From Alexandria to Front Royal, there are several options for enjoying a fall theater production.
Meet little women and understand the impact of a murderous confession. Perhaps you feel like an outsider or wonder what you would decide if you were on a jury with angry men.
You can find these things out and more at diocesan high schools and Christendom College.
Little Women
Get to know the March sisters at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria when they perform “Little Women,” an adaptation by Joanna Henry, director of theater arts at Ireton.
The cast includes Sophie De Waal as Meg, Dagny Scannell as Jo, Samantha Fisher as Beth, Melanie Becker as Amy, Caroline Coffin as Hannah.
“This classic story reinforces the gift of family and the validation of character and virtue over wealth,” said Henry. “We see the many joys and pains of these four sisters, as well as their achievements, as they leave childhood behind and mature to womanhood.”
If you go
Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Rd., Alexandria, Nov. 15-16, 22-23 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at bishopireton.org/tickets. Call 703/751-7606.
I Confess
There’s something to confess at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Potomac Shores in their latest production of the Alfred Hitchcock film, “I Confess.”
Clare Anderson, assistant director and script adapter for the show, said the story is about a murderer confessing to his parish priest on the night of a violent murder.
“As events slip out of control and the priest’s own safety is put at risk, can he share what he knows?” Anderson asked setting up the storyline.
She said they chose this production because it is authentically Catholic and filled with moral questions that encourage deep discussions. “Already we’ve had lots of discussions with that cast about the seal of the confession,” she said. “We hope to bring the fruits of these discussions to our audience.”
The show features Sterling Tilley as Father Logan, Harry Batalingaya as Inspector Larrue, Jacqueline VonTersch as Detective Murphy, Richard VonTersch as Willy Robertson, Samuel Molseed as Otto Keller, Madison Perry as Ruth Grandfort, and Katie Cunningham as Alma Keller.
If you go
Saint John Paul the Great High School, 17700 Dominican Dr., Potomac Shores, Dec. 6-7 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at jpthegreat.booktix.com. Call 703/445-0300.
Guys and Dolls
Take a trip back to the 1950s with luck and love as the O’Connell Players at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington perform “Guys and Dolls” by Frank Loesser. You’ll find out if “Luck Be a Lady” and make sure to “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”
“We picked this show because it features a large cast, and has a lot of comedic opportunities,” said Kyra Klontz, O’Connell choral director. “The show features two main couples, several gamblers and many classic songs. The two main couples are seniors Lara Sunter and Aidan O’Donovan, and sophomore Carson Barnes and junior Katie Stansel.
If you go
Bishop O’Connell High School, 6600 Little Falls Rd., Arlington, Nov. 15-16 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at bishopoconnell.org/ocplayers. Call 703/237 1400.
The Outsiders
Saint Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax will perform “The Outsiders.”
“I chose this play because I fell in love with the story when I read it,” said Kathy d’Alelio, director of theater arts. “We have a lot of strong male actors right now, and this play was perfect to showcase them.”
Playing the leads are Jak Ketron as Ponyboy and Martin Umali as Johnny. Supporting roles are played by Davis Trax, Adam Hill, Ryan Jahn, Rixon Webb and Ella Schnittger.
If you go
Saint Paul VI Catholic High School, 10675 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, Nov. 21-23 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased stpvihs.booktix.com. Call 703/352-0925.
Twelve Angry Men
Christendom College in Front Royal will perform “Twelve Angry Men.” It is the adaption of Reginald Rose’s play set in the courtroom, where 12 jurors must decide the fate of a man on trial for murder. All jurors enter the courtroom with the presumption that he is guilty, except for one. The production will be directed by Elizabeth Foeckler.
If you go
Christendom College, 134 Christendom Dr., Front Royal, Nov. 22-24 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at [email protected].
Correction, 11/15: St. Paul VI Catholic High School was named incorrectly in a previous version of the article. The Catholic Herald regrets the error.
