Written in 1960 by Michael Stewart, Charles Strouse, and Lee Adams, Bye Bye Birdie follows one small town’s experiences as an iconic superstar, Conrad Birdie, grants one final kiss before journeying overseas to join the war. After opening on Broadway in 1960, this timeless production quickly gained accolades across the globe, resulting in a London production, a 1963 movie, and a 1965 television interpretation. The plot hones in on several specific characters, shining a light on 1950’s lifestyle that provides a more accurate perspective than many satirical works on this era.

The leading members of Woodbridge’s cast charged the production with an emotional journey that provided an added layer to the school’s interpretation. Austin Hurlbrink (Albert Peterson) used his lanky structure to his advantage, developing an awkward physicality that enhanced his character’s uneasiness and insecurity to generate countless comedic moments. Hurlbrink’s interactions with his cast mates, especially Victoria Unterberger (Rosie Alvarez) enriched his earnestness. As Hurlbrink transformed into a subservient weakling under Unterberger’s oppressing glares, both actors displayed an impressive level of characterization and interaction.

Bye Bye Birdie also presents fruitful opportunities for actors to embody larger-than-life personalities. As the silky smooth and outrageously handsome superstar, Aidan Houston (Conrad Birdie) entranced viewers with his popping facial expressions and stylistic dance moves. Challenged by a substantial amount of stage time without speaking lines, Houston’s physical characterization successfully represented the stereotypical rock star in a comedic light. His boundless energy circulated throughout the entire cast, highlighting show-stopping dance numbers like “Honestly Sincere” and “A Lot of Living to Do.”

While each principal character developed a unique persona that lit up the stage, the supporting actors truly embodied the iconic caricatures of the 1950’s lifestyle. Danny Waldman (Mr. Harry MacAfee) and Jordan Frederick (Mrs. Doris MacAfee) delivered a spot-on interpretation of the bumbling and clueless parents that characterize this decade. The audience erupted into side-splitting laughter as Waldman packed an extra punch to each of the disgruntled father’s comedic moments, but a hush spread through the auditorium when Waldman eased out his first vocal solos, serenading listeners with his lush tone and rich vibrato.

Such an explosive musical requires substantial support from the technical crews to energize the audience and Woodbridge Senior High School’s crews certainly surpassed the challenges that Bye Bye Birdie presents. Most impressive was the extensive collaboration that clearly took place among the various crews, specifically among lighting, costumes, and sets. The color scheme, full of bright and pleasing shades, helped establish the joyful and upbeat mood that the 1950’s is remembered for, despite some distracting contemporary costume pieces.

Overall, Woodbridge Senior High School’s specialized ensembles of singers, actors, and dancers presented a radiant representation of the 1950’s in the way that Stewart had intended. By the end of the musical, the cast’s enthusiasm and commitment had the audience grinning for miles as we all “put on a happy face!”

by Wesley Diener of James Madison HS

Photo Gallery

Penn Station Dancers: Austin Hurlbrink (Albert Peterson), Stephanie Parker, Courtney Pruitt, Nixie Westling, Minda Hunter, Kelsey Gagnon, Tori Comoglio	Ryan D’Emidio, Helen Thompson, Tori Unterberger (Rose Alvarez), Aidan Houston (Conrad Birdie), Austin Hurlbrink (Albert Peterson), Mikaela MacDonald
MacAfee Family: Emma Seguin, Jordan Frederick, Tyler Furner, Danny Waldman	ByeBye Birdie Dancers: China Pinkerton, Angel Alphonse, Mia Black, Kailynn Harris, Solleyha Mathurin, Alex Tyree, Alexis Bull, Alexis Jackson, Tamara Johnson-Sellers
McKenzie Larrison, Mikaela MacDonald, Aidan Houston (Conrad Birdie), Austin Hurlbrink (Albert Peterson), Danny Waldman (Harry MacAfee), Jordan Frederick (Doris MacAfee)	Telephone Hour: Christina Toval, Megan Richardson, McKenzie Larrison, Isabel Madden, Brian Bennett (Harvey Johnson), Alexandra Pogue, Aida Campos

Photos by Michele Powell

Originally written in 1897 by French author Edmond Rostand, Cyrano de Bergerac has since been adapted into a myriad of different mediums, including the 1987 film, “Roxanne,” starring Steve Martin. Using Barry Kornhauser’s play adaptation, Woodbridge Senior High School’s production utilized gender switches for nearly all the characters, allowing female actors more performance opportunities than in the originally male-dominated show. Spoken entirely in rhyming couplet verses, the play chronicles the life of Cyrano, a strong-willed French cadet soldier whose love for her cousin, Roger, goes unreciprocated. Her unusually large, ugly nose only discourages her from pursuing Roger, who has fallen in love with Paris newcomer, Christiane de Neuvillette. The love triangle soon grows more complex as the war intensifies and Cyrano is asked by Roger to take care of Christiane in battle. Though highly eloquent, Cyrano struggles to convey her true romantic feelings and overcome her self-doubt.

