Based off the novel by Ken Kesey of the same name, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest made its Broadway début in November of 1963. After 82 performances, it closed, but has since been revived and was made into the highly acclaimed 1975 movie version that won several Academy Awards.

MRH’s production was anchored by the heavy dedication each actor showed by staying true to their character. Miguel Hernandez portrayed McMurphy with the perfect playful stubbornness that his character required. Each patient in the mental hospital had their own distinct personality and it was evident that each actor had explored their characters’ unique dispositions. John O’Keefe, who played Martini, fully committed to the physicality of his character’s illness, making his performance stand out amongst the rest. In contrast to many of the patients’ lively demeanors, Anna Wermuth played the somber Nurse Ratched, showcasing her unwavering cruelty. The onstage bonds that formed between the patients proved to be a major component in forming the complex power struggle between the patients and the staff.

Several other notable performances were given throughout the show. Zach Arias, who played Billy Bibbit, showed rapid and dynamic change as his character would undergo a wide spectrum of roller coaster emotions. Chrystopher Kluttz had the audience laughing with an incredibly humorous performance as the drunken guard, Mr. Turkle. Maxx Diebold, who played Chief Bromden, smoothly narrated the story from his point of view. One vivacious scene that called forth the majority of the cast had the patients dancing in plaid and checked lounge pants as Billy Bibbit (Arias) was married off to Candy Starr (Taylor Kennedy), leaving the audience cheering for more.

One of the most impressive aspects of MRH’s production was perhaps their scenery and props. The set pieces, designed by James Owens, were fully detailed and depicted (what I imagine to be) an extremely realistic looking mental hospital. Pill bottles, cards, and cigarettes decked the stage, further setting the scene of the slightly imbalanced crew. The lighting (Megan Hanak) also helped differentiate between certain focal points and perspectives. Dull paint and fenced off windows all added to the eerie atmosphere.

Maplewood Richmond-Heights High School opened the window to a community that existed behind bars under the governance of electroshock therapy and lobotomy. Supported by an incredible set, a cast of enthusiastic actors, and a blood-tingling story, the MRH Theatre Department brought to life the story of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

by Audrey Lipsmire of Northwest School District

The Laramie Project has many unique components. The cast consists of a few actors who perform in many different roles. Notable was Presten Pinnell, who played four roles, but most prominently the character, Matt Galloway. Pinnell was a memorable actor because he was consistent in creating different characterizations in each role. Also masterful was Ben Speed (Jedadiah Schultz and Aaron McKinney) who was almost unrecognizable as the same person with his different characters’ vocals and mannerisms. Leading the show with consistency in character and strong stage presence was Taylor Kennedy (Romaine Patterson), who provided comic relief and insight into the story that no other character could provide. Unique to MRH’s cast was the incorporation of four adults who each eloquently played a multitude of roles. The inclusion of adults created diversity in size and maturity on stage.

The talent of the students was exemplified in their design and construction of the set. The set was beautifully simple, made only of wood. Rotating panels symbolized different locations, but remained simple and open to interpretation. James Owens (set designer) overcame a giant task in building the massive structure on stage. Occasionally, the audience struggled to hear actors on stage. Viewing the characters became an issue, as lighting did not consistently highlight the speaker. However, lighting was notably gentle in how it was placed on the wooden frames of the set, creating a look of peace. Adding to the effective simplicity of the show was costuming, in which characters wore black shirts and jeans, with subtleties added to change their characters.

Overall, the cast of MRH High School’s production of The Laramie Project successfully portrayed the message of standing against those who discriminate because of sexual orientation. However, even greater emotion from the actors would have been welcomed in order to move the audience more effectively. Matthew Shepard would be proud of MRH High School’s bravery in their battle to defend their moral convictions despite their opposition and people everywhere should follow their lead. Let us all make a similar statement.

by Allie Sanderson of Holt High School

A tragicomedy by Robert Harling, Steel Magnolias tells the story of six women who work, socialize and primp in a small town beauty salon. Opening on Shelby’s wedding day, the play highlights her unstable medical condition, addressing themes such as love, wealth, happiness and health. Steel Magnolias first premiered Off-Broadway in 1987 and then opened in the West End in 1989, but did not move to Broadway until 2005. Steel Magnolias is famous for the 1989 film adaptation staring Julia Roberts and Dolly Parton; lesser known is that the play was based on the relationships and illness surrounding the playwright’s own sister.

All six “neighborhood women” in the beauty salon played their own distinct role in the moving story of Steel Magnolias. M’Lynn Eatenton (Alex Ford) shined through her marvelous performance as a distressed mother and Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie (Maggie Edmondson) consistently stayed in character, a difficult task considering her stage time in the piece. Truvy Jones (Erin Goodenough) lit the stage with her smooth southern accent and frequent jokes, while Annelle Dupuy-Desoto (Natalie Mitten) enunciated consistently and performed her character transformation with skill. Finally, Clairee Belcher (Jena Doering) physicalized her older character brilliantly and Ouiser Boudreaux (Jaszmyn Epps) created a memorable role by adding comic conflict to even the most dramatic scenes.

As a small cast, the actresses stepped up to the challenge of creating an intimate community. Not only did M’Lynn and Shelby resemble one another, but their convincing performance as a mother-daughter pair was attributed to their unique onstage chemistry. Likewise, Clairee and Ouiser latched on to the comedy in the show, and their transformation of their relationship was compelling. Annelle was well-versed with the set and Truvy displayed a professional sense of space.

Steel Magnolias also excelled with the technical aspects of the production. The lighting set the frame for the play, especially, upon a blown fuse in the salon, a half-dimmed stage set the scene. Similarly, the sound added another layer to the production through a wide spectrum of effects, from gunshots to Christmas tunes. The costumes supported the cast wonderfully, with outfits ranging from overalls to business attire. The props, including a radio, a telephone and salon mobile cart, helped tell the story as well. The set, a simple interior of the beauty salon, was painted brightly and decorated with detail, such as a beautician certification.

With this unique blend of talent and theatrical elements, Maplewood Richmond Heights’ production of Steel Magnolias created a memorable and moving piece of art. The only thing that could have been better? To have enjoyed a slice of the red velvet armadillo cake with the “neighborhood women.”

by Carly Beard of Clayton High School

The Youngers are an African-American family living on the south side of Chicago who have only one way out of their tiny little run-down apartment, an insurance check for $10,000. The check may have been to Mama, but everybody has ideas about what to do with the money; $3,000 was going to be set aside for Beneatha the eccentric young sister to go through medical school. Beneatha is the odd one out in the family, dancing around with her feminist ideals and love for her African heritage, she kept a smile on audiences faces through otherwise devastating times.

The rest of the money is put in the care of Walter Lee played by Chris Dubose, who has some questionable dreams of moving up the corporate ladder by opening a liquor store. His expectant wife Ruth, played by Morgan Patterson-Gill, holds everything together, she remains level headed and strong willed; all she wants is to get out. She wants a house, a better life for her family, but when Walter Lee’s associate runs off with all the money, Ruth remains loyal to her husband.

Technical elements for this show were not only detailed and beautiful, but meticulous as well; the set, which was designed by Alejandro Socorro, portrayed a realistic apartment, with everything from the cracks on the walls to the classic refrigerator. Inside of that refrigerator was real food. This among numerous other props showed that Krystal Peterson and Erin Goodenough really outdid themselves. Allowing us to see all of this were the lights designed by Alexis Telford, whose transitions from night to day were lovely.

MRH carried their heavy load, putting on a memorable show that caused explosions of laughter and outbursts of tears.

by Jennifer Boston of McCluer High School