Rion, who recently moved to a new town, made it a primary goal of his to make a difference in people’s lives, by sharing his love for the stars and the metaphorical aspect of them to those he met. He underestimated the amount of troubled people he would find in this new town, as each person he met seemed to have their own personal struggle. Whether it was the recent loss of a family member, having a terminal disease, self-confidence issues, or being involved in a serious crime — ten high schoolers would meet on the hill and proclaim their hopes and desperations to the stars.

The layout of the show consisted of short scenes interjected by personal monologues to the audience exposing the high schoolers’ innermost secrets. The curtain would open and close to expose either a schoolyard scene or a bedroom backed by a simple black curtain. With few lighthearted moments throughout the show, the overarching moral was ingrained in the minds of everyone present, hoping that everything in their lives will be okay.

Of the ten friends several were able to shine as bright as the stars they placed their hopes in. Chris Carpenter (Mark) suffered from an aching heart. Where he did not have as ‘serious’ an issue as his friends, he provided stability and romance to the complex set of characters the show presented. His composure on stage provided for an extremely genuine experience as he continuously tried to profess his love to his lifelong friend. Niecy Lindsay (Fern) showed the widest range of emotion out of anyone on the stage. She was able to be tough, as she associated with her gang members, and completely break down in her private monologues. Her delivery filled the auditorium with genuine pain and passion. She made the audience believe she actually felt the agony of cold-blooded murderer. Someone else who believably displayed the pain of killing a man was Kim Kasik (Erica). Throughout the entire show she carried around a stuffed dog from a man who gave his life to save hers. Though reserved in character, she displayed unadulterated concern for every one of her friends with believable and accurate emotion. Sporadic comedic relief for the otherwise depressing show came from Karla Vargas (Ms. Compton). Her over-the-top vocal inflections provided humor to the outrageous advice she gave to the high schoolers as their school counselor. Her few moments on stage provided a needed shift in emotion.

Technical elements of the show remained simple. The stage crew efficiently transitioned between set pieces as a short instrumental played to mask the rustling. Spotlights were usually on cue, as they indicated the beginning and end of a monologue or scene.

Though written by a high school junior, the maturity of the actors and the writing was far beyond what someone would expect from a student. This truly original production touched everyone in the audience and assured them that with hope and the support of people who love you, no problem is unconquerable.

by Kelsey Golias of Fairfax High School

Photo Gallery

Kim Kasik (Erica)	Chris Carpenter (Mark), Michael Greene (Saul), Rachel Parmelee (Cassie), Cheyenne Patane (Diana), David Hanggi (Rion), Kim Kasik (Erica), Tessa Bailey (Maia), Gagan Dhanoya (Vincent), and Celene Carter (Norma)
Virdi Neri, Stephanie Buck, Neicy Lindsay (Fern), Diana Starbird, and Audris Nazareno (The Black Dahlias)	David Hanggi, Neicy Lindsay and Kim Kasik
Kim Kasik, Gagan Dhanoya, Cheyenne Patane, Celene Carter, Michael Greene and Tessa Bailey

Photos by James Hanggi

Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan is a four-act comedy first produced in 1892. Following Wilde’s characteristically witty tone, this satire of Victorian society follows Lady Windermere as she discovers that her husband is having an affair. As she confronts both her husband and the “other woman,” comedic twists and turns follow each of the characters as they learn that not everything is what is seems.

One of the strongest aspects of this production was the control of language by the cast. Many of the performers clearly understood the subtleties of Wilde’s language, and were able to perform it in a way that was clearly understood. Each performer’s true caring about his or her character also created the charm of this show.

As the title role, Shannon Kitchen was able to portray a woman devastated by betrayal. She was committed to each moment of her character’s emotional journey, and was entirely sympathetic. Her excellent accent work also stood out, as her British dialect never once wavered. The love between herself and Lord Windermere, played by Michael Hibbs, was also evident through her pain. Hibbs also had dedication to his role, delivering a passionate monologue at the end of the play exceedingly well.

As The Duchess of Berwick, the woman who casually informs Lady Windermere of her husband’s infidelities, Ebonee Johnson was a standout performer. She embraced her character’s physicality, and each line was delivered in a hilariously prudish manner. Her interactions with her silent daughter, Lady Agatha Carlisle (Briana Carter), also had true chemistry. In her role, Carter was able to use her facial expressions and body language to make up for her character’s lack of lines, and made her feelings towards her mother clear.

Although this show did have some issues with certain technical aspects, the set dressing and lighting were done well. The furniture and decorations were all period and looked at home in the living room of a wealthy couple. The lighting was effective, as no actor was ever in shadow or darkness. The number of costumes made for the show was impressive, and the outfits of almost all of the main characters stood out and made their social status clear.