Starring in the titular role, Kaitlyn Rhyne showcased impeccable memorization and a thorough understanding of the script. Rhyne clearly displayed the duality of Cyrano’s ostentatious savoir-faire and her underlying feelings of self-consciousness. Opposite Rhyne was Bryson Jenkins as Roger, Cyrano’s love interest. Exuding charmful innocence, Jenkins’ performance seemed natural and unforced, connecting believably with Hannah Taylor’s character, Christiane. Taylor too, exhibited clear enunciation and all three played off each other well with energy and enthusiasm.

Actors who especially stood out for their spot-on comedic timing included Rachel Price as Ragueneau, a drunk bakery owner, and Harrison Simpson as the Companion, Roger’s servant. Price’s consistent slurred speech, tipsy walk, and strong characterization kept up the energy of the show, while Simpson, casually in the background of many scenes, would remain speechless at times, only to chime in randomly with a witty one-liner or sassy remark about a character’s actions, resulting in peals of laughter. Zoe Sellers portrayed the forceful, deceptive Countess de Guiche, a powerful French noblewoman. Sellers’ mature aura and pointed enunciation highlighted de Guiche’s pompous, snobbish attitude and disdain for those she deemed inferior.

With the intimacy of a black box theatre, actors were able to connect more personally with their audience. All props were effectively used, including swords, instruments and real food. Transitions into different scenes, though a bit lagging, were quiet and commendable as the stage crew handled bulky set pieces with ease.

Despite slow pacing and some flubbed lines, the ensemble handled the extremely lengthy script and unusual language admirably. Though energy and enunciation at times could have been improved, each actor showcased a meaningful commitment to character choices.

Weaving together comedy and tragedy, Woodbridge’s production of Cyrano ultimately depicted the woes of unrequited love, triumph of true affection, and the simple fact, as Cyrano and Roger learn, that “there are some things the heart cannot disguise.”

by Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf of Langley High School

Photo Gallery

McKenzie Larrison, Rachel Price, Justin Janke	Kaitlyn Rhyne, Hannah Taylor, Bryson Jenkins
Tori Lockamey, Kaitlyn Rhyne	Casey Wallace, Mckenzie Larrison, Aliyah Stone, Danny Waldman, Emily Jack, Kaitlyn Rhyne
Zoe Sellers, Victoria Nolan, Mckenzie Larrison, Casey Wallace, Anthony Powell, Tori Lockamy, Dana Orr, Danny Waldman

Photos by Jan Dylewski

Casts of nominated shows and the performers of nominated songs presented musical numbers as well as scenes from the nominated plays. The entire show will be aired on Cox Cable “Red Apple” Channel 21 beginning the week of July 2 and will continue throughout the summer.

Throughout the year, the Cappies program is driven by hundreds of area high school theater student critics who attend each others’ shows, write reviews, and serve as Cappies awards judges.

The Gala ceremony was marked with excitement and encouragement. There was never a sense of competitiveness or negative reactions as any of the Awards were announced.

Westfield High School received ten awards, including Musical for their production of Crazy For You. McLean High School received five awards, including Play, for A View From the Bridge.

Rising Critic

• Julian Sanchez, Westfield High School

Returning Critic

• Madelyn Paquette, McLean High School

Madelyn Paquette also was awarded the first Washington Post Critic Award.

