Over the years, the theater department has delighted audiences with fun, unique shows. This year’s highlight: the extraordinary talent of our graduating seniors in their final performance. The cast radiated confidence and star power on opening night. Featuring Jamie Misuraca, Anna Cheezic, Fynn White, Em Sierakowska, Logan Bernier, Casey Mulvihill, Reese Fernandes, Isabella Peralta, and Illiana Rosenblum—some familiar, some new—these performers raised the bar for all to follow.

But surely you know Jamie Misuraca, who played the Man in the Chair, the narrator of the musical Drowsy Chaperone. With both comedy and depth, Misuraca put their heart and soul into this character, truly showing how completely amazing they are when performing. Every movement, every glance, and every pause was crafted with intention. They speak with passion and an understanding that a character is deeper than their lines, drawing the audience into the world of the play. Tonight, they talked like it came naturally to them, and that’s a talent that is so rare that it’s desirable. Jamie’s comic timing had the audience laughing out loud, but just as quickly, a subtle shift in posture or tone could draw a hush over the room. Their ability to captivate, to make you feel as if you were part of the story, is something audiences will remember for years to come.

Anna Cheezic played Mrs. Tottendale, a character who isn’t very bright and is a bit clueless, though she has a couple of bucks in her pocket. But Cheezic brought something extra to the stage, giving the play an added layer of charm and depth. Especially during the repetitive “spit take” that made that entire audience laugh.

Robert Martin, who is played by Fynn White, was an exciting and unexpected character, something completely different than what we were all expecting. White was one of the most compelling characters in this play. Taking a regular high school musical to the next level with professional tap dancing that could make dancers jealous is a skill like no other. White delivered Robert to a whole new level and really put heart into making him the naive, love-sick fool he is.

A very key side character to mention is George, played by Em Sierakowska. George, also known as the best man for four weddings, brought a whole new level of excitement to the theater program. Tonight, we got to really see how talented they are, with impressive tap dancing that was on point every time, and their ability to be comical yet practical. But please don’t recommend roller skating with a tie wrapped around your head.

Casey Mulvihill played the very ditzy character named Kitty. With some of the best comedic interruptions due to her need to be a star and her fabulous mind reading. Mulvihill truly shone in this character. And these costumes she had on were to die for. Mulvihill really had something to show tonight, and it was her fabulous talent and outfits.

Logan Bernier, who played Feldzig, the classic comedic archetype who attempts to stop Janet Van De Graaff, played by the fabulous Abigail Diamonte, who shone literally in her sparkling costumes. Throughout the play, Feldzig tried to get married and leave show business. Not a popular character in the play, but a sure thing to root for his love with Kitty. Because every villain deserves a happy ending.

Now you may know this one and love him if you have already come to see the play, Aldolpho! A rather odd character, but played to the very core by none other than Reese Fernandes. A foreign character that is obsessed with himself, now, an honorable mention is the wig, the wig made the entire costume come to life. In this play, whenever Aldolpho came out onto the stage, you knew you were in for laughs, with such boldness and comical expressions; this may have been Fernandes’s best character yet in their Woodland theater career.

This musical was already out of this world, but let’s mention one more. Isabella Peralta, who played the titular character the drowsy chaperone, truly outdid herself once again. With her strong and commanding voice, she sang some of the most sultry and truly astounding songs. Her character as a woman who tends to love her liquor was more than that; it was a woman who loves her liquor and loves to give advice that doesn’t really make sense. Peralta was destined for this role.

And the last perfect mention is the amazing Ms. Jackman, the creator behind this fabulous show and casting. This woman is a genius. The way she was able to create such a dynamic atmosphere that was exciting and also interesting at the same time, preventing you from wanting to get up and just continue watching. Out of Jackman’s theater career, this may have been one of Jackman’s best shows, and everyone hopes to see her achieve bigger and bigger roles in the coming years.

“I had a smile on my face and I laughed throughout the entire show. I’m impressed by the incredible talent that Woodland puts on that stage.” says Kurt Ogren

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