In Manassas Park’s Lady Windermere’s Fan, the value of love, honestly, and fidelity are all discussed in a bitingly blasé manner – after all, who really knows the truth?

by Amanda Miesner of Chantilly High School

Photo Gallery

Lady Windermere (Shannon Kitchen) & Lord Darlington (Troy Tibbs)	The Duchess of Berwick (Ebonee Johnson) and Lady Agatha (Briana Carter)
Lord Windermere (Michael Hibbs) and Cecil Graham (Jake Pearson)	The Gentlemen (Lord Windermere – Michael Hibbs, Dumby – Judah Marshall, Cecil Graham – Jake Pearson, Lord Augustus Lorton – Lane Peyton)
Lord Windermere (Michael Hibbs) & Lady Windermere (Shannon Kitchen)

Photos by Harry Starbird

Acts of God was written by Mark Rigney and first performed in Evansville, Indiana in 2006. The emotional play follows twelve high-school students, divided down the middle between the “trailer trash” and the “rich kids,” as they cope with the devastating effects of a recent tornado. Some students lose their homes, some lose family members, and some lose their religion. All the while, tensions between the characters rise and culminate in a climax that will leave you just as shaken and afraid as those who experienced the tornado first-hand.

Manassas Park’s production not only managed to provide effective catharsis for members of the audience, but was very impressive in that the entire cast maintained a strong level of appropriate performing energy throughout the entirety of the show. Although a limited number of actors seemed unable to commit fully to their characters, the overwhelming majority of the 12-member cast brought maturity, realism, and integrity to their respective roles.

As an ensemble show, each actor was from time to time featured in his or her own way, but two of the more prominent performers were Michael Hibbs and Taizja Tate in their portrayals of Chris and Maria. Tate performed the role of Maria with readiness and intention while Hibbs portrayed the xenophobic Chris to fullness and completion.

One of the most impressive performers in the entire play was Shanna Bess in her portrayal of a heartbroken girl named Kelsey who lost her mother to the storm. Bess’ portrayal was strongly rooted in realism and sensibility, while all of her powerful, emotional peaks were properly placed. The grieving process that followed Bess throughout the show was extended to the audience, who felt her pain, especially in emotional scenes with her foil, Amanda (Shannon Kitchen).

Still, other remarkable actors managed to perform effectively with concrete substance to their characters. Populating this list was Marsalis Carlos, who played a photographer named Tyler, and Judah Marshall, who played the music-lover Jared. Both Carlos and Marshall continued with their cast’s theme of realistic acting choices while adding to the overall presentation of the show.

The penetrating acting, the minimalist technical aspects, and the sturdy group dynamics all gave the play a wonderful environment and feel. In Manassas Park’s Acts of God, emotions were tested, beliefs were questioned, but most of all, the actors reminded all in attendance of one very simple, but important, thing: what it means to be human.

by Joey Biagini of Westfield High School

Photo Gallery

Trailer Trash Kids – Frank Kasik IV as Zack, Alysa Bragg as Toni, Shanna Bess as Kelsey, Morgan Henry as Kim, Judah Marshall as Jared, Daniel DeLaGarz as Heath	Housing Development Kids – Michele Katsaris as Pilar, Marsalis Carlos as Tyler, Shannon Kitchen as Amanda, Ebonee Johnson as Hazel, Michael Hibbs as Chris, Taizja Tate as Maria
Shanna Bess as Kelsey	Frank Kasik IV as Zack
Judah Marshall as Jared

Photos by Frank Vasquez

Hiroshima: Crucible of Light is divided into many scenes, each blending into one another but each standing out differently. The play follows the path of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima during World War II: starting out with Icarus (Kenny Moore) discovering the gift of flight, moving to many other stories such as Marie Curie (Sarah Dean) discovering radium and opening ‘Pandora’s Box,’ to finally the atomic bomb dropping in the last scene. Throughout the play Oppenheimer (Jason Rose) weaves in and out, portraying his extreme guilt with his creation of the atomic bomb. In the back of the stage Manassas Park had a projection screen that guided the audience along.

Hiroshima: Crucible of Light was first performed at a College Theatre Festival at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts in 1997, and written by Robert Lawson. The script is littered with allusions and metaphors throughout that made the meanings difficult to grasp but made for a production full of depth. Many characters were based on famous people in history, or parts of history itself. Enola Gay (Shanna Bess) personified the plane and The Fool’s (Michele Katsaris) character was from King Lear by Shakespeare. Some characters’ actions were also allusions to different literary works: Oepdius Rex and Antigone by Sophocles, and even the Bible were referenced.

With a confusing storyline, Manassas Park’s cast did their best to connect each scene and keep the message of the show consistent. As called for in the script, most of the actors played multiple roles. While some actors’ demeanors didn’t change from role to role, Kenny Moore, who portrayed Sparky and Icarus did a good job taking two roles and keeping them separate.

As Oppenheimer, Jason Rose portrayed a relatable man who shone in the climax of the play. Enola Gay, played by Shanna Bess, utilized every ounce of her person towards her character. Her posture, line delivery, and timing were near perfect. Shannon Kitchen, who played Women in Wheel Chair and the Mom in The Periodic Table scene, had excellent line delivery; captivating the audience.

Manassas Park’s production was uniquely directed by student Jessica Conaway. Conaway took a mature show and translated it to the high school stage well. The pictures created with her blocking gave as strong as a message as spoken words.