Graduating Critic

• Joseph Biagini, Westfield High School

Critic Team

• McLean High School

Marketing and Publicity

• Kyle Norfleet, Michelle Slivinski, Jenny Rubin, Caitlyn Herron, South Lakes High School, West Side Story

Sound

• Alex Allen, Lydia Carroll, Lindsay Worthington, Walt Whitman High School, Frankenstein

Lighting

• Nikolas Allen, Andrew Elman, Walt Whitman High School, Frankenstein

Stage Crew

• Walt Whitman Stage Crew, Walt Whitman High School, Frankenstein

Sets

• Walt Whitman Set Crew, Walt Whitman High School, Frankenstein

Costumes

• Ana Mendelson, Abby Deatherage, W. T. Woodson HS, Alice in Wonderland

Make-up

• Brianna Weiner, W. T. Woodson HS, Alice in Wonderland

Props

• Rita Fair, Jordyn Stewart, Mount Vernon, Blithe Spirit

Special Effects and or Technology

• Brian Clarkson, Walt Whitman High School, Frankenstein

Orchestra

• “Crazy for You” Pit Orchestra, Westfield High School, Crazy For You

Choreography

• Colby Dezelick, Westfield High School, Crazy For You

Creativity

• Arjun Baxter, Composer, W. T. Woodson HS, Alice in Wonderland

Ensemble in a Play

• The Mechanicals, Robinson Secondary School, Ken Ludwig’s Midsummer/Jersey

Ensemble in a Musical

• Follie Dancers and Cowboys, Westfield High School, Crazy For You

Featured Actress

• Kaity Hinojosa, Langley High School, The Crucible

Featured Actor

• Mitchell Buckley, Westfield High School, Crazy For You

Female Dancer

• Corinne Holland, Westfield High School, Crazy For You

Male Dancer

• Nikko Custodio, South County Secondary School, West Side Story

Female Vocalist

• Ariana Kruszewski, South Lakes High School, West Side Story

Male Vocalist

• Sam Allen, Dominion High School, Pippin

Comic Actress in a Play

• Virginia Coffield, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, Fools

Comic Actor in a Play

• Kamau Mitchell, HB Woodlawn Secondary Program, The Foreigner

Comic Actress in a Musical

• Alexandra Nicopoulos, Fairfax High School, Sweeney Todd

Comic Actor in a Musical

• Ian Peterson, Stone Bridge High School, Anything Goes

Supporting Actress in a Play

• Mia Amado, Woodbridge Senior High School, The Miracle Worker

Supporting Actor in a Play

• John Downey, Chantilly High School, I Remember Mama

Supporting Actress in a Musical

• Michelle Radcliffe, Heritage High School, Legally Blonde the Musical

Supporting Actor in a Musical

• Joseph Biagini, Westfield High School, Crazy For You

Lead Actress in a Play

• Lexie Shoaibi, McLean High School, A View From the Bridge

Lead Actor in a Play

• Damian Leverett, McLean High School, A View From the Bridge

Lead Actress in a Musical

• Sean Pugerude, Paul VI Catholic High School, Hello, Dolly!

Lead Actor in a Musical

• Colby Dezelick, Westfield High School, Crazy For You

Song

• Brotherhood of Man, James Madison High School, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Play

• McLean High School, A View From the Bridge

Musical

• Westfield High School, Crazy For You

The Miracle Worker, written by William Gibson and adapted from his 1957 film of the same name, debuted on Broadway in 1959 and enjoyed a successful run of over 700 performances and won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Play. Set in the late 1880s, the show is based on Helen Keller’s autobiography entitled The Story of My Life, in which she relates the difficulty of growing up blind and deaf. The Miracle Worker focuses on a period in Helen’s youth where she is taught obedience, manners, and eventually language by the young Anne Sullivan. Caught between the love of her mother, the bullheadedness of her father, and the indifference of her half-brother, Helen overcomes various obstacles, both external and internal in nature.

The repertoire of thespians at Woodbridge Senior High School staged a very honest, believable, and sophisticated version of this inspirational play. Although there were some performers who were not fully committed to their characters and had trouble with diction, the production, as a whole, represented a well-rehearsed gradient of emotion. One particularly impressive actress was Kaitlyn Rhyne in her genuine portrayal of the affectionate Kate Keller, Helen’s mother.

The most remarkable performance of the night was that of the talented Mia Amado, who played the deaf and blind Helen Keller. The beautiful intricacy of her realistic interactions with both her surrounding environment and her fellow performers contributed to her outstanding portrayal of this hardship-stricken girl. Never breaking character and completely maintaining the illusion of a blind and deaf girl, Amado epitomized professionalism and excellence on the stage.

Clara Hoch played the titular character of the show, Anne Sullivan. Hoch’s strong resolve and determination allowed her to establish herself as a sturdy source of emotion throughout the entirety of the play. One facet of her performance which propelled her to greatness was the amazing physical chemistry between Hoch and her co-star Amado. During the remarkable dinner scene, these actresses solidified the notion that the most captivating moments of the play were when none was speaking.

