Trinity College School was proud to present a virtual production of the comedy Play On! on Thursday, February 10th. What was originally intended to be an in-person performance moved quickly and successfully online thanks to the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew.
Written by Rick Abbot, Play On! is a hilarious take on the theatre process, as stage manager Aggie (Bria Chalovich) and director Gerry (Summer Xi and Chloe Chan), along with their overworked technician Louise (Kyra Fingas), deal with stars’ egos and the whims of novice playwright Phyllis (Maggie McLean) as they try to stage Murder Most Foul (definitely not based on Agatha Christie's work!).
Chief amongst the challenges are the disgruntled cast, led by the diva Polly (Ezekiella Ezeoba) and her hapless husband Henry (Eric Jin), playing Lady and Lord Dudley; the forgetful Smitty (Cindy Zhao) as Doris the maid; lovestruck Billy (Jessica Bridges) and clueless Violet (Veronika Kawnik); and the oft-inebriated Saul (Basim Ibrahim), who plays the villainous Dr. Rex.
With technical mishaps a plenty, a writer intent on changing lines right up until the curtain rises, and a murder mystery that doesn’t seem to have a murder, Play On! provided lots of laughter at a time when we all most need it.
Director Bill Walker praised the cast and crew for their flexibility and commitment in making the transition to a virtual production: “Play On! A very appropriate title for a group of actors and crew who have persevered through the rigours of in-person and virtual rehearsals, embraced the words creativity, adaptation and dedication with every breath, and brought to the virtual stage a complex comedy, suited more for live performance, and worked so very hard to keep the tradition of theatre at TCS alive and well. They are to be commended for their artistry, dedication and commitment to the work.”
The crew included associate director Mr. Simon Banderob, assistant director Chloe Kim, technical support from Mr. Victor Svenningson ’74, stage manager Amelia Maggi, and assistant stage managers Aaliyah Garland and Emma Aitchison-Madill. Sarah Egan served as lighting operator in addition to overseeing props and furnishings with Emma Pavone, while Antoine Chevalier handled sound. Costumes were coordinated by Keira Lannon and assistant Reina Chen, and make-up and hair design was managed by Valentina Conrad. The running crew was comprised of Latajha Beneby, Bruce Duanmu, Landon Demrovsky, Sarah Egan, Emma Pavone, Chloe Kim, Anik Simon and Gisele Caraballo Diaz.
Thank you to all involved!
