When audiences fill the auditorium for a Staples Players production, they know they’ll be entertained by a cast of very talented teenagers.
Next month will be no different.
Except that the Players will be joined by men and women far past their teenage years, including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Staples principal Stafford Thomas, Wrecker boys basketball coach Dave Goldshore, Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, former State Senator Will Haskell, several popular teachers … and, um, “06880”‘s own founder and editor Dan Woog (aka me).
Four members of that quasi-illustrious cast will take the stage each night, in Players’ spring production: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Anyone who saw the musical during its long Broadway run knows it is touching, sweet, and laugh-out-loud funny.
Who will win the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?
And, because the audience participates so directly, each show is different and unique.
Also unique: co-directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s selection of the comedy.
Traditionally, Players’ spring production has been big and showy. This year, they looked for something smaller and lighter.
They’d wanted to do a “Putnam Spelling Bee” — a great ensemble piece — for a while. In 2025, the timing was right.
Still, Players is a large organization. Roth and Long found a way to expand the show for a cast of 25.
Several cast members prepare for the show. (Photos/Kerry Long)
As expected, it’s been “super fun,” Long says. “Every day at rehearsal, I laugh at something new.”
The spontaneity of bringing spellers from the audience — and the improvisation that follows — is part of its charm.
Long admits, “it’s scary for us on stage.” Yet she and Roth are excited to see their actors rise to the challenge.
Also different from most Players’ productions: The actors play characters who are younger than themselves. Usually, their roles are older.
“The characters are larger than life,” Roth says. “They really embrace that.”
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is less than 2 hours long, including intermission.
The curtain rises Friday, March 7 at 7 p.m. Additional performances are Saturday, March 8 (2 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday, March 9 (2 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
(“06880” regularly covers Staples Players productions — and everything else going on at our schools, and in our town. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
After a bitterly contentious election season, we all need to chill.
And what better way than by welcoming the holiday season early, with the beloved (and wintry) “Elf.”
Staples Players presents their first-ever production of the show this month. The choice was hardly random.
“With the state of the country the way it was, with everyone on edge, we wanted to do something that was just fun,” says Players’ co-director David Roth.
“This is all about positive thoughts. Buddy the Elf is so optimistic. He loves people and Christmas, and wants to spread cheer.”
Seamus Brannigan (double cast as Buddy) and Chloe Carson (double cast as Jovie). (Photo/Kerry Long)
Roth and co-director Kerry Long are not the only ones wanting to put a smile on audience’s faces. “Elf” opens on Broadway the same weekend the Staples curtain rises.
And Pottery Barn is one of several retailers to roll out a special “Elf” line this season.
It’s the right musical at the right time for Westport audiences. And “Elf” comes from the same script, music and lyric writers who created “Prom” — last year’s very popular Players production — and “The Drowsy Chaperone,” one of Roth and Long’s favorite shows.
“It’s a really funny book,” Roth says. “The play has its own humor and personality. It’s different from the movie, for people who are only familiar with that Will Ferrell version.”
Rehearsals have been “a lot of fun,” notes the director. “We laugh a lot. The kids are loving it. There’s a lot of good, positive energy, which they really need in their lives right now.”
Blake Raho (center) as Walter, with dancing castmates. (Photo/Kerry Long)
It is, he admits, “bizarre” to have been in holiday mode since auditions in September. And, though it’s still early November, “backstage looks like Santa’s workshop.”
The auditorium, meanwhile, will look festive too. Players encourages everyone to dress in fun holiday clothes: ugly sweaters, elf costumes, whatever looks festive.
Audience members are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys and/or new winter clothing. They’ll be donated to those in need, through Person to Person.
Just one more reason that everyone will leave “Elf” smiling.
(Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, November 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, 7 p.m.; matinees November 16, 17 and 23, 2 p.m. Click here for tickets. Though some shows may be sold out, tickets are often available at the door.)
Sara Stanley and Will McCrea (double cast as Jovie and Buddy). (Photo/Kerry Long)
David Roth and Kerry Long are co-directors of Staples Players.
That’s our local high school drama troupe. But if you’ve ever been to a Players show — and if you haven’t, why not?! — you know it is anything but a high school production.
In addition to their spectacularly professional work, both David and Kerry are Staples graduates. The other day, we chatted on the Westport Library stage about Players’ 66-year past, present and future (don’t miss “Elf” this November!).
