Ossining High School Drama Club Presents Hilarious Comedy "Play On!"

The Ossining High School Drama Club is delighted to announce the production of the comedy "Play On!" by Rick Abbot. The three-night event promises laughter, entertainment, and a showcase of outstanding talent.

"Play On!" is a play-within-a-play that follows the hilarious and chaotic journey of a community theater group as they attempt to produce a play despite numerous mishaps, missteps, and miscommunications.

Senior Akayla Morris shared her insights into the delicate art of balancing comedy and drama in the production. She said she utilizes a multi-faceted approach, incorporating personal connections with music, script analysis, and character study.

“I find music to be a great help for me, the stories that are told through music helps me to find those different moments,” she said. “And really studying the script and my character and just reading through the script to find those moments.”

Akayla added that her involvement in the Drama Club has not only honed her performance skills but has also taught her valuable life lessons in communication and collaboration.

For senior Elsy Rosales, who plays the role of Phyllis, portraying a character within a character presents a unique challenge.

“When it comes to comedy, you really have to play into each other's character in order to know the joke behind it, then feed off of each other,” said Elsy. “That's how you get the comedy out.”

Under the guidance of theater teacher and “Play On!” director Drew DiRienzo, the OHS Drama Club prioritizes inclusivity while creating open and positive environment where everyone's contributions are valued. He emphasizes the importance of letting students breathe life into their characters, with his role being to refine and tune their artistic choices.

“I make sure to pick a show that has those elements embedded within it, so it's just very easy to sort of plug the students into those diverse roles or abilities,” said Mr. DiRienzo. “That's always at the forefront of my thinking when choosing any production.”

Mr. DiRienzo notes that many students have gone from backstage roles to featured on-stage performances, showcasing the power of drama in discovering unexpected talent. He sees students balancing schoolwork, social life, and rehearsals as invaluable life skills that will serve them well in adulthood. The Drama Club becomes a space where challenges are faced head-on, preparing students for the uncertainties of life beyond high school.

Senior Sophia Rodriguez, who plays the role of director, highlights the confidence and happiness Drama Club has brought into her life.

“Drama Club brought me so much more confidence that I didn't have when I first started out as a sophomore, reflects Sophia. “But it gave me so much more happiness that I couldn't be able to find really anywhere else.”

The OHS Drama Club’s cast and crew have been working tirelessly for more than 8 weeks to bring “Play On!” to the stage, ensuring a memorable and entertaining performance for the community.

Event Details:

Ossining High School Drama Club Proudly Presents: Play On!

Dates: Thursday, November 16th | Friday, November 17th | Saturday, November 18th

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Ossining High School Auditorium, 29 S. Highland Ave., Ossining, NY 10562

Admission: Free