Woodbridge Senior High School’s technical production was exceptionally well-thought-out and versatile. The Keller house was constructed through a series of frameworks and platforms, which proved to be very effective in upholding the representation of the building while allowing for the actors to be easily seen. Another notable point of the various technical elements was the focused, meaningful lighting, which, through light and dark moments, signified the affliction of blindness.

The cast of Woodbridge Senior High School’s performance of The Miracle Worker was a tight-knit, sharp representation of the captivating nature of this moving tale. All in attendance at this miraculous play were certainly taught, in the words of Helen Keller, that “we can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough.”

by Joseph Biagini of Westfield High School

Photo Gallery

Clara Hoch, Mia Amado, Diesel the dog, Harrison Simpson, and Kaitlyn Rhyne	Harrison Simpson, Justin McIntyre, Emma Berry, Clara Hoch, Kaitlyn Rhyne, and Mia Amado
Clara Hoch, Mia Amado	Mia Amado, Clara Hoch
Caitlyn Bishop, Mia Amado, Anthony Powell, and Hannah Taylor

Photos by Terri Caretti

With music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and book by Flaherty and Ahrens, Seussical, the Musical combines elements from nineteen different Dr. Seuss books. While the Broadway production in 2000 was short lived, the musical has gained regional and children’s theater success throughout the United States. The plot centers around Horton the elephant, who discovers the tiny people of Whoville on the speck of a clover. Both JoJo, the Whoville mayor’s son, and Horton speak out and are put down for their differences from the rest of their communities. Horton must deal with ridicule from his peers and try to protect Whoville while the Cat in the Hat narrates and guides the story along, creating mischief and conflict.

From happy, whimsical songs such as “Oh the Thinks You Can Think,” to touching ballads like “Alone in the Universe,” the highly enthusiastic ensemble demonstrated superlative vocal ability, harmony, and range. The orchestra handled the lengthy score with ease, moving the show smoothly from number to number.

Brittany Carpenter gave a thoroughly enjoyable and energetic performance as The Cat in the Hat. She showed impressive singing skill and audience interaction, even stealing the conductor’s baton and leading a chase through the entire set. Also notable was JoJo, the mayor of Whoville’s son, played by Jordan Frederick. Adding a lisp to her voice, Frederick portrayed a young innocent boy, twirling all around and connecting believably with her stage parents (Justin Janke and Karen Kimberlin) and with Horton.

One especially notable performance was given by Mayzie La Bird (Kelli Hutchison). Hutchison demonstrated adept belting and vocal skills, believable facial expressions, and strong dance ability, fitting well with her character’s star-studded nature. Gertrude McFuzz (Casey Young), hopelessly in love with clueless Horton, was also commendable, singing with rich tone and clear diction.

The Wickersham Brothers (De’Vante Allen, Jay-Michael Wilson, and Cristian Yanez), decked out in leather jackets and sunglasses, brought synchronized dance movements and an overall groovy nature to their characters. Mayzie’s Bird girls (Dana Orr, Kaitlyn Rhyne, Martha Sanchez, Zoe Sellers, Renee Sogueco, and Ashli Yerby) all held complex harmonies with ease, working nicely as an ensemble, while bringing individuality to each of their personalities. Notable dancers included the two Tumblers (Melissa Reading and Joey Sandy), handling difficult acrobatic movements with grace and poise.

Despite the use of numerous microphones, sound cues and execution were good. Costumes fit the light-hearted nature of the show, providing cohesiveness within ensembles. Set pieces, including a fully functional slide, were delightfully colorful, adding positively to the overall presentation.

Despite a few blank faces and occasional voice projection issues, the cast and crew of Seussical, the Musical handled the vocal-heavy show with zeal and confidence. Their highly cheerful and animated production whisked audiences away to the colorful lands of Seuss, where “anything’s possible.”

by Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf of Langley High School

Annie, with book written by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin, is a musical based on the comic strip “Little Orphan Annie.” The musical itself was released in 1977 and many versions of the original have been released, including film adaptations. The show grew in popularity and was a major hit, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. The story follows eleven year-old Annie, an orphan, who hopes to find her parents someday. With her optimism, she brightens others lives and in the end, finds happiness with a new companion.

