarly, a few actors struggled with proper diction, yet the majority managed to pull off the southern accent. The costumes were consistent with the time period and place and had an overall pleasing appearance.

In this whirlwind of a romantic tale, George Mason High School managed to perform the difficult musical Oklahoma! with plenty of humor and commitment that shone through and made a fine show.

by Sarah Ortiz of Oakcrest School

Photo Gallery

George de Mars and Sophie DeLeo	Sarah Edwards, George Castillo and the men’s ensemble
Lilly Constance, Sophie DeLeo, Alex Warren

Photos by Carol Sly

Xanadu is a wonderfully silly musical comedy based on a 1980 cult classic film of the same name. The film rose to infamy for the abysmal quality of its story and production value, yet retained a soundtrack which was incredibly commercially successful. The plot centers on a Greek muse and demigod, Clio, as she attempts to inspire a frustrated artist named Sonny. Disguised as Kira, a young Australian woman, Clio seeks to help Sonny to create a glorious work which embodies the amalgamation of all art forms: a roller disco. In this journey, spurred on by the curse of her jealous sisters, Melpomene and Calliope, Clio and Sonny fall in love, a forbidden offense, and Clio must risk Zeus’s wrath. The 2007 production ran for over 500 performances, receiving a Drama Desk Award for Best Book and critical acclaim for its cheeky embracement of the tackiest, most fun aspects of the 1980s.

The technical crews at George Mason took on the challenge posed by this show with enthusiasm. Neon colors, woven through the lights, costumes, and set pieces, suggested the boldness of the 80s without the blinding overkill which is so tempting in a show this admittedly silly. Hot pink wheels on white roller skates, delightfully ill-fitting denim cutoffs, and fuzzy powder-pink leg warmers adorned the cast as they gallivanted about a set composed of rotating pieces, stylistically painted in a cartoonish motif to transport quickly between Venice Beach, the Xanadu Theater, and Mount Olympus.

In arguably the most impressive aspect of the production, the fantastic Xanadu Rock Band created near-flawless musical accompaniment. Coordinating seamlessly with the performers, and clad themselves in eye-catching neon attire, they refused to fade into the woodwork and provided a strong foundation from which to build this show.

Sophie DeLeo’s portrayal of Clio was elevated by a clear understanding of the bizarre, almost farcical style of the show. Exuding alternatively the poise of an ageless demigod, and the nervous giggle of a love struck 1980s teen, DeLeo took on the challenges of this role with ease. Gliding gracefully across the stage in roller-skates, while performing various and challenging choreography, all without a stumble, is a testament to DeLeo’s skill. Chemistry sizzled between she and Rand Walter, who portrayed the mortal artist Sonny, as they flirt in “Strange Magic.” Walter himself exhibited energetic control of comic timing and a wonderfully clear vocal tone which allowed him to shine throughout the night.

The fantastically wicked duo, Kiki Skotte and Lily Constance, created a hilarious portrayal of envious jilted muses Melpomene and Calliope. In one of the strongest numbers of the night, the two showcased their skill as vocalists, as well as brilliance as comedians, as they schemed in “Evil Woman.” Kiki Skotte’s strong voice and masterful musicality set her apart, while Constance’s endless commitment to her bold character choices incited laughter throughout the audience.

The performers and technicians at George Mason High School demonstrated not only their broad base of skill, but a willingness to adapt to a theatrical piece style, with a delightful production of Xanadu that did just what the story requires–not taking itself too seriously.

by Siena Richardson of McLean High School

Photo Gallery

Sophie Deleo and Rand Walter	Full Cast

Photos by Alison Kutchma

Written by renowned dramatist Bernard Pomerance and loosely based on the life of an actual late 19th Century medical marvel, The Elephant Man chronicles the struggles of John Merrick, an extremely deformed young man who is discovered in a freak show, and taken in by a generous British doctor named Frederick Treeves. While at Treeves’ hospital, Merrick begins an infatuation with a dashing actress, Mrs. Kendall, and slowly begins to come to terms with his weakening illness. This intense work was the recipient of the 1979 Tony Award for Best Play, and was subsequently made into a hugely successful film adaptation in 1982.