The lighting, sets, and special effects bumped up the intensity of the show. Lighting, done by Geoff Baynard, varied to lighten or darken the mood. The set, produced by Neil Shoults, Rosa Ruiz, Frank Kasik IV, and Jason Rose made an instant impact with its simplicity. Stage Manager Alysa Bragg executed an efficient stage crew, and Tech Master Geoff Baynard worked the projection screen, a vital aspect of the show.

We will truly never forget August 6th, 1945: the day time stood still. Those nine seconds changed the direction of the modern world. In Manassas Park High School’s production of Hiroshima: Crucible of Light, a diverse subject was presented on stage, with a lot of hard work from a cast and crew, that left an impression on every audience member.

Elizabeth Storey of Osbourn High School.

And They Dance Real Slow In Jackson by Jim Leonard, Jr., tells the story of Elizabeth, from her childhood to her early twenties, her life with polio, the unconditional love of her parents, and the debilitating prejudice she faced that eventually drove her insane. The play itself is structured as a collage of scenes as opposed to a chronological progression, with scenes from Elizabeth’s childhood immediately followed by those from her late adolescence and so forth. With a small cast of only seven and all those who were not members of Willow family playing multiple parts of various and often contrasting ages, the play itself becomes a human pastiche, creating an image of Elizabeth and Willow Family that, much like the chronology of the play itself, transcends time.

Elizabeth, wonderfully portrayed by Jessica Conaway, spent the duration of the show restricted to a wheelchair, but by no means did that limit her ability to interact effectively onstage. Conaway’s physical control created a believably disabled character with each scene punctuated by her presence. The conviction Conaway brought to the role and her commitment to the physical limitations of the wheelchair and the character herself beautifully evoked Elizabeth’s feelings of being trapped in a rural Indiana town, sitting at her window daily and staring longing at the children playing outside. Elizabeth’s Father, Ben Willow, played by Jamie Mongue, like the parents of so many disabled children, spent his every waking moment working to support his daughter. Mongue’s performance believably portrayed a beleaguered yet committed and unconditionally loving father, trying to do all he can to give is daughter as normal a childhood as possible. While some occasional diction issues made dialogue difficult to understand, Mongue’s use of dialect and accent added greatly to the character and made his performance all the more convincing.

In playing multiple roles, other cast member who’s many characters created memorable moments included Jason Rose and Alyssa Robinson. Rose’s portrayal of Skeeter Robins, a childhood friend of Elizabeth’s, was executed wonderfully and humorously. Additionally, Rose’s control over his character voices and physicalities enabled him to switch characters seamlessly onstage, even during scene changes with little to no lighting cues. Alyssa Robinson’s character’s, ranging from a very young child to a matured adult, created a believably accurate representation of the women of the Midwest; also utilizing a variety of character voices and contrasting physicalities to bring her characters alive.

Manasses Park’s High School’s production of And They Dance Real Slow In Jackson reminds us that, in a time when what the world needs most is understanding and acceptance regardless backgrounds, dispositions, or cultural differences, the first step is recognizing the significance of every single person. Elizabeth herself epitomizes the feeling best when reflecting in her room, at her window sill: “And we look. And we touch. And we speak. And we love. And we grow together like the grasses rooted in the earth of the flat land.”

by Alexander Kruszewski of Westfield High School

Inspired by McCarthyism, the strong anti-communist suspicions and accusations of the 1950s, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible tells the story of the inconsistencies of the famous 1692 Salem Witch Trials. When a group of young Puritan girls are caught dancing in the woods and attempting to conjure spirits, they avoid the severe punishment of their community by accusing other Salem residents of practicing witchcraft. This finger-pointing multiplies and multiplies until mass fear and paranoia runs through the Salem community.

The cast of The Crucible exhibited commendable efforts in reaching the emotional levels of this show. Although the pace was often too quick or too slow and some important moments were lost, the chemistry of the cast members was strong. With a show notable for its realistic, identifiable characters, the cast understood the nature of the play and strived to reach the demanding artistic levels of this production.

Mauricio Marces took on the daunting role of John Proctor, the lecherous but sincerely remorseful farmer who tries to bring the discrepancies of the witch accusations to attention. Committed to the emotional final collapse of his character, Marces demonstrated the tumultuous confusion and strife of Proctor. By his side was his wife Elizabeth Proctor, played by the calm and collected Brittany Bess. Bess captured the strong-hearted, religious devoutness of Elizabeth Proctor with relaxed sincerity.

Other standouts on the Manassas Park stage included Jacob Frazier as Rev. Hale and Shanna Bess as Tituba. Frazier retained the strong presence of his character throughout the show, yet still displayed a believably heartfelt breakdown as the climax unfolded. Bess, with a realistic Caribbean accent, was dedicated to the various emotional states of her character.

The set, a basic two-level structure designed by Alyssa Robinson, Eric Steinmark, Shannon Swanson, and Jessica Conway, was slightly barren but complimented the multiple scene locations. The costumes, designed by Jessica Fields and a team of fashion students, featured some historical inaccuracies but were nicely constructed and overall supportive to the show.

Raising questions about the boundless cycle of distrust and accusation, Manassas Park High School’s The Crucible was moving, enlightening, and thought-provoking.

by Lindsay Thomas of Westfield