This fall’s performing arts line-up offers everything from a sophisticated four-actor ensemble to a play-within-a-play to a rollicking, fun musical. First up on the calendar is Hairspray, an American musical set in 1962 Baltimore. Performing arts faculty Kelli Edwards will direct the cast of over 40 students and 10 crew members. Music faculty member Ted Whalen is the music director. A live band will be on the stage during the entire performance.
“It’s a huge production, because all the numbers require dancing, even the solos,” says Kelli. “But I had been hearing through the grapevine that students really wanted to do this musical, so we decided to take it on. It’s a good time to talk about the issues that the show brings up—race, gender, body image. Serious issues handled in a comedic, campy but effective way. It is my hope that the show makes you think while you are also having a good time.”
Next up is the Class IV play. A long-standing performing arts tradition, this play is an all-inclusive and beloved class project. Class IV students not on stage are contributing behind the scenes, acting as ushers, poster designers, or joining the audience in support of their classmates. This year’s production is Our Town, a three-act play set in 1938 in a theater where a play is being performed. Performing arts faculty Eleza Moyer is directing.
The fall season closes with an intense look at friendships, marital relationships and parenting in God of Carnage, a play originally written in French by Yasmina Reza. This is a 1212 play, a 30-year Milton tradition featuring intimate productions with small casts, minimal technical demands, and challenging material for both actors and audience. The play begins with two couples having a meeting about a hitting incident between their two children. The four students playing these challenging roles are Katherine Pratty (I), Joy Lee (II), Peter Duke (II) and Silvio Rossi (I). Performing arts chair Peter Parisi is directing the play along with Alex Gistis (I). Peter says there are “interesting dynamics that play out between the characters with layers to the text where they are not saying what they mean.”
Hairspray begins Thursday, November 5, and Friday, November 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m.
Our Town begins Thursday, November 19, and Friday, November 20, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 21, at 7 p.m.
God of Carnage begins Thursday, December 3, and Friday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 5, at 7 p.m.