Student directors Bryan Ward and Rebecca Thackery, both of whom doubled as talented actors, gave this timeless tale of “singular and exceptional misfortune” a fresh sense of potency, dealing with dark subject matter with maturity, and creating some surprisingly humorous moments along the way. They both incorporated interesting new features such as artful scene transitions and overt symbolism that culminated into a commendably staged production.

Leading this captivating show was Sean Driggers as the endearing protagonist John Merrick. Driggers had a tremendously difficult role to play, and compensated for the lack of facial prosthetics by using convincing physicality like a debilitating limp and a heavy lisp. Drigger’s emotional connection with his character was extremely apparent, and his representation of Merrick’s instinctive yearning for normality was brilliantly executed and strikingly palpable. Drigger’s stunning characterization was paired beautifully by Kiki Skotte, as the understanding woman in Merrick’s life, Mrs. Kendall. The unlikely friendship and mutual respect for one another was splendidly portrayed, and without a doubt was one of the most outstandingly implemented parts of the show.

Another excellent principal performance came from Sam Blagg, as the guiding force in Merrick’s life, Dr. Frederick Treeves. Blagg’s stimulating temperament, unassuming cadence, and exciting actions like an emotional unraveling towards the end of the show made him a very fascinating actor to watch. Blagg’s venerable representation was very befitting and not to be forgotten.

A plethora of remarkable technical aspects were presented in this aesthetically pleasing show. Special effects like projections of photos from the late 1800’s on the cyclorama and spontaneous bursts of ominous fog created an exhilarating vibe in the performance. Sounds such as a pulsing heartbeats and pounding rain added dramatic tension to titillating scenes, and detailed, time-period appropriate attire such as evening gowns and three-piece suits supplemented authentic panache to the show.

Overall, impressive acting skills and innovative technical features such as sound and special effects amounted to a thrilling production. George Mason High School’s touching rendition of The Elephant Man spoke volumes on the importance of human contact, and proves that the true content of one’s character can be found layers underneath an often misleading exterior; you’ve just got to appreciate the true beauty within.

by Julian Sanchez of Westfield High School

Photo Gallery

Sean Driggers, Alexa Parsons, Samuel Blagg	Sean Driggers, Kiki Skotte, Samuel Blagg
Daria Butler, Joseph Warren, Samuel Blagg, Bryan Ward, Alissa Forbes, Elizabeth Seibel, Sean Driggers	Sean Driggers and ensemble (in silhouette)

Photos provided by George Mason High School

The male voices were particularly strong. Jean Valjean (Sam Waters) had such a wonderful tone to his voice and had a very nice range which he displayed especially in “Bring Him Home.” Javert (Misha Terman) had a delightfully powerful voice and sang with such intensity. He was a thrill to watch especially with his solo songs such as “Stars.” Although the men were great, there were some outstanding women too. Eponine (Julia Estrada) had such a unique, sweet tone and sang with such ease. Her pain and desire for Marius was depicted skillfully in “On My Own.” Madame Thenardier (Aleeya Ensign) and Thenardier (Bryan Ward) were hysterical and surprisingly lovable for such rotten characters.

With such a large cast and so many characters on stage it can be very distracting to audiences. However, each chorus member had developed their own character that helped keep the audience focused. The chorus numbers were strong with vocals too. The harmonies were stunning and the blending of voices was also extremely impressive.

The lighting in this production was incredible. The war scene, especially, combined with the smoke, made it extremely believable that they were actually in combat. The set was well utilized. There were not many pieces to be moved. One of the most creative pieces was the bridge that lowered down from the ceiling. It was extremely effective in Javert’s suicide scene.