Woodbridge Senior High School’s production was anchored by the strong energy exhibited by the cast and the strength of the orchestra and vocals in ensemble numbers. Although there was a lack of consistent emotion, the actors and actresses worked well together on stage.

The lead characters aided in moving the show along. Kara Hollis, who played Annie, emitted her optimism through her constant energy. She worked well with all of the characters on stage and portrayed a young girl accurately and in an entertaining fashion. Eric George, who played Oliver Warbucks, had a strong vocal performance and had a clear, fatherly relationship towards Annie.

Many of the featured actors and actresses added excitement, humor, and overall entertainment to the production. Greta Goesch, who played Miss Hannigan, had clever comedic timing and strong belting vocals in her musical numbers. “Easy Street,” her number with Rooster (Jordan Mathalon) and Lilly (Rachel Sowinski), was humorous and full of energy. Grace, played by Taylor Green, had a clear sense of character and exhibited beautiful vocals. 

The technological aspects of the show, though simple, acted as a beneficial aspect to the production. The set itself was simplistic, but worked with the show. Although characters at times were inaudible, the actors and actresses worked with the difficulties. The make-up was fitting for the time and simple for most characters, which also added to the realism of the show. 

Overall, the cast and crew of Annie at Woodbridge Senior High School depicted a well-known tale with energy and emotion, leaving the audience with the feeling that anything can be accomplished with a positive attitude. 

Review submitted by Roopali Kulkarni of Stone Bridge High School.

Photo Gallery

Rooster (Jordan Mathalon), Hannigan (Greta Goesch) and Lilly (Rachel Sowinski)	Grace (Taylor Murphy), FDR (Brandon Boling), and Howe (Martin Owusu)
Annie (Kara Hollis) and Daddy (Eric George)	Annie (Kara Hollis) and Sandy (Koda Kimberlin)

Photos by Lisa Mathalon.

Zombie Prom is a campy combination of fifties high school musicals and horror comic books written by John Dempsey with music by Dana P. Rowe. Originally produced in Key West, Florida in 1993, the show enjoyed a successful Off-Broadway run three years later. In the play, senior Toffee (Krishilda Zabala) meets and falls in love with rebel Jonny Warner (Keith Hutchison). When Toffee’s parents forbid the two from dating, Jonny accuses Toffee of betraying him and throws himself into a nuclear cooling tower, only to return from the dead as a nuclear zombie! Meanwhile the school’s principal, aptly named Delilah Strict (Katy Chmura) fights to maintain order and to keep journalist Eddie Flagrante (Andrew Buning) from championing zombie rights.

As the heart-torn leading lady, Zabala provided Toffee with genuine sweetness and a pleasant pop belt, which was almost always in tune, even when some of her song partners were not. Hutchison’s Jonny had an abundance of energy and commitment, particularly immediately after returning from the dead.

However, the show was undeniably stolen by Chmura as Miss Delilah Strict. Chmura’s performance displayed such commitment, range, and ability that it was easy to forget she was a high school student, not a middle-aged principal. In addition, Chmura was the only singer who was able to easily access her upper register without losing intonation or focus, all the while maintaining a powerful belt.

The principals were supported by an equally committed and enthusiastic ensemble, almost all of whom displayed confidence and created clearly defined characters. Whenever Emily Kopa – who played Toffee’s friend Coco – was on stage, she drew laughs for her attitude, that contrasted with Toffee’s other friends’ peppiness. Zach Brown as Joey had significantly less to say, but still demonstrated impressive characterization, confidence, and energy.

The technical aspects of the show were of slightly more mixed quality than the performances. The stage crew was efficient and never drew attention to themselves, allowing the show to run very smoothly. On the other hand, the sound was frequently problematic, although the actors never let their mic problems disrupt the performance.

Despite these few problems, Zombie Prom made for an exciting and fun evening. The whole cast had an incredible amount of energy and several actors gave especially engaging performances that transcended the usual expectations for high school theatre. Coupled with the inherent joy of the show itself, this provided for a theatrical experience that was anything but dead.

by Adam Jackson of Montgomery Blair High School

Can’t manage to take a nap? Then get out of that bed and go catch Woodbridge Senior High School’s rendition of Night Watch, a play by Lucille Fletcher.

