It really doesn’t matter how you classified Shalhevet’s latest production, because it proved one thing for sure: Shalhevet’s got talent.
Nashville Nights, written by senior Rose Bern in collaboration with the rest of the cast, was a fast-paced whodunit sprinkled with an original score written and performed by Danny Silberstein, another member of the prodigious Class of 2013. It also showcased the incredibly talented senior vocalists, Leah Glouberman and Rachel Friedman.
Billed as a cutting-edge “devised theater” piece, the play was really just a larger-scale one-act, devised by the whole cast together instead of individual students working with a playwright since the fall. An hour in length and presented without intermission, Nashville Nights replaced Drama’s usual “Festival of One-Act Plays.” It ran June 2 – 6 the Wildfire Theater.
Set in a Nashville honky tonk, Nashville Nights is all about who murdered Noah Peterson. Is it Greg Peterson, Noah’s son, played by Mati Davis, or Liam McDougal, portrayed by David Lorell (whose amazing hair was hidden underneath a cowboy hat)? Perhaps it was lovely Sheila Beauregard, played by Rachel Friedman.
Through more twists and turns than a gymnastics competition, the audience eventually learns the identity of the murderer. But Rose Bern paid homage to Reality Television and in the play, the murder remains officially an “unsolved.”
This unique production was essentially a showcase for Shalhevet’s reigning diva, Leah Glouberman, and the uber-talented musician and entertainer Danny Silberstein, who will be the first-ever Shalhevet grad to enroll in a music conservatory when he starts at Berklee College of Music in Boston next fall.
Throughout the show, the audience was under the spell of these two, and frankly Miss Friedman, who is just a phenomenal talented actor and singer as well. All three have what it takes to become stars.
And if Nashville Nights is any indication, Rose Bern will surely be accepting an Oscar or a Tony in the future.
Brianna Marshak was type-cast in her usual role as a mature adult, playing the cruel and vengeful detective Suzanne Wiseau who isn’t what she seems to be. Junior Danielle Lowe added more guitar strumming to accompany Danny’s. Her soft voice was a perfect foil for Danny’s power and range.
Sophomores Rachel Elspas and David Lorell are solid anchors for the future musicals. Their singing voices are beautiful. In addition David can hold his own as an actor.
And toward the end of the play, certainly no one could ignore the return of sixth-year Shalhevet High School student Emilio Lari (class of ’11). Emilio, who is now a member of the Beverly Hills Police Department, made his usual cameo at the end of the play to deliver a line or two, playing a CAA talent agent and looking appropriately sophisticated for the role.
That said, there is still reason to fear that with exit of the current senior class, drama teacher Ms. Emily Chase will have to fill a gaping hole. It is uncertain whether the underclassmen will be up to the task.
Some of their acting was rather stiff. One character remained handcuffed even after the identity of the true murderer was revealed. Nary a peep of protest escaped his mouth. Aren’t actors supposed to understand what their motivation is and not just spit out lines? Perhaps it was a mistake the night I was there, but if this was a divised theater piece – devised collaboratively by the entire cast — surely a character just acquitted of a crime would want to react.
Or someone else on the stage might have noticed and asked for a script change.
This is a serious problem. High school students do mature from year to year, but for now, it remains unclear whether David Lorell can shoulder drama productions all alone, even with support from talented singer-musicians like Rebecca and Danielle.
Nashville Nights was a superb showcase for Shalhevet’s multi talented Class of 2013. Oh how they will be missed.
