Upcoming Shows from Herndon and South Lakes Theatre Programs

'Arsenic & Old Lace' to take Herndon Theatre stage'

by Erin Grogan, HHS Theatre

Under the direction of Scott D. Pafumi, Herndon Theatre transports audiences to the Brewster home, where seemingly sweet sisters Abby and Martha live with their nephews Mortimer and Teddy. But all is not as it seems in Brooklyn. Mortimer soon discovers that his aunts are poisoning lonely old men with homemade elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and cyanide. Meanwhile, his brother Teddy believes he is Teddy Roosevelt, digging locks in the Panama Canal in the basement, and their estranged, homicidal brother Jonathan has returned with his nefarious companion, Dr. Einstein.

How can Mortimer possibly marry his sweetheart Elaine from next door with all this chaos? Hijinks ensue, identities are mistaken, and madness reigns as the Brewster family teeters between sanity and mayhem.

“The students thrive in comedy, and their energy plays off each other really well,” says student teacher Isabel Nemati, who joined the Herndon Theatre community this semester. Student director Ace Lamoureux adds, “It’s the perfect blend of comedy and murder, and the actors push themselves to put on an exceptional show.”

Don’t miss it! Junior Hamad Aljibreen, who plays Teddy, says, “It’s the perfect introduction to what Herndon Theatre is all about.”

A monster calls!

Friday is opening night

Contributed by A Monster Calls PR team

You’ve never seen high school theater like this before! “A Monster Calls” at South Lakes High School isn’t just being performed; it’s being created.

It’s known as “devised theater,” storytelling built entirely through collaboration. Most plays start with a script. Devised theater starts with imagination.

In this process, the story has been shaped together through improvisation, movement, and ideas from every member of the cast, crew, and creative team. Every moment you see on stage is born from exploration, not just repetition.

“‘A Monster Calls’ has been the most personal piece I’ve ever directed,” says Theatre Arts Teacher Michael Viola. “Reliving some of the darker parts of my childhood through the main character’s eyes has been a challenge, but it’s also been a uniquely cathartic experience. I know that the story is immensely personal for many of my students involved and will be for many audience members, too. It’s beautiful and impactful.”

Performances are scheduled for Nov. 14 , 15, 21 and 22. The show is recommended for ages 13 and up due to mature themes including bullying, death, and grief. Special effects, including haze, fog, and flashing lights, will be used.

Tickets may be purchased through etix.com/