Lucille Fletcher is best known as a suspense writer, with works such as the widely performed one-act Sorry, Wrong Number. In 1973, Night Watch was adapted into film starring Elizabeth Taylor. The story revolves around the insomniac Elaine Wheeler when she catches a glimpse of a dead body in the neighboring building. Everyone places skepticism in her assertions, including the police, her friends, and her husband, John Wheeler, who threatens to send her to a psychiatrist. The plot explores cryptic, hidden alleys in Elaine’s disturbed life, all building up to the final, jaw-dropping scene.

Elaine Wheeler (Julie Sowers) orchestrated the show with her classy stage presence and deeply controlled character growth. She slowly constructed her anxiety, adding layers to her already complex character. Sowers exemplified leadership by subtly readjusting other actors who were not correctly facing the audience, doing so with focused character motivation.

Appleby (Sam Cooper) stood out from the pack with his eerie voice inflection and flamboyant stage presence, adding a touch of comic relief in a solemn play. Blanche (MaryRuth Hart) exuded total conviction to her feigned empathy, later justified in the surprise ending. John Wheeler (Connor Butler) made excellent choices when conveying his relationship with others by creating differences through his interactions.

Praise goes to the characters on stage at the end of act one. There was a missed black-out cue. But against the peril, most of the characters recovered and exited the scene in a plausible manner, which showed great maturity and character commitment. During suspenseful scenes, recorded music was played to invoke more tension in the atmosphere. The screeching violins and ominous drums were effective in some scenes, however, some music felt unfitting for the mood, and other times the music seemed to be going in and out of audio. Whatever the case, the intricate effort was a thoughtful embellishment to a show otherwise simplistic in its technical nature.

In act two, the actors improved on their weak aspects. But initially, actors lacked in enunciation, projection, and clarity. The show gained powerful momentum, making the finale all the more shocking and chilling.

After viewing Night Watch, one only can gaze outside a lonesome window and ponder the sorts of things just waiting to be found, or more appropriately, waiting to find them.

by Janice Van of South County

Cast of Working

Working debuted on Broadway in 1978 and, in the short time it ran, received five Tony Award nominations. The musical is based on the bestselling book by Studs Terkel, which compiled interviews of common workers. The show lacks an overarching plot but flows from story to story. Within the theme of working, a variety of people, their motives, and their dreams emerge.

The orchestra provided a tempo and energy throughout the show which was maintained by a cast with considerable vocal talent and enthusiasm. The orchestra smoothed the transition between each of the stories and created continuity throughout a variety of songs and characters.

Paul Lingamfelter plays Mike Dillard, an ironworker, who introduces and ends the musical. Lingamfelter’s strong voice and ability to create a believable character was especially evident in the touching song “Fathers and Sons,” Mike’s reflection about his father, also an ironworker, and his dream for his son, whom Mike hopes will aspire to be more than an ironworker.

The capable voices of the ensemble enchanted the audience throughout the musical, and the performers gave their memorable characters surprising depth in a short time. The versatile and talented voice of Julie Sowers, who played the role of supermarket checker, drove the song “I’m Just Movin’.” Talisha Vernon played Maggie Holmes, a cleaning lady, and her voice and excellent characterization made her moving song “Cleaning Women” a delight. Vernon dramatically expressed Maggie’s hopes for her daughter, who she declares will have a better life, a life not spent mostly in the laundry room, and a face, unlike Maggie, who as a cleaning woman feels invisible and ignored.

A minimal set and a few creative and well-utilized props focused attention on the performers. In the song “Traffic Jam,” the ensemble sang while wheeling around in office chairs and getting stuck in gridlock. Sound problems including static and failing mics occurred throughout the show, but sound in a musical with many soloists and a large ensemble is very difficult. Performers were sometimes not well-lit, but lighting was utilized well to artistically backlight actors.

The one word that best describes the musical Working is expression. The audience gains an understanding of the person on the other side of the supermarket checkout counter and catches a glimpse of the face of the “faceless” cleaning maid. The orchestra and the strong voices of the ensemble created a poignant portrait of these underappreciated people and lent pathos to their stories, their frustrations, and their dreams. The Woodbridge production of Working was an excellent retelling of the evocative story of America’s uncommon workers.

Working will also be performed next weekend on April 20 & 21 at 7:30PM and April 22 at 2PM. Don’t miss it.

Reviewed by Lara Linden of Washington Christian.

This review was written by a Cappies high school critic. The Cappies were founded in 1999, for the purpose of celebrating high school theater arts and providing a learning opportunity for theater and journalism students. You can learn more at cappies.com.