The cast for Almost, Maine completed the first step for the debut of the new theater season on September 2, the cast list was released on September 5, officially opening the curtain and lighting the stage for the theater department’s season.
This season’s layout is slightly different from last year’s, with a single fall play, one act, and a spring musical. Carli Wilkerson, theater teacher and director of Theater on the Hill, spoke on the new season and how it will differ from years past.
“I’m looking forward to doing something that is not so emotionally draining,” Wilkerson said, “We’ve done mostly dark and macabre performances the last four years; they haven’t necessarily been of the comedic genre, so it’s going to be a nice change,” Wilkerson said, “I want this season to be seen as maybe not growth exactly, but it’s a nice change of pace.”
Caitlin Eddy, a junior at Clover Hill and an actor