Peabody High Drama Club Mystifies in 'The Sparrow'

On Nov. 18-19, Mr. Richard Carey directed ’s debut performance of “,” which kept audiences completely engaged for nearly two hours. As a child of the 80s, I could not resist making the symbolic mental connection between the lead character, Emily Book (played by Erica Risti), and Stephen King’s 1976 classic “Carrie,” especially in the gym scene where the girls are told about getting detention or refusal of their prom tickets.

In stark contrast to feelings of fear and horror in "Carrie," however, "The Sparrow" uses dance to tell the story of a girl who returns to her home town several years after a train/bus accident (where she was the sole survivor), which claimed the lives of her classmates. This play does not dwell on any one emotion to captivate, but rather uses overlapping themes of grief, guilt, pain and ultimately forgiveness, to grip the audience.

Andrew Truong was so convincing as a caring, empathetic, yet “cool” teacher, one almost feels sorry for his indiscretions by courting the affection of both Emily Book and Jenny McGrath. Andrew truly transformed himself into the conflicted teacher who inevitably made the gravest of mistakes, which resulted in near fatal consequences for his character.

Emily tries her best to hide her powers and seem normal. Risti’s performance as a girl struggling with telekinetic superpowers is right on target, and in every way, truly became the character. Although the townspeople initially have mixed feelings about Emily’s return, they ultimately welcome her.

Emily, however, is consumed with apprehension and concern. “I don’t know how to be here,” she admits throughout the play. Risti as Emily embodies the quintessential smart yet moody teenage girl who is trying to find herself.

Jenny (played by Elainy Mata) is the perky cheerleader and honor student who attempts to take Emily under her wing. The audience roared with laughter in one the first scenes when Jenny attempted to encourage Emily by stating: “You could be a cheerleader!” After a brief pause, Emily (Risti) replied: “But I’m not very cheery.”

The cohesive ensemble of 21 students dancing, running and “flying” throughout the show quickly and masterfully changed costumes and roles in near-perfect execution. In one scene, several cast members changed roles from a group grieving adults to uber-energerized teenagers, mesmerizing the audience in the process.

The play employed some innovative and imaginative techniques to convey the feeling of movement through space and time. When Emily is traveling home by train, the effect of the passing landscape is created by the other cast members walking past Emily’s seat, carrying framed pictures of scenery. 

The most impressive part of the production, besides the incredible acting skills of the entire cast, is the fact that all scenes were executed by using only lights, sounds, basic video capabilities, prop movements and picture frames. Even the manifestations of Emily’s superpowers were highlighted by lighting, music, and sound — particularly the ever-present sound of a train passing in the distant, even during “private” one-on-one conversations.

This play was truly outstanding in every way, and it was a privilege to watch it performed by students who clearly poured their hearts and souls into making it a night to remember.

[Editor's Note: Scott Olivolo, a former Peabody resident, now lives in Middleburg, Fla. and was visiting his hometown and family recently for Thanksgiving. His niece is Erica Risti.]