By Daisy Bhatt, 2028
The Playwright’s Festival is a spring tradition at BHS that challenges students to write their own short plays, and then act in them while also filling roles of their peer writers. This year six plays were performed, directed, produced, acted, written, and staged by students. In just the short span of four weeks they work together to create breathtaking shows that are both funny, and real. Below is a quick overview of this year’s productions:
“Forever Young” by Abigail Titlow and Logan Toth
This was a beautiful story of two very different people in extremely contrasting situations that are able to give each other advice, a dreamer and a runner. It showcases how infinitesimal interactions can have a lasting effect on individuals lives and decisions.
“Hard Sell” by James Bryan
A funny comedy about a real estate agent trying to sell a house and a young couple worried about the dog bones in the yard. The quirky intermingling of an array of different people to create perfect punchlines still amazes me.
“Please Kindly Respect the Space” by Tatum Langway
Yet another comedy about two aspiring actors fighting against their overbearing director who is constantly telling them to respect the imaginary room that they are in. However when God gets annoyed, he traps the actors in the invisible room. A good story about respecting the creative direction, even if a little crazy, of directors.
“The Mannequins” by Victoria Cargiuolo
A short thriller about three high school students who break into an abandoned Macy’s and steal from the mannequins. As soon as they separate the mannequins come to life and pursue the kids for stealing from them, starting with Chad (who I have confirmed dies in the story) before following Natalie and Maddie. This play leaves viewers with the chilling message, don’t steal what isn’t yours.
“The Boy on Chord Major” by Connor Casserly
A sweet story with a musical fully written by Connor in the short span of ten days. This story follows a boy who can’t sing and the challenges that lie within living in a town full of singers. When an evil corporation comes to town using “bad music” to make the towns folk like the factory, the boy makes a deal to stay quiet in exchange for the ability to sing.
“Observe” by Hana Agen
A more realistic story about navigating relationships and the rocky terrain that is high school. When Jackie starts at a new school he is introduced to Emmy and Aster. When he starts to hear rumors about Aster he starts to feel uneasy and unsure, but over time realizes that he doesn’t care about the rumors and just wants to be friends with people for who they are.
