As heads of household Senex (Andrew Cheli) and Domina (Hannah Gibbons) depart on a short trip to visit Domina’s mother, they leave slave Hysterium (Evan Turek) in charge. What they don’t plan on is the fact that their son, Hero (Jordan Wolk), is in cahoots with Pseudolus (Mario Meyer), a slave attempting to earn his freedom by setting up Hero with the girl of his dreams, Philia (Elizabeth Burnes). Pseudolus attempts to play the puppeteer in a grand illusory scheme, but what ensues is much confusion, chaos, and comedy.

Meyer does a commendable job playing Pseudolus. The resounding energy and unbridled enthusiasm with which he delivers his lines and songs carries the show. He gives the performance his all, bringing laughter and light to the stage. Turek owns the part of Hysterium, mastering the nervous, panicky demeanor of an overworked slave-in-chief. Wolk plays a charming Hero, personifying the characteristically awkward teenager in love, with his strong vocals far surpassing the graceless stereotype.

Erronius (Vincent Wienhoff) stands out as one of the best comics in the show. His hunch-backed gait and quavering, elderly voice combined with his endearing cluelessness make for tons of laughs throughout the show. Marcus Lycus (Devin Cox) also proves quite funny, through his over-the-top reactions, most notably a shrill, girlish scream throughout a giant chase scene.

Technical elements of the production remain simple, yet effective. Lighting (Krishna Ganim, Cullen Clifford, Tyler Yancey, Emily Jasper, Anthony Domijan, and Emma Butler) remains plain, yet fulfills its purpose, and there are no noticeable sound problems throughout the show, a miraculous feat for a high school production. Set (Matt Bannes, Ryan Cantillon, Keith Smith, John Baraba, Tim Jones, Emily Weinstroer) and costumes (Mario Meyer) are fun and colorful to match the mood of the show, remain accurate to the period, and add to the overall setting of the show. All technical elements of the show blend successfully to help tell the story.

The biggest weakness of the production may be drawn-out, uncomfortable moments toward the beginning of the show, during which it proves difficult to observe any rapport between the actors. However, as the show progresses, actors fall into their roles more smoothly and the chemistry between them becomes more evident, improving the flow of the production.

Bishop DuBourg’s production of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is a funny, fast-paced show with lovable characters that provide a lot of laughs. Throughout the hysterical chaotic events that occur one after another, the cast and crew simply offer a good time, and hold to their promise of “a comedy tonight.”

by Melissa Jung of Marquette High School

In Evansville, Indiana in November of 2006, Acts of God, opened for the first time. This show follows 12 teenagers, who tell a story about an F3 tornado that tore their lives apart. Learning about each one’s personal story, and whether they get through it or not…

The show had many spectacular leads. Maria Frazier (Hannah Gibbons), opened and closed the show, she is what made all things come together. Her acting was enjoyable throughout the whole play. Another lead that I really enjoyed, and brought power is Mario Meyer (Fernando Arroyo), he really brought out the power, and hard times that his character goes through.

This show also had many fabulous supporting characters. Kelsey Gerling played by Elizabeth Burnes, was truly dedicated to her part. Anytime she went on stage, and spoke I felt the ache and sadness her character brought about on stage. Another actress that does great is Ali Linderer (Kim Packard) her facial expressions, and the quiver in her voice you hear as she tells her story is almost haunting. Aaron Randall, Tyler Wade, and Ethan Trower (Jared Seifert) are hilarious, and give the audience comedic relief.

The technical aspects are pleasing. The sound was easy to hear. For the small space they have on stage, the few props they used are perfect, especially since they are telling a story. The music was appealing, and brought emotion, and helped move the story along.

A few things that could use some work are next. One thing that needs some work is diction at times it was hard to catch/understand what the actors were saying. Another thing that could use work is not looking bored while not speaking on stage. The lighting at times especially on the right corner of the stage was hard to see. Other than those everything was great.

This show was both tragic, and confusing but amazing with the power it brought, and the confusion it left. The show was a treat, and the cast did a splendid job bringing us into the show.

by Alyssa Robertson of Northwest School District

This musical premiered on the Broadway stage in 1976 after five years of off-Broadway performances, making it one of the longest-running off-Broadway shows in history. Godspell features acclaimed music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.

In the principal role of Jesus was Mario Meyer, who led the rest of the cast with wonderfully unique vocals. Although his movements seemed somewhat awkward and unnatural at times, his expressions and line delivery were spot-on for the character. Meyer’s dramatic stage presence also built tension and sadness during the death scene.

Phill Kosta, who played both Judas and John the Baptist, worked each character’s distinct demeanor well. With effortless movements and an aura onstage ideal for the roles, Kosta also captured attention with his superb singing ability. He added to the intensity during the Last Supper and Jesus’s betrayal as well.

The ensemble, in character at all times, interacted wonderfully with each other and Jesus. All of their voices blended beautifully and created an excellent sound throughout the show. They made great use of their smallish space, moving around just enough to keep everyone entertained but not so much that it was distracting. The ensemble captured and kept the audience’s attention from the beginning.

While the spotlight strayed from the actors occasionally, lighting was overall fittingly subtle, whereas sound was executed very well within the given space.

Bishop DuBourg’s Godspell shared the enduring message of Jesus with the audience using lively songs and stories from a vibrant cast. They demonstrated that we can build a beautiful city — and world — by living out the Golden Rule day by day.

by Marissa Schrader of Notre Dame High School

Brace yourselves. This shocking story will definitely leave you unable to sleep for days. Bishop DuBourg’s production of The Haunting Of Hill House sent chills down the audience’s spine with every spell of ghastly laughter. And what better time to see such a chilling tale than Halloween?

The Haunting Of Hill House, originally a novel by Shirley Jackson, was made into a film in 1963. The story follows Eleanor Vance (played by Laura Cole) as she stays at Hill House and faces the trauma of living there. Eleanor begins to see the paranormal activity as her deceased mother attempting to contact her from beyond the grave.

Phill Kosta gave an outstanding performance as Luke, Eleanor’s cocky but still loveable love interest. Other great performances came from James Haessig who played the charming Dr. Montague, Charlene Haparimwi who played the eccentric, psychic best friend of Eleanor, and Laura Cole as the seemingly normal Eleanor Vance herself. During the “ghost attacks” scenes, the audience tended to laugh, as people usually do during horror movies, but the four of them did a great job of still staying in character and being horrified.

The supporting cast was very enjoyable. Krista Leicht as Mrs. Montague, the arrogant wife of Dr. Montague who claims to have psychic abilities herself, Mario Meyer as Arthur, Mrs. Montague’s hilarious sidekick, and Rachel Heinrich as the grumpy housekeeper, Mrs. Dudley. The three of them added much needed comic relief to the stage.

The sound team did a phenomenal job at creating the sudden loud bangs and spooky sound effects that made the audience jump. Also, the make-up crew did a great job at making Dr. Montague’s hair grey, which looked very believable.

While there was room for more development in characters and their relationships, the actors acted with great conviction. And while everyone was clearly heard, even from the back of the house, the projection and annunciation sometimes came at the price of the believability of the dialogue.

The Haunting Of Hill House definitely did what it set out to do, which was to, simply frighten the audience. If you love suspense, especially around Halloween time, this is definitely the show to see.

by Caroline Kidwell of Clayton High School