The show is practically and opera and extremely difficult to execute well in high school theatre. However, with George Mason’s strong cast, the lighting, and set, Les Miserables was anything but miserable.

by Jenna Kraynak of Mount Vernon High School

Photo Gallery

Ryan Short, Jake King, and Jason Kutchma	Veronica O’Rourke (Fantine)
Misha Terman (Javert) and Samuel Waters (Jean Valjean)	Ose Djan (Ensemble), Vijay Menon (Gavroche), Ryan Fields (Ensemble)
Anne Briggs (Cosette) and Samuel Waters (Jean Valjean)

Photos by Lauren Zampella and Jeremy Shumpert.

From there, Skid Row’s empty streets fill with people, and the show’s story commences. Seymour, working hard at a struggling flower shop on Skid Row with an unappreciative boss, finds hope in the woman that he loves, Audrey. In an attempt to win her heart, he unveils a mysterious and unidentified plant to the flower shop. When he discovers the plant’s horrifying secret, he abandons his morals in an attempt to prove his devotion to Audrey.

Sam Waters, who tackled the role of Seymour, remained dedicated to his character throughout the entirety of the production. He constantly communicated Seymour’s awkward demeanor physically and in his speech, and his struggle to win Audrey’s heart was eminent in the moments he shared with her onstage. Audrey as well, played by Sarah Johnson, remained a very developed and dynamic character until the moment of her death. Johnson also managed to uphold a highly developed accent which she maintained even during her musical numbers. Both actors vocally displayed wide singing ranges, and sang with confidence in every song.

Katie Loftur-Thun vocally undertook the role of Audrey II, and while she never made a physical appearance onstage, she clearly exhibited a wide range of emotions for her character. Mr. Mushnik, played by Tom Shapiro, remained an embittered old man throughout the entire production, showing his dedication to his character’s demeanor. Dr. Orin Scrivello, played by Rand Walter, also remained dynamic and served as the show’s comic relief. Miles Butler as Satan made frequent appearances on stage portraying his character with zeal.

The Doo-Wop Girls sang in powerful harmony during each of their songs. The show had its own Little Shop of Horrors Rock Band, which constantly produced fantastic accompaniment for its singers. The ensemble as a whole, while at times was somewhat distracting, also sang passionately during each of its songs. They kept enthusiasm in their final song as they traveled into the aisles of the auditorium to interact with the audience.

The set and props for this show were very exciting. The set was intricately designed and included a raised platform for the flower shop, a ladder on which many actors climbed, and neon lights. The props were equally as entertaining, including Audrey II at each stage of her growth–a great physical representation of an inhuman character. In addition lighting and sound were completed effectively, and the set changes for this show included an advanced curtain drop in the middle of the stage, executed very well.

George Mason High School’s production of Little Shop of Horrors proved to be an entertaining show in its entirety, and all of its participants helped create the theatrical allure of their own “Skid Row.”

by Maddy Thomas of Osbourn High School

Originally opening on March 14, 1947, Brigadoon follows the story of two American tourists who get lost in the highlands of Scotland and happen upon the town of Brigadoon. Brigadoon is a mysterious village that only appears out of the mist every one hundred years, though, to the villagers it only feels as if a day has passed. Written by Alan Jay Lerner with music by Frederick Loewe (famous for the musicals My Fair Lady and Camelot.), Brigadoon has had numerous revivals with another revival on it’s way. It was also turned into a 1954 movie starring Gene Kelly.

The townspeople of Brigadoon were always energetic especially in songs such as “The Chase” and “I’ll Go Home With Bonnie Jean.” Each cast member knew his/her place within the show and had specific character. The entire ensemble including leads each featured exquisite Scottish accents; however, there was often difficulty understanding the actors due to some diction problems.

