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West Orange Drama Club Production of “William Shakespeare’s Long-Lost Play (Abridged)" Charms
WEST ORANGE, NJ - The West Orange High School Drama Department had a challenging task ahead of them as they premiered their fall production of “William Shakespeare’s Long-Lost Play (Abridged)." They had to put together a Shakespearean based-play based on his classic works, integrate the characters, and play multiple male and female roles.
Performances were held at West Orange High School Oct. 31-Nov. 2.
“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts.”
How does a group of high school thespians mash-up the classics into one homogeneous mixture including Shakespearean dialogue, audience asides, and comic timing? It’s impossible, of course, but the actors have a lot of fun trying and succeed nicely.
“The game’s afoot!”
The production values added to the evening. The behind-the-scenes team of Wendy Mapes Chrzanowski (Director), Deb Coen (Producer), Art teacher Melanie Racanelli (Set Décor), Tech teacher Max Grossman (Set Design), Lauren Grof-Tisza (Lighting), and Kirk Roberts (Sound) provided solid support. Students Veana Steaphan (Stage Manager), Ruth Donagher (Costume Coordinator), Jillian Russell (Production Stage Manager), Andrea Torres (Hair/Makeup Design), Grace Soroko, and Morgan Woodridge (Properties) made transitions and scenes flow together.
“We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”
A challenging play at the hands of a lesser-talented cast could have been disastrous, but the actors are ebullient, whimsical, and humorous. Shout outs to Matt Schwartz, Justin Peters, Khalil Louiegene, Joe Nalieth, and Rachel Favetta for the laughs, along with the rest of the cast. In the end, it was, of course, “All’s Well that Ends Well.”
See photos from the play here.
Cast List
Julian Adams, Sebastian Chaviano, Jack Harwood, Khalil Louiegene, Ashley Morales, Justin Peters, Matthew Schwartz, Maura Baker, Ava Donaghy, Abigail Insana, Hailey Miller, Joseph Nalieth, Alex Perez, Lance Zeligson, Nyobi Boddie, Rachel Favetta, Gabrielle LeCour, Giancarlo Minervino, Valentina Pappano, and Charlie Peterson.
Nov. 3, 2019