From Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1, the Archie Williams theater department, known as the Peregrine Players, performed their Variety Fringe Festival, their last show of the school year. With the first performance at 6:00 p.m., the following shows began at 7:00 p.m. in the Little Theater, alternating between casts Diaphanous and Elysian. The shows each lasted for one hour, with refreshments available for purchase outside.
Student actors performed a variety of skits, songs, and play excerpts to showcase their creativity, hard work, and talent. Elysian Cast featured scenes from Shrek: The Musical and songs from The Greatest Showman, Beetlejuice, and Mamma Mia, as well as a Saturday Night Live parody, “Friday Night Live.” Diaphanous Cast performed a completely different production, containing works including original skits “Rigelian Genetic Eunich Dissection Theater” and “England Wide,” as well as songs from The Sound of Music.
“Watching people’s creativity was really inspiring. Some of the skits were entirely original, and there was a lot of creative genius, like actual genius, involved in making this happen,” said sophomore performer Elsa Wahlstrom. “It was challenging to work on such a tight schedule, but I feel that the experience helped me grow and improve as I overcame those difficulties.”
Not only did the performers enjoy acting in this vibrant show, but audience members had an immersive and equally exciting experience. Archie Williams sophomore Claire Palmer found the production animated and entertaining.
“My favorite part was the Friday Night Live act because it was funny and very well acted. Everyone had a super great stage presence, so it was cool to watch,” Claire said. “I will definitely go to more theater performances next year. They never disappoint.”
The Friday Night Live was a fan favorite, a key comedic and captivating performance.
“I loved Jojo Siwa. It was part of the Friday Night Live part. It just made me laugh, it made me cry, I had a great time… It’s not just about supporting my friends, I have a great time,” said freshman Caelan O’Neil.
The show captured the performers’ dynamic skill sets and engaged the audience, going as far as to bring up a volunteer for “Are You Smarter than a High Schooler?” during the “Friday Night Live” skit. The show was a creative finale for a full year of performances that left the Peregrine Players with much to be proud of.
“I think that the show went really well, and it closed out the school year on such a positive note,” Elsa said.
From Radium Girls, to Best o’ the Bard, Peter and the Starcatcher, and finally the Fringe Festival, the drama program closes out a successful year full of memorable shows and performances with their Fringe Fest, sure to carry the spirit into the upcoming year.
