From Nov. 9 to Nov. 11, the Black Box Theatre will take a trip back to the 1800s. “The Watsons” was originally an unfinished Jane Austen novel, estimated to have been written in 1803. It is unclear why she abandoned the novel, but a continuation by Austen’s niece was published in 1850.
The play commences in Georgian England, with family characters “The Watsons” being reunited with their younger sister Emma after 14 years of separation. This original story continues until Jane Austen’s text runs out, and the new playwright enters.
“The first half is very old-fashioned, just like Jane Austen- all very serious. But then, once the new author comes in the story shifts to a more comedy,” senior Addison Fransen, who plays Miss Osborne, said.
“The Watsons” is a relatively unknown play. Rather than catering towards the audience by picking a popular text, Director Greg Varner instead chose this play as an opportunity for students to improve their skills. The play relies heavily on student interpretation and leadership.
“Each department [is] led by a student. While I am mentoring some of those details, I am primarily focused on directing on how the show moves,” Varner said. “In ‘The Watsons’, student initiative is the source of much of the blocking and character nuance, so that innovation is encouraged as a way to develop the show.”
Senior Marcus Black is the stage manager for “The Watsons.” As a stage manager, Black oversees the rehearsal processes, communicates with the actors, and keeps track of all active conflicts. He also mentors assistant stage managers (ASMs).
“I lead the ASMs all on what they need to do. We will be handling props, where actors enter and exit, and keeping track of where set pieces go,” he said.
The stage is arranged in a “thrust”, or “open” stage, which extends into the audience on three sides and is connected to the backstage area by its upstage end.
“That means that when our actors are acting, they have to perform to three different audience areas. It can be difficult to work with because they need to make sure that the people on the right, left, and center stage are all able to enjoy the show,” Black said.
The cast is composed of 25 acting students and 15 students as a leadership team, as well as a choreographer and a pit of four orchestra students.
Junior Julia Tobin portrays the main character, Emma Watson. Tobin just recently moved here from South Carolina.
“I’ve lowkey always wanted to be in a period piece. I did theater back in South Carolina, and I saw that Upper Arlington was putting on a play and just thought it was really cool,” she said.
The play is full of deep, thought provoking conversations that many of the actors are excited to present.
“The show isn’t necessarily action-packed, or romantic or anything. It’s just discussion about who we are and really philosophical type things. It shouldn’t work, but it does,” Tobin said.
To make this happen, the actors have to collaborate together on a deeper level than just lines.
“The show is quite abstract. It is a very difficult show for high school students to present, but the company is killing it,” Varner said.
Senior Allie Gomez worked to choreograph most of the show, which provided new dimensions and layers to the text.
“It’ll be really cool to show off the chemistry and the way that the cast is all able to have the story flow,” Fransen said.
Students can be found in the Black Box Theatre practicing every day from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased through HomeTown Ticketing starting Oct. 25. There are 120 seats available per show, priced at $15.00 each.
