by Jessica Tharaud
Brighton Beach Memoirs
“Brighton Beach Memoirs” will run Nov. 6 to 8 in the auditorium. A semi-autobiographical play written by Neil Simon, the work details life in Brooklyn, New York in 1937.
Directed by seniors Peter Diamond and Elena Rodriguez, the play is told from the perspective of a fifteen-year-old boy named Eugene Morris Jerome as he navigates growing older in the midst of the Great Depression.
According to Rodriguez, the “honesty” of the characters and how they rely on each other “makes the play so spectacular.”
Prelude to a Kiss
A romantic comedy with a twist, “Prelude to a Kiss” goes up Dec. 10 to 13 in the little theatre.
Written by Craig Lucas, the play concerns the fallout after a bride switches bodies with an elderly man at her wedding. Her husband must find the man and return his wife’s spirit back into her body.
Senior Natalie Tereshchenko, a director with senior Natalie Burr, said that the show is “more contemporary” than usual Theatre Ink shows and that a live jazz band on stage will be “captivating.”
Freshman Cabaret
Many freshmen will perform for Theatre Ink for the first time in the annual “Freshman Cabaret” show Dec. 18 and 19 in the auditorium, directed by sophomores Olivia Dundon-Duvall, Anastasia Foley, Zoe Jasper, and Yael Soran.
According to Dundon-Duvall, a director, the theme for this year’s show will be “Raise You Up.”
The directors said that they want the show “to send a message of community and togetherness that resonates with both the cast and the audience.”
Cabaret Troupe
Theatre Ink’s annual “Cabaret Troupe” includes musical cabaret performances and will run Jan. 8 and 9 in the auditorium, directed by senior Jonathan Gomolka and junior Elise Hausman.
According to Hausman, this year’s theme is “Seventeen,” and will explore significant issues in high school.
The show will connect with audiences because it deals with problems that teenagers all face, said Hausman.
Once Upon a Mattress
Based on the fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea,” this year’s March musical “Once Upon a Mattress” will run March 12 to 15 in the auditorium.
Written by Marshall Barer, Dean Fuller, and Jay Thompson with lyrics by Barer and music by Mary Rodgers, the musical takes place in a magical kingdom in which no one can marry until the prince weds.
According to English teacher Bradley Jensen, who will direct and choreograph the musical, the show explores “the difficulties of being a girl” and is “a musical for all ages.”
Spontaneous Generation
This school’s improvisational comedy show, “Spontaneous Generation,” goes up April 8 to 11 in the Little Theatre.
Junior Jen Gately, a director with senior Elena Rodriguez, said that “the audience will enjoy seeing performers from all different areas of North . . . not just those who are associated with Theatre Ink.”
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Directed by seniors Ashley Campbell and Aiden O’Neal, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is set during a middle school spelling bee and runs May 14 to 16 in the auditorium.
Written by Rachel Sheinkin with music and lyrics by William Finn, the musical deals with important themes such as perfection and achievement, according to O’Neal.
Emphasis on these themes will “strike a chord” with the Newton community, said O’Neal.
Macbeth
“Macbeth,” this year’s annual Shakespearean play, will include collaboration with South’s theatre company, South Stage, and goes up May 28 to 30 in the courtyard at South.
The play, a required reading at North, follows Macbeth on his quest to become the king of Scotland.
According to South Theatre director Jeff Knoedler, a director of the play with South Theatre director Paige Perkinson, the blood and violence of the play will appeal to audiences and “fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones will especially enjoy” the production.
Nitrous Oxide
The annual “Nitrous Oxide” show of student-written comedy sketches will run June 3 and 5 in the Little Theatre.
According to senior Natalie Tereshchenko, a director with senior Dominic Bosco, one of the best things about the show is that “the audience never knows what to expect.”
Playwrights’ Festival
Students write, direct, and act in ten-minute plays to be performed in the annual “Playwrights’ Festival” June 4 and 6 in the Little Theatre.
According to junior Ellie Strayer, a director with senior Peter Diamond and sophomore Bella Jensen, the plays are “guaranteed to be different, special, and creative.”