Arts

By Reese Hanna ‘27 in Fall 2024

MA’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry IV was a captivating performance with electric sword fights and bubbling laughter. While the play was difficult to understand at times– an anonymous student admitted they’ve “seen it three times and still don’t know what’s happening.”– the scenic stage, lights, and booming sound effects helped bring the stage to life. Ellie Rosenberg performed with poise as the production’s only senior, while junior Joshua Kaminsky brought an intense passion to the stage as the show’s antagonist. Forrester and Moore carried the torch and took the stage by storm, offering a clear path to the plot. Forrester has a way of internalizing his character in a way I’ve never seen before. He employs amusing expressions, sharp wit, and emotional portrayals that enthrall the audience. Moore contributes a thoughtful light to the stage. Between deliberate pauses, poignant monologues, and humorously delivered lines, she makes the audience feel like a friend of her character Prince Henry, a rebellious teen who does not wish to fulfill his role as the new king. Instead, he wants to spend time partying with his best friend, Falstaff, a foolish drunk portrayed by sophomore Tillie Solomon, who never failed to make the audience laugh with her comedic timing. This year’s production debuted other remarkable underclassmen, including impressive actor Oscar Stowell, a freshman who left a mark on the room with his eerie expressions and commitment to his roles as the ruthless warrior Douglas and scheming Lord Northumberland.

I had the pleasure to attend this play on its final evening. Typically, the last run of productions are the most heavily attended, but, unfortunately, this was not the case. Low turnout is disappointing because there is a lot of work put into a theater production, yet support and school spirit did not shine as in prior years. Perhaps this is because all students have read either The Tempest or Macbeth, so many may have deemed themselves done with Shakespeare. Additionally, the choice of a historical tragedy increased the inaccessibility of the show for high school students. Though well done, Henry IV was not the most teen catered play, which may have played a hand in its lower turnout. Still, it was a lovely production that I greatly enjoyed, and I invite you all to attend the approaching Winter play on February 11-13. Whether you’re an athlete or an artist, nothing should limit you from supporting your classmates doing what they love.