Upper School students from Holton and Landon tackle Aaron Sorkin's iconic play about military justice in Holton's Beebe Black Box Theater on February 19 and 20.
In the play, the unexpected death of Private Willie Santiago (Jordan Fues '17) during peacetime at a military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba launches an investigation that delves deep into the nature of military culture. Rookie lawyer Daniel Kaffee (Sam Hanson, Landon '18) is assigned to defend Corporal Dawson (Bobby Ramkissoon, Landon '17) and Private Downey (Clara Ferrari, '17) whose actions led to Santiago's death. Kaffee is at first disinterested in his defendants' fate and inclined to push them towards a plea bargain, despite their testimony that they were merely following orders. Through the relentless efforts of Commander Joanne Galloway (Lailah Fritz '19), Kaffee and his co-counsel Lieutenant Weinberg (Maryam Gilanshah '17) are inspired to craft a vigorous defense of Dawson and Downey that takes them into direct confrontation with Marine Corps Colonel Jessep (Sam Lieberman, Landon '16) and his second in command, Lieutenant Kendrick (Betsy Schugar '18). Kaffee refuses a plea deal offered by the prosecutor Jack Ross (Shea Sion '17). Jessep coerces the doctor on base, Doctor Stone (Olivia Herlein '18) to testify that the men used poison. His conspiracy is uncovered by Captain Markinson (Zoe Chen '17) who funnels information to the legal team from inside the base. Morgan Abdo '18, Anna Haskin '19, and John McMahon (Landon '17) round out the cast, each performing multiple characters.
This whip smart courtroom drama moves quickly between multiple locations. The set, designed by Mark Robinson, makes innovative use of the Beebe Black Box Theater space. In his role as Technical Director, Mr. Robinson also oversees a team of 14 student technicians and "run corps" members who change the scenery and perform Marine cadences with military efficiency. Laila Syed '18 leads the tech team as stage manager, assisted by Natalie Bock '18 and Kate Fynes '18. Lighting Designer Nick Arancibia's design helps define the many settings called for in the script. Costume designers Alisha Lawrence and Elisa Perez have outfitted each character in an authentic uniform. Drama Director Elizabeth Zitelli leads this group of over thirty artists in their interpretation of what has become a modern-day classic.
Veterans within the Holton community and beyond have lent their support to the production, helping the students to craft more authentic performances. Faculty member Patty Carver worked together with fellow former Marine Brett Nelson to devise a series of workshops on military culture. Costume Designer Alisha Lawrence drew upon her own family's history in the Air Force when planning uniforms for the cast and worked closely with Owen Connor of the Marine Corps Museum and George Peterson of National Capital Historical Sales to source authentic uniforms for every character in the play.
Seating is limited so reservations are recommended. Make your reservation today by writing to Boxoffice@holton-arms.edu. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for students.
Performances are:
Friday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 20, 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 20, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday matinee attendees are invited to stay for a talkback following the performance. Members of the cast and crew will be joined by JAG Corps Attorneys Lt. Col. Frank Rosenblatt and Captain Harlye Carlton as they discuss military justice both within the JAG Corps and as represented in "A Few Good Men." This talkback is scheduled to begin at approximately 5:15 p.m. and will be moderated by Drama Director Elizabeth Zitelli.
The online Box Office for "A Few Good Men" will open Friday, February 5. Send your ticket request to boxoffice@holton-arms.edu. Space is limited. Due to strong language, this show is not recommended for children under the age of 12. Please be advised that reserved tickets must be picked up and paid for at least 15 minutes before the performance begins or they might be released to people waiting in line.
Please be sure that your request includes:
1. Name
2. Performance date you wish to attend
3. Number of student and/or adult tickets