As the new school year begins, the curtain rises on the fall theater season, featuring a jam-packed schedule full of productions by theater groups from high schools across the county. Everything from the dazzling costumes to the intricate set design and lighting is all complete within a couple of weeks thanks to the hard work and dedication of the student theater community. With so many great productions taking place this November, here’s a quick look at what’s coming up.
Richard Montgomery HS: The Addams Family
Richard Montgomery’s renowned Black Maskers Drama Club returns with a comical adaptation of The Addams Family. The musical stars the eccentric Wednesday Addams, who has fallen in love with the comparatively ordinary Lucas Beineke, yet struggles with the differences between their families. The performance explores the interesting dynamics of an abnormal family, and will take place on November 8, 9, 15 and 16 from 7:00-9:30 pm. You can purchase tickets online for only $5 dollars per student.
Wootton HS: High School Musical
The ultimate high school theater classic, High School Musical explores everything from school cliques to romance to theater life, featuring comedy and emotions that can appeal to virtually any audience. You can see this production on November 1 and 2 at 7:00 pm.
Wootton HS: She Kills Monsters
Wootton’s second fall musical of the year, She Kills Monsters, will take place on November 15 and 16. This heartfelt story depicts protagonist Agnes Evans’ loss of her younger sister, Tilly, and Agnes’ exploration of Tilly’s passion for online fantasy games. The show juggles everything from friendship to loss to acceptance, and you can buy tickets for $8.
Clarksburg HS: Bring it On
In this production, the cutthroat nature of competitive cheerleading meets the intense drama and romance of high school. As Campbell Davis is redistricted from Truman High School to Jackson High School, she still holds on to the dream of winning nationals, and joins forces with Jackson High School’s dance crew. The production features high energy dance numbers and a heartfelt message, and you can see it on November 8, 9, 15 and 16.
Bethesda Chevy-Chase HS: The Little Mermaid
This production features the mermaid princess Ariel, who makes a dangerous deal with a sea witch to become human for three days. The underwater setting and aquatic characters call for innovative ideas for technical design by BCC Theatre, and their amazing student-led department rose to meet the challenge. Though it’s a well-known story, BCC Theatre is adding their own personal touch, creating an exciting performance to watch with both friends and family. Tickets for this fall musical will be available soon, with shows planned for November 21, 22 and 23.
Montgomery Blair HS: Tales From One Thousand and One Nights
The more thrilling tales Scheherazade tells in Montgomery Blair’s adaptation of Tales from One Thousand and One Nights, the longer King Shahrayar will let her live. This exciting production features everything from pirates to genies. You can see the show on November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, and tickets are available online.
Northwest HS: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp
A depiction of one of Scheherazade’s tales from One Thousand and One Nights, this production tells the story of Aladdin, a self-proclaimed street rat who happens upon a genie’s lamp. The production opens on November 15 at 7:00 pm, with more shows on November 16 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm and November 17 at 2:00 pm.
Seneca Valley HS: The Diary of Anne Frank
This stage adaptation of the original Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank presents a haunting depiction of the realities of the Holocaust and its effects on Anne Frank and her family. Seneca Valley HS is putting on a moving show that captures feelings of tragedy, love, and educates students on the horrors of the Holocaust. The show opens on November 7, and more shows follow on November 8, 9, 15, and 16.
Walter Johnson HS: The Diary of Anne Frank
WJ S*T*A*G*E is also putting on the production of The Diary of Anne Frank. According to an article published by the school’s newspaper, The Pitch, students are excited to see representation for a historical event that seems to be rushed or overlooked in the school curriculum. You can see the show on November 8, 9, 15 and 16.
Quince Orchard HS: The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood
The classic story of Robin Hood has been told time and time again, but Quince Orchard HS puts a comedic spin on the original, and this hilarious parody features everything from an egocentric Robin Hood to aloof, spoon-wielding Merry Men. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday, don’t miss this musical comedy on November 9 and 16.
Walt Whitman HS: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Inspired by Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, this production tells the tale of Quasimodo, the hunch-backed bell ringer of Notre Dame who just wants to be accepted by the outside world. The gypsy Esmeralda is the only one who treats him kindly, and now it’s up to Quasimodo to save her from his cruel caretaker, Frollo. Be sure to catch this warm-hearted show’s rich score and exceptionally talented cast on November 21, 22, and 23.
Paint Branch HS: William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
This year, Paint Branch’s theater group, Perspectives, led by their new director Mr. Bergmann, is kicking off the fall season with a classic. Twelfth Night tells the story of Viola, who goes undercover as a man to start her life anew after her twin brother’s supposed death. She soon meets Duke Orsino and Olivia and finds herself in the midst of a convoluted love triangle. Will her identity be discovered? Will Duke Orsino and Olivia ever reveal their true feelings? To find out, head over to Perspectives’ performance on November 15, 16, 22 and 23.
Albert Einstein HS: Dark Of The Moon
Albert Einstein’s fall theater production, presented by S.T.A.G.E., centers on the witch boy John, who wants to become human after falling in love with a beautiful village girl named Barbara Allen. Tickets are available online at AEHS Visual and Performing Arts Academy’s website for shows on November 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:00 pm.
Article by Vismaya Mohindra of Richard Montgomery High School
Graphic by Sophia Li of Takoma Park Middle School