Cappies Review: Wakefield High School, In The Garden of Live Flowers

PHOTO (from left to right) Ethan Chow, Hazel Thurston, Max Weinhold and Charlotte Smith

Review by KATHERINE KELLY of McLean High School

ARLINGTON, VA — Riddles aren't easy to solve, and as Rachel Carson embarks on a journey to find their her answer, Wakefield High School's "In the Garden of Live Flowers" blossoms. Mystical animals, ambient music, and heart wrenching scenes create the surreal story, unfolding into an inspiring and touching production.

'In the Garden of Live Flowers' was written by Attillio Favorini and Lynne Conner based on the life of Rachel Carson, the author of Silent Spring. Carson was a marine biologist whose many educational writings informed the unaware public of the dangers of pesticides. While dealing with the harsh criticism her book received, Carson was diagnosed with breast cancer. The production follows this journey, complete with flashbacks and fantasy, with Carson often finding herself in a realm of imagination guided by Lewis Carroll's character Alice, Carson's alter-ego and childhood hero. As the story unfolds, each piece ties together, making for an exciting show and a dreamlike production.

Hazel Thurston, playing Rachel Carson, handled her role beautifully. As a character forced to age throughout the show, Thurston's emotional depth and adaptable demeanor allowed her to make these changes clear. Even with her great range of emotion, Thurston maintained a bewilderment in the world, an important character trait. Thruston's dynamic with her best friend Dorothy, played by Dana Alkhafaji, was another enjoyable element of the production, with both handling the difficult themes of the show gracefully.

Another notable mention is Garrett Rinker, who played the salesman that talked to Carson on a train while she was in college, doubting her ability to succeed. He filled the character with charisma and youth, perfectly capturing the hilarity and annoyance of a persistent seller. Angus Long, playing a father, was another amusing character, providing an invigorating contrast to the overall somber mood of the performance, with well delivered jokes and enjoyable interactions with his family. The ensemble carried the show, dressed as animals and introducing an unforgettable dimension to the performance. They worked beautifully together, truly bringing a buzz of life to the garden, perfecting their choreography and offering immense energy. A stand out ensemble member was Julianna Ditta, playing a snap dragonfly. Her elegant movements introduced a beautiful focal point to the ensemble and complimented the other insects nicely.

The technical pieces of the show helped set the scene and bring feeling to the story. The sound used conveyed the time and place through seasonal music, the repetition of tunes, and specific sound effects. The lighting as well transmitted emotion with the color choices and accurate timing. The floating numbers incorporated into the set created an immediate dreamlike feeling along with the sound and lighting. The run crew themselves dressed in surgical gear, preserving the eerie theme of the production.

For an unforgettable journey, follow the life, the dreams, and the imagination of an extraordinary woman through Wakefield High School's production of "In the Garden of Live Flowers".