As the charming Tommy Albright, Reilly O’Hara gave a fine portrayal and was believable in his role while lending a pleasant voice to the production. As the young lassie, Fiona MacLaren, who is waiting for her dearie, Maria Gracia Rivas gave an endearing performance and her soprano voice soared over high notes easily despite a few microphone problems.

As hard-drinking and stalwart sidekick Jeff Douglas, Tei Armar was quite amusing, using his sarcastic humor to lighten up the show. As the promiscuous Meg Brockie, Katie Potrykus, provided a quirky character and delivered an hilarious performance of her song, “The Love of my Life.” Another notable performance was given by Miles Butler as the soon-to-be married Charles Dalrymple. Butler’s tenor voice soared in the high-energy toe-tapping number, “I’ll Go Home With Bonnie Jean.”

Portraying Dalrymple’s soon-to-be wife Jean MacLaren, Janine Baumgardner gave a sweet and graceful ballet performance during the song, “Come to Me, Bend to Me,” backed up by Butler’s tenor. Other notable performances included Jack Cashin as Sandy Dean who delivered delightfully witty one liners and Tyler Morris as Fran the Bartender.

George Mason’s set was skillfully done and well-painted depicting Scottish highlands and the town of Brigadoon beautifully while giving it a mysterious feel. Despite a few execution flaws, the lighting was well-designed to set the mood of the show.

Overall, George mason’s cast aptly handled the task of tackling a difficult score and script and managed to deliver an evening of entertainment that proved as Mr. Lundie says “when ye love someone deeply, anythin’ is possible. Even miracles.”

by Steven Einhorn of Robert E. Lee High School

A small provincial Russian town is in uproar at the news of the impending incognito visit of the Inspector General. When they receive the misinformation that he is staying at the hotel, the town officials arrive and treat him, a spendthrift philanderer expecting at any moment to be sent to jail, with great respect. Mistaken identity turns to fraud when the subject of the town’s attentions discovers their misunderstanding.

Published in 1836, The Inspector General satirizes the corruption and the greed in Tsarist Russia, turning the corruption of the town officials against them and making them look like fools when the real Inspector General shows up.

George Mason High School’s production approached the play as a farce, taking physical comedy to an extreme. Actors leaped through windows, ran circles around the stage, were kicked across beds, knocked into cupboards, and thrown onto the floor. The fast pace and energy were potent and entertaining.

The acting was overall very animated. There was wonderful chemistry between Anna, played by KK Bracken, and her daughter, Marya, played by Anna Lathrop. The fake Inspector General, Ivan Alexandrovich Hlestakov, played by Nathan Ward, was generally very high energy and a fantastic liar, an asset in his case. These three actors combined with a flourish each time Marya and Anna fought over Ivan. Each character’s distinct physicality and energy made the scene very dynamic and entertaining.

Luka Lukitch, the school superintendent played by Jack Brorsen, was engaging, always in the moment and always doing something interesting. His nervous shaking and fainting were appealing additions to the scene.

Many of the smaller characters lacked the energy and luster of the larger ones, but the stage would always come back to life when one of the main characters reentered.

The student directors, KK Bracken, Nathan Ward and Joseph Kendra, all also leads, achieved a smoothly running play. The technical aspects were good, and the overall production was entertaining and creative, though the acting was not always up to par. The properties, by Martha-Grace Burkey, were aesthetically pleasing and very appropriate to the play, in particular the crystal vodka decanters. The set by Nils Westergard, complete with bright pastel colors and different levels, was well-constructed and beautiful when in the Mayor’s living room, and the color scheme was just as bright and energetic as the play required. The stage crew, consisting of Will Walton, Ben Peterson, Zach Emmons and Simon Farrow, was well-organized, though at times lacking in subtlety. The lights, by Will Walton, and sound design, by Ben Peterson, were both generally appropriate.

George Mason High School rose to the challenge of The Inspector General with energy and flourish, achieving a commendable result.

by Katherine Goldberg of Washington International