Click below, to learn more about this amazing — and amazingly entertaining — organization.
The other day, Playbill ran a story about “Broadway Senior.”
The program — a counterpart to Broadway Junior, which adapts and licenses shows for middle schools, in age-appropriate ways — offers opportunities for people 60 and older to perform shows like “Guys and Dolls” and “Into the Woods.”
Why do they need to be adapted? In some cases, references to youth don’t work for older actors. Other times, they can’t exactly sing and dance as if they were 20.
The article — highlighting a production at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in Manhattan — was moderately interesting. (Best line: “This is a ‘Guys and Dolls’ where, if you need help standing back up after sitting down and rockin’ the boat, a stage manager will be there to assist.” (Click here to read the full piece.)
But what caught my eye, in a Facebook post about the show, was that it was directed by Isabel Perry.
Isabel Perry
A 2015 graduate of Staples High School, where she was a key member of the Players drama troupe, she’s now a Brooklyn-based director of theatre and film. She has worked at La MaMa, Lucille Lortel, Lincoln Center and Second Stage.
Isabel is also a script reader for The Playwrights Realm, a member of Roundabout Director Group, and an instructor at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. At Northwestern University she studied theatre and Asian American studies, and directed “The Dolphin Show,” the largest entirely student-produced theatrical production in the country.
Which got me thinking: What are other Staples alums doing, in the entertainment world?
Plenty.
Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long keep close tabs on their grads. Here is a partial — but very wide-ranging — list of what their (and our) “kids” are up to.
(We apologize in advance for any names we’ve omitted. Click “Comments” to add other great Players’ alumni achievements.)
Justin Paul (Class of 2003) got an Emmy nomination for his music in “Only Murders in the Building.”
In addition, Justin and Caley Beretta (2010) spent the past 3 weeks in London workshopping a new musical.
Justin Paul has not forgotten his Staples Players roots. In March, he joined directors Kerry Long and David Roth to discuss “James and the Giant Peach” — a show he co-wrote — prior to Players’ production of it. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Whitney Andrews(2010) graduated from the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University, with an MFA in acting.
Clay Singer (2013) is playing Perchik in “Fiddler on the Roof” at The Muny in St. Louis.
Samuel Adelmann (2014) is also playing Perchik, in a different production of “Fiddler on the Roof”: at Valley Opera and Performing Arts in California.
Christian Melhuish (2016) is in “Legally Blonde” at the John W. Engeman Theatre at Northport, New York.
Jack Baylis(2015) is playing Warner in “Legally Blonde” at Theatre Aspen.
Zoe Mezoff (2017) is playing Hodel in “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Lexington Theatre Company in Kentucky.
Nick Rossi (2019) is performing in “Jersey Boys” and “La Cage Aux Folles” at the Lake Winnipesaukee Playhouse.
Georgia Wright (2019) played a show of her songs at the Brooklyn Music Kitchen. She was booked for the gig by talent agent Cara McNiff (2014),
Sophie Rossman (2021) is studying at NYU Tisch’s International Theatre Workshop in Amsterdam.
Cameron Mann (2024) starred in the movie “Greg’s Going to Rehab,” shot in St. Louis in June.
This is not Cameron Mann’s real hair. Then again, is not in rehab in real life, either.
Cooper Sadler (2024): in the ensemble of “Mary Poppins” at The Summer Theatre of New Canaan.
As for Players co-director Kerry Long — a 1997 Staples grad — she and Players set designer Jordan Janota worked on the film “Miracle on 74th Street.” It was shot in Manhattan in June.
(“06880” is proud to cover the accomplishments of Staples graduates — and everyone else in Westport — in every area of life. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onMay 17, 2024|Comments Off on Staples Players Set A “Trap”
You never know what you’ll get, at a Staples Players Black Box production.
In years past the award-winning, near-professional high school drama troupe has ended the season with a thought-provoking production of “Twelve Angry Men,” a stirring “Diary of Anne Frank,” and a frightening “Lord of the Flies.”
This month though, you really won’t know what you’ll get.
Players’ next Black Box offering is “Trap.” If you’ve never heard of it — well, that’s the whole point.
The brainchild of Moises Kaufman’s Tectonic Theater Project — which also created “The Laramie Project,” a two-time Black Box offering — “Trap” is an entirely new type of show.
Imagine that over this past February break, several Staples Players traveled to Maine to investigate a very strange occurrence at a school play. They interviewed witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and others, to put together this production.
Finley Chevrier (back) and Ben Herrera, in “Trap.” (Photo/Kerry Long)
It’s Players’ first-ever “horror thriller” show, says longtime director David Roth.
Though reluctant to offer more details, Roth notes that it will be staged in the round, adding another element of surprise.
The cast of 22 includes several actors in multiple roles. It’s the final Players production for several seniors, adding a layer of poignancy.
“Come ready to be scared — and have fun,” Roth says.
(“Trap is recommended for ages 10 and older. Shows are May 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., and May 25 at 3 p.m. Click here for tickets.)
(“06880” covers Staples Players — and just about everything else happening at our high school. Plus everywhere else in town. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long have had some challenging sets before.
They’ve created a New York neighborhood for “West Side Side Story,” a dystopian world for “Urinetown,” and the terrorizing plant in “Little Shop of Horrors.”
But “James and the Giant Peach” is deceptively difficult. A centipede falls off the giant peach. The peach has to land on the Empire State Building. Gulls attach spider webs, and fly.
Audience members for Players’ spring production will be familiar with the show. If they haven’t read the 1961 children’s novel by Roald Dahl, they’ve seen the 1996 film.
Next week, from March 21-24, they’ll be able to see a stage adaptation of it.
Beckwith Fipp, as James. (Photo/Kerry Long)
And that familiarity is especially relevant, because the musical was developed by Justin Paul and Benj Pasek. They’re the creative team responsible for “Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman.”
Justin Paul is a former Staples Player himself. He graduated in 2003, after taking advantage of nearly every acting, performing and directing opportunity the high school offered.
“James and the Giant Peach” follows in the tradition of other spring Players shows, with dual appeal to adults and younger audiences.
Roth and Long have thought about doing one of Paul’s musicals for several years. They saw “James” — the first full-length Pasek and Paul collaboration — when it debuted at Goodspeed Opera House in 2010.
With its large cast size and accessibility, this is the right show, at the right time.
A large cast offers many Players a chance to shine. (Photo/Kerry Long)
“It’s very funny,” Roth says. “The music is great, in so many styles.”
He and Long are longtime Dahl fans.
They are fans of Paul and Pasek too.
“The play goes further than the book,” Roth says. “It uses music to explain themes that were not as developed — like the idea that ‘family’ doesn’t have be what you’re born into.
“Your family can be found. You never know who will end up being your family. That’s an idea that’s beautifully explored.
“And this is not just a ‘kids show,'” Roth emphasizes. “Everyone will get something different out of it.”
Despite the staging challenges — how do you get a giant peach on stage? — the directors and cast have had fun. Set designer Jordan Janota has worked hard, and creatively, fueling the young actors and musicians’ energy.
Lauren Pine, who led the orchestra for the fall production of “The Prom,” is making her Players’ vocal directing debut.
Yet this is not just a Staples Players production of a show created by a famous alum. Earlier this week, Paul returned to the stage where he got his start. He spent several hours talking about his career, and his days at the high school.
A compliment by a “random person” after his performance in “City of Angels” gave him the confidence to pursue musical theater as a career,” Paul said.
After his talk, he and the cast spent a couple of hours working on “James and the Giant Peach” he composed.
Justin Paul works with “James and the Giant Peach” cast members. (Photo/Kerry Long)
That’s only the most recent connection Paul had with the Staples production. Last fall, after “The Prom” closed, he was the one who announced that this would be the spring show. (Click here to see that video.)
This week’s visit will not be Paul’s last, either. He, his wife and 4 children will be at the Sunday, March 24 matinee. He’ll stick around after, to do a talkback with the audience.
Sitting, no doubt, under that giant peach at the center of the stage.
(“James and the Giant Peach” will be performed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 21, 22 and 23; 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, and 1 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 24. Audience members can meet the characters after the Friday night, Saturday matinee and Saturday night shows. Click here for tickets, and more information.)
Staples is not the only high school to produce “James and the Giant Peach.”
But it may be the only one whose cast spent a full afternoon with the composer, as they prepare for the opening curtain.
Then again, Staples is the only high school that Justin Paul — the songwriter — graduated from.
The 2003 alum returned yesterday to the stage where he got his start. Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long — who worked with Paul on a number of shows, and introduced him to Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Wicked”), now a longtime mentor and friend — led a Q-and-A session with Paul, as the cast and crew of “James and the Giant Peach” sat on stage.
Paul said he “found his people” in Staples’ 4 Building (the arts wing), where he sang; played in the orchestra, band and jazz band; conducted and wrote music, and danced (though, he stressed, not well).
Staples was also where Paul met Peter Duchan, another talented songwriter 2 years older who later collaborated with Paul and his writing partner, Benj Pasek. They met at the University of Michigan.
Paul — who majored in musical theater — discussed the many paths to work in the industry, and the importance of nurturing relationships.
Then he headed over to a keyboard, and led Players in a workshop with the songs — his songs — they’ll be singing from March 21-24. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Justin Paul (left), inside the “giant peach” on the Staples stage, with directors Kerry Long and David Roth. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Justin Paul, working with the cast of “James and the Giant Peach” … (Photo/Kerry Long)
… and posing with them, on the set. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Frank McCourt’s brother — who, the New York Times said, “fled a melancholic childhood in Ireland for America, where he applied his blarney and brogue to become something of a professional Irishman as a thespian, a barkeep and a best-selling memoirist” — was also an actor. His best known role was on “Ryan’s Hope,” he and I co-starred in a full-length movie.
Well, he was a star. I had a cameo. But still …
Back in the day, Westport filmmaker Sean Cunningham directed “Manny’s Orphans.”
He went on to much more fame with “Friday the 13th” and “Spring Break.” But this comedy, about a team of soccer-playing orphans and their rivals from an elite prep school (you’ll never guess who wins the big game!) was shot in Westport and Bridgeport.
Sean used plenty of local kids (and hired me to choreograph all the soccer scenes). But he added in a few actual actors, including Malachy McCord (he played Father Arch McCoy). New York Cosmos star Werner Roth was in the film too.
Click below to see one of the highlights. It’s the Big Game, and was filmed at Greens Farms Academy.
At 2:20, 7;21, 8:16 (and other spots), you’ll see Malachy.
And at 4:47, you’ll see a very young Dan Woog, blowing his whistle as the referee.
“Manny’s Orphans” did not win an Oscar.
But it didn’t have to. All these years later, it still lives on.
In the middle of Women’s History Month, StartUp Westport looks forward.
Next Monday (March 18, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library), the public/private partnership to make our town a tech entrepreneur hub hosts Galia Gichon.
The financial services and angel investing expert will lead a forum on “Female Founders and Investors.” Prominent women will share their experiences in fundraising, investing, and launching early-stage startups.
Gichon is a longtime Westport resident and the co-managing partner of Tidal River Fund, an early stage investment fund. She has been featured in Newsweek, CNN, The New York Times and more.
Also at the Library, this Thursday Westport photographer and artist Stacy Bass introduces a new series. SmART will feature in-depth conversations about art and artists
The first event (March 14, 7 p.m.) focuses on the relationship between artists (and married couple) Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. Bass will speak with art historian/educator/curator/Pollock and Krasner expert Bobbi Coller. Examples of their artwork will be shown broadcast on the 18-foot refz Forum video wall.
Circle of Care supports families of children with cancer through programs and services such as day-of-diagnosis care packages, dream room makeovers, and emergency financial assistance to help pay for non-medical expenses like housing, transportation, and food.
Since 2004 they have helped 3,600 families, and provided over $5 million in services. Many Westporters have been aided by Circle of Care, and many others volunteer.
The non-profit celebrates 20 years with an open house this Friday (March 15, 5 to 8 p.m., 144 Danbury Road, Wilton), a 5K benefit run May 5, and gala at the Loading Dock in Stamford June 13. For more information on Circle of Care, click here. visit their website.
With Connecticut’s presidential primary near — and the general election coming in November — the registrar’s office will be open this Friday (March 15, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.., Town Hall Room 107) for people new to town or coming of age to register to vote.
They’re also open for registrations during regular office hours.
But this Friday, especially, anyone not otherwise qualified to vote is invited to ask questions about qualifications.
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Grammy Award-winning pianist Kevin Hays and drummer/composer Chase Elodia headline this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (March 14, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).
They’re joined by bassist Paul Pandit and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Speaking of “The Jazz Rabbi”: Greg Wall is the special guest at the next “This Is Your Life” program at the Senior Center (March 27, 1 to 2 p.m.).
The series is hosted by Rozanne Gates of The Legacy Project USA, a Westport-based business that documents the stories of people’s lives. She will interviewing Rabbi Wall about his life as rabbi at Beit Chaverim Synagogue, and a jazz musician.
The program is free. Call to register: 203-341-5099.
Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall
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For a computer glitch reason, some “06880” readers did not receive Sunday’s lead story, about Wendy Modic succeeding Kammy Maxfeldt as the Birchwood Country Club golf pro.
The 2 women have succeeded in a largely male profession.
If you did not receive the story in your email, click here to read.
Wendy Modic
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is impressive — and a bit scary.
Max Waugh spotted this coyote (the size of a small wolf) on Reimer Road, just west of the Bedford Middle School entrance. (Hat tip: Carl Addison Swanson)
And finally … Eric Carmen, lead singer of the Raspberries who then went on to a solo career, has died. He was 74. Click here for a full obituary.
(Justin Paul, Malachy McCourt, Jackson Pollock — they’re all part of “Where Westport Meets the World.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Sure, it’s mid-autumn. But Staples High School is putting on a prom.
And the entire town is invited.
‘The Prom” is Staples Players’ fall musical. It’s a hilarious, clever, dance-filled show with great music, high energy, and an important message delivered in a delightful way, without an ounce of preachiness.
The young actors, dancers and musicians are having a great time. Their only concern is that theater-goers are unfamiliar with “The Prom.” (It was a Broadway Drama Desk Award winner for Best Musical, and a Netflix film starring Meryl Streep, James Corden and Nicole Kidman, but for some reason people don’t recall the easy-to-remember name.)
Henry Carson (center) and “The Prom” ensemble.
Players had a similar situation last spring, with “Twelfth Night.” After the first week, word-of-mouth inspired a rush for tickets. Soon, they were sold out.
“The Prom” follows 4 fading Broadway actors. They head to a conservative Indiana town to help a lesbian student forbidden from bringing her girlfriend to a dance. They go for the wrong reasons, but along the way learn important life lessons.
The show — based on a true Mississippi story — “appeals to everyone,” says co-director David Roth.
“It’s a great show to take your kids to. It’s all about inclusion, compassion and love.”
“Plus, it’s very, very funny.”
Imogen Medoff
“The Prom” recently made headlines when an Illinois school postponed the show (scheduled for next April) because, the superintendent said, “the building is not ready to handle the amount of negative attention that would be put on the kids” for taking part in the musical.
Following an uproar, the district backed down. The show will go on.
Nothing close to that has happened in Westport. Everyone involved in “The Prom” embraces it.
“Our kids were talking about that Illinois story,” Roth says. “A lot of them say they’re so thankful to live here, and not in that environment. Players is their safe space. They really understand what’s going on.”
Yusef Abudullah, and the ensemble. (All photos/Kerry Long)
Several actors say this is their favorite show ever at Staples. The cast is diverse, with both familiar names and students stepping into larger roles. The freshman class has brought “great energy” to Players, Roth notes.
“The Prom” is almost here. Opening night for the 2-week run is Friday, November 10.
And no one has to worry about a date. Bring whoever you want!
(“The Prom” performances are November 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees November 12 and 18 at 3 p.m. Click here for tickets, the cast list and more information.
(Players will raise money at the show for the Westport Public Schools Pride Coalition, to create a mural and install a bench celebrating Staples’ LGBTQ+ community. A block of seats has been set aside for the November 18 matinee, for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their allies, families and advocacy groups to enjoy the show together. Click here for special tickets.)
Staples High School’s Black Box Theater is an intimate space.
With a movable stage and seating, it’s been the setting for memorable shows like “Twelve Angry Men,” “The Laramie Project” and “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
Players’ next Black Box production — “Lord of the Flies” — is equally powerful and thought-provoking.
It may also be the most intriguing production there yet.
Directors David Roth and Kerry Long have cast males and females in the roles of 11- and 12-year-old boys. Marooned on an island and struggling to govern themselves, the tension between morality and individuality — and groupthink and immorality — is palpable from the opening scene.
Part of the “Lord of the Flies” cast. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Each performance features a different cast of actors. Some are mixed genders; one is all male, one all female.
Each show will look a bit different. But all force audiences to explore universal ideas like what it means to be human, and the desire for power.
Written in 1954, the story is “fresh, modern, and very relevant to our world today,” Roth says.
Though “Lord of the Flies” is best known as a novel (and film), Roth and Long found a YouTube video of a Sydney theatrical production. Both had read the book as Staples students.
Watching the video, they were reminded again of its power — and attracted to the Australians’ mixed-gender cast.
They relished the challenge of bringing the show — with its ever-shifting dynamics, both thematically and because of the several different casts — to the Black Box stage.
Cameron Mann (Jack) and Quinn Mulvey (Ralph). (Photo/Kerry Long)
Like the directors, some Players have read “Lord of the Flies” in school. Some are reading it right now. All understand its messages about human nature, and are growing as actors as they learn how their characters change — some for better, some worse — on the island, as democracy crumbles.
That island will look spare. The set is abstract, with a sandbox and just 3 props: a pig’s head, Piggy’s glasses, and the iconic conch.
There is, however, plenty of movement. Fight choreographer Chris Smalley — who has worked with Players for over a dozen years — ensures that the intense scenes are performed both authentically and safely.
It’s a different show for Staples, certainly. The theme and emotions are raw. Plus, Long notes, “the kids get spears, and get to act savagely.”
“Lord of the Flies” is not “Mamma Mia!,” “Grease” or “The Music Man” — some of the shows that Players perform on the main stage.
But the Staples troupe is known for their versatility and professionalism. This is the perfect vehicle for them.
And the Black Box Theater is the perfect place to perform it.
(“Lord of the Flies will be performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 25, 26 and 27, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 27 at 3 p.m., and Sunday, May 28 at 1 p.m. Click here for tickets and cast lists. The show is recommended for audiences 12 and older.)
Staples Players’ spring production is “Twelfth Night.”
People might think: “Teenagers doing Shakespeare. I’ll pass.”
Don’t!
For one thing, Players is no ordinary high school troupe. Their near Broadway-quality shows always entertain, excite and inspire.
For another — and this is key — this “Twelfth Night” is not really Shakespeare. It’s a big, bold musical, filled with singing and dancing.
Ben Herrera as Malvolio, with “Twelfth Night” ensemble.
It’s funny. It’s fun. It’s accessible.
And it zips along: 12 songs are packed into a quick — and very engrossing — 90 minutes.
Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long knew they were taking a risk. “Twelfth Night” — whether familiar Shakespeare, or an unfamiliar musical — is a tough sell.
(From left): Charlie Watson, Matthew Bukzin, Jackie Peterson and Henry Carson in “Twelfth Night.”
But they loved Shaina Taub’s music. They knew that the cast recording was popular with theater people. (When the Public Theatre debuted the show in 2018, the New Yorker called it “less an interpretation of Shakespeare’s comedy than a block party sprinkled with iambic pentameter.”)
And when the directors announced it this winter, they challenged Players cast members to listen to the jazz-funk-pop score with open ears.
The next days, the young actors were singing in the halls. (Click below for senior Sophia Betit, singing during rehearsal.)
During their 65-year history, Players have tackled Shakespeare before. Roth and Long directed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 2005, and “Romeo & Juliet” 3 years later.
As with much of The Bard’s work, despite being over 400 years old, “Twelfth Night” remains timely.
The plot deals with “our perceptions of gender — what it means to be a man or a woman, and how women are perceived in society,” Roth says.
(After a shipwreck, a woman dresses as a man to get a job. And of course, there are love complications.)
Quinn Mulvey as Viola. (All photos/Kerry Long)
“The message of the show is about walking in another person’s shoes, and seeing how the world perceives you,” Long explains. “There’s not a lot of equity.”
“Twelfth Night” is not “Mamma Mia!” or “Grease.” But — like those Staples Players blockbusters — it too will thrill audiences of all ages.
“We want to expose people to shows we love,” Roth says. “Take a 90-minute leap of faith with us!”
(“Twelfth Night” performances are March 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., and March 19 and 25 at 3 p.m. Youngsters 12 and under get a sweet swag bag, including a coupon for a free ice cream cone donated by Saugatuck Sweets, plus a button proudly announcing “My first Shakespeare!”
(Click here for tickets, and more information. Click below to hear the original cast recording music.)
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