WEST ORANGE, NJ – The West Orange High School Drama Department will present its first-ever filmed and streamed play, “Love/Sick” on Feb. 12-14. Performances will be at 7:30 on all three nights with a matinee on Feb. 14 at 2:00 pm.

 

According to critics, "Love/Sick" is "a darker cousin to Almost, Maine. John Cariani’s play is a collection of nine slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this 80-minute romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, "Love/Sick" is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone.

 

“Love/Sick” was originally scheduled to open at the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center (OSPAC) in October, but was canceled due to pandemic concerns.

 

“It’s a play turned Valentine's Video production,” enthused Drama teacher Wendy Mapes.

 

“I recorded the scenes on Zoom and arranged the shot composition and backgrounds with the students who used their own phones on Zoom to do the scene,” she added.

 

Directors for “Love/Sick” include Mapes and student directors Jillian Russell and Veena Steaphen. Lauren Grof-Tisza edited the piece and Deb Coen produced it. 

 

“We also entered segments of this play to the Virtual Thespian Festival in January 2021 and we won first play, best play in the Chapter Select competition!” Mapes concluded.

 

The cost to view “Love/Sick” will be $10 to stream on any one device. To purchase tickets, go to www.woboe.org/lovesick.

 

CAST of Love/Sick

  

Scene 1: Obsessive Impulsive  Director - Ms. Mapes                     

• Man: Matt Rojas          Super Center Workers:  Oona Callender and Amina Anekwe            
• Woman: Hailey Miller                                                   

 

Scene 2: Singing Telegram  Director- Jillian Russell       

• Singing Telegram: Maria Nalieth                                            
• Louise Overbee: Amina Anekwe                                                     

 

Scene 3: What?!?  Director- Jillian Russell     

• Ben: Nyobi Boddie              
• Andy: Abby Insana             

 

Scene 3.5 NEW: The Two of Them Directors - Ms. Mapes, Veena Steaphen, Jillian Russell

• Sam: Oona Callender
• Casey: Amina Anekwe

 

Scene 4: The Answer   Director- Jillian Russell       

• Keith: Justin Peters             
• Celia: Hailey Miller      

 

Scene 5 Uh-Oh  Director - Ms. Mapes

• Sarah: Oona Callender                        
• Bill: Sebastian Chaviano                       

 

Scene 6 Chicken: Director - Veena Steaphen

• Jason: Justin Peters    
• Maddie: Olivia Ridley           

 

Scene 7: Forgot Director - Veena Steaphen

• Jill: Abby Insana 
• Kevin: Sebastian Chaviano   

 

Scene 8: Where Was I? Director - Veena Steaphen

• Abbie: Maria Nalieth
• Liz: Olivia Ridley

 

Scene 9: Destiny  Director - Ms. Mapes

• Jake: Justin Peters                       Super Center Workers:  Oona Callender and Amina Anekwe
• Emily: Nyobi Boddie