November & December Student-Directed Shows at Arcadia
The upcoming weeks of November and December are full of action for Arcadia’s student-written and/or directed theatrical productions. Whether long-standing traditions on campus or fairly new annual productions, being in the cast has shown me there is an increase in interest from both actors and audience members alike.
At the time of writing, our nearest show is the 2024 shadow cast rendition of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, held every Saturday/Sunday after Halloween (being a midnight show). On November 2nd, audience members will be asked if they have seen the show before – for those who haven’t, an iconic surprise lies in wait that I am in no rush to spoil here! Afterward, guests will watch a cast perform the show, lip-syncing to the original 1975 film playing behind them on stage. The Arcadia performance leans into the campiness of the cult classic, making some prop and costume shifts to both ensure cast comfort and spark new humor.
For example, as this year’s Eddie – everyone’s favorite “low down, cheap little punk” – I will be practicing my meager skateboarding skills for an unforgettable entrance. The entire show is packed with incredible performances, from Janet (Sarah Meissler ’28) and Brad (Michele McDevitt ’26) stumbling through the wild ride, to the Criminologist (Amber Olah ’28) withstanding the audience’s abuse, to the heart and soul of the story, Dr. Frank N’ Furter (Akéla Swartley ’27). None of the process would be possible without our director Sam Jacona ’25, committee coordinator Klaudia Wrona ’26, and logistics coordinator Claire Newberry ’26. Sam shared their experience with me as a first-time director:
“After experiencing Rocky Horror from different positions, I have learned a lot. With being brought up with the idea of me directing in my final year within the program I was a bit nervous with no directing experience. Yet, I was excited to learn and create an experience people will get to be a part of! The leadership coordinators always are great to bounce ideas off of and extremely helpful within their roles. The cast and crew are patient and excited when we meet which brings me joy every time I am directing. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people and I am so excited to see how the show turns out!”
The next nearest show is an incredible feat on behalf of Arcadia’s Honors program: the third annual Murder Mystery show, entirely student-written and directed. This year’s show is titled Murder at Malvenu Manor, produced by an incredibly talented group. Director Becca Remelgado ’26, Assistant Director and Writer Julianna Reidell ’25, Logistics and Stage Manager Cass Amador ’27, House Manager Dan Matisoff ’27, and PTB Liaison Isaak Courtright ’25 have worked tirelessly with our cast to ensure fluid and flawless dialogue, blocking, and preparation for the shows from November 21-23, from 6-8 p.m.
The show offers limited seating, as guests are offered starters, dinner, and dessert, all included in the ticket price. Instead of taking place on a traditional stage, the Murder Mystery show is held in the Rose Room of Grey Towers Castle, offering an immersive and entrancing experience.
The final student-run production coming up is our one and only Cabaret Club performance, with our enticing Fall 2024 theme: Heroes and Villains. Being the proud vice president of Cabaret myself, I previously wrote about our upcoming show and the large uptick we have had in club members this semester, which you can read about here if you are interested! Tickets are completely free for this show, which will take place in the Little Theater on December 14, at 8 p.m.
No matter which show, any casual viewer or fellow theatrical fanatic has something to see under our brilliant and skillful directors and coordinators. A special thank you to everyone who has put so much time and energy into these beloved endeavors, and I hope our readers will join us to celebrate our hard work!
