All Aboard for Twentieth Century

All Aboard for “Twentieth Century”

Stratford High School Drama Society’s Fall Plays on stage Nov. 17 and 18.

Hollywood meets Broadway head on in the Stratford High School Drama Society’s production of Twentieth Century on stage Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18. Both shows are at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $10 and available by calling 203.380.6777 (ext. 1234), visiting www.stratfordk12.org/stratfordhigh and at the door.

It’s 1933 and the train -- Twentieth Century Limited – is on its way from Chicago to New York City. On board theater producer Oscar Jaffe is desperate to get his ex-lover and great film actress Lily Garland to sign on for his latest play. As Jaffe pulls out all stops to get her to sign, his longtime assistants Webb and O'Malley try to make sense of the chaos as well as the other passengers including George, Lily's lover, and Max (another ex-lover and producer) and an escapee from a mental institution.

“Twentieth Century is an insane comedy full of random characters who somehow all end up intertwined in Oscar Jaffe's crazy scheme to get Lily Garland back under contract,” said Daniel Vilarinho, who plays George. “What makes this show unique is the fact that he whole play takes place in three rooms on a train, yet somehow still grabs your attention. I believe the audience will enjoy the craziness of some characters and all of different quirks and traits that separate each character distinctly.”

“When I found out that I got the lead, I immediately started thinking of ways that I would be able to portray this character,” said freshman Alexis Detuzzi, who plays Lily. “After going online and watching clips from the movie, I was able to get an idea of who Lily Garland was, and what kind of person she is. In a way, I had to change my attitude from being a 14 year old girl, to having the patience/attitude of a 5 year old, in the body of a successful Broadway/movie actress. It has definitely been a fun part to pursue.”

“I want the audience to see the love these characters have for one another despite their hard times or anger,” senior Barry Libowitz, who plays Owen O'Malley the Irish bodyguard of Jaffe. “To prep for this role I spent a lot of time studying various voice actors who use Irish accents and how they pronounce and time specific words and phrases in order to use the accent for its full comedic and dramatic effect.”

“ At the end of the night, all I want is for the audience to have enjoyed it and to tell everyone they know about the show so a word gets around regarding the SHS Drama Society and its quality of performance,” said Zacahry Kenney who plays Oscar Jaffe. “Twentieth Century is a very interesting show. I think one of the most unique parts of it is that it takes place on a train the entire time. It also features a lot of over-the-top humor that the audience will undoubtedly enjoy.”

The cast of the Stratford High School Drama Society’s production of Twentieth Century includes (in order of appearance): Katelyn Ferrari (Anita Highland); Evan Fernandes (Dr. Grover Lockwood); Matt Pond (Porter / Beard); Caeley Ott (Myrtle Clark); Barry Libowitz (Owen O’Malley); Abbie Joy (Conductor); Phoebe Lindsey (Ida Webb); Zachary Kenney (Oscar Jaffe); Alexis Detuzzi (Lily Garland); Dan Vilarinho (George Smith); T.J. Ruffin (Detective); Nick Nunez (Max Jacobs); and Abby Walsh (Female Understudy).

Parents should note that the play Twentieth Century contains themes and dialogue that may not be suitable for younger children.