I Could Watch the Act-Ober Fest Ober, and Ober, and Ober…

Schreiber High School's drama club is well-known for its diverse range of musicals and dramas performed over the years, from glossy performances like "Guys and Dolls" to touching enactments such as "Little Women." I have attended a few of these performances, and was amazed each time by the innovative and passionate acting of the students.  I don't think I would be alone in saying that I enjoyed Schreiber's interpretations of these plays more than the movies that were based off of them.

The drama club's annual Act-Ober fest is similarly outstanding, except for one surprising detail that makes it even better – all of the one-act plays are directed by the students themselves.

These plays were brilliantly and cleverly directed. Each performance had its own style, and the directors each had a distinct personality that came out in their interpretation of the writer's story. The actors, in addition, took the stories they were given to a new level, and fervently transformed into their characters.

There were six one-act plays: "A Case of Anxiety," written by Mark Harvey Levine and directed by Christopher Falcioni; "Kitty," written by Chris Durang and directed by Emily Nicholson; "Laura Gets The Call," written by Matt Casarino and directed by Luke Volpe; "In Bed with Kafka," written by Nina Beber and directed by Sara Lyons; "15 Minutes" written by Dave DeChristopher and directed by Kalia Lay; "Sorry, Wrong Number" written by Lucille Fletcher and directed by Delia Van Praag.

Following intermission, one play "Sorry, Wrong Number" stood out.  I felt that this was, by far, the cleverest one of all. The plot – about a sickly woman who accidentally intercepted a call in which her own murder was being discussed and desperately tries to get help, but to no avail – was brilliant and intense, with a real message that is prevalent in everyday society. The luring plot was enhanced by the play on scenery, lights and effects, and the dramatic acting of sophomore Julia Bain.  I left the theater with so much to think about.

Overall, I found the Act-Ober Fest to be a great experience, and well worth attending. I suggest you attend next year – it was fun, fascinating, and free.