Local drama students prepare show for New York

Olivia Grant and Jesse Rines – Mustangs Ahead

What should you expect when you take 30 students and have them delve into their deepest emotions? After weeks of journaling and writing, “Exhibit of the Mind” hit the Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) stage Friday night, and it was new territory for the Mustang Players.

The show began with a 10-minute introductory documentary regarding the writing and production processes of the musical. Students explained the open nature of the writing sessions, where small groups worked with New York’s “Tada! Youth Theater” to produce a grand final product. The documentary also featured student performers and their insights on the darker undertones that the play brought to light. Multiple students voiced their opinions regarding how they brought their inner turmoil to the stage.

Following the video performance, students performed an off-stage introduction to the imagination. We first meet two recurring characters, the only couple with defined names: “Barbie,” portrayed by senior Tatiana Galante, and a tired tour guide portrayed by sophomore Ty Dearing. They prepared the audience for the show, elaborating on the mind and its inner workings while entertaining the audience as others prepared to perform the first number.

The first number featured the entire ensemble in an outstanding opening performance. Multiple soloists displayed their talents in a dance routine choreographed by students with assistance from the producers at “Tada!”

The spectacular nature of the show did not deplete once throughout the entire performance. From incredible music numbers to hilariously witty scenes, such as that featuring Dearing and senior Jackson Helwege, who got the audience rolling with their comments on the men that Dearing’s new girlfriend has dated.

When asked about the difference between his two roles, Dearing responded, “I think it’s the best way to act. It gives you this ability to think about what you’re doing. I get to start as this kind of guy, and do a complete 180 and play the complete opposite. It’s just a great way to know who you are in the moment.”

In the midst of all the camaraderie, multiple students took the stage alone to discuss their inner workings. Two students dove particularly deep into their emotions.

Sophomore Alex Rogo took to the stage to portray a battle with depression and body dysmorphia. Perhaps one of the most moving performances, Rogo took on the challenge delivered to her.

“I actually cut my story that we had put into the first draft. Luckily, a castmate and I had a breakthrough and she told me she wanted to me to tell her story… People were really understanding when they heard my story and they understood that I wasn’t ready to tell it. We all were vulnerable but we made sure not to judge.”

While Rogo depicted someone else’s story, senior Dana Cox showcased something completely her own. After struggling with Alopecia, a disease both physically and emotionally draining, Cox decided to discuss a significant part of her coping process.

“I shaved my head in October, and since then people have been asking about it. I just wanted to explain and elaborate on it and how it happened and the experience,” Cox said. In dealing with this darker role, she still managed to bring light to the situation, from jokes about Taco Bell to discussing her own enlightenment.
LRHS drama teacher and show producer Roxanne Caravan and Mustang Players president Helwege found that they were both amazed with the entire production process.

“It was surreal,” Helwege said. “My brother had participated in a show like this, “Abnormal.” To be in it however has been such a wonderful experience.”

Caravan agreed.

“I think it’s been an incredible experience. I think for the kids there is this feeling that the things you feel are isolated and individual. This process helped open their eyes to see that everyone feels these similar things. It really brought the entire department together as a whole.”

In March, “Exhibit of the Mind” will go to New York to perform off-Broadway. The Mustang Players have set up a GoFundMe account in order to help fund this trip to perform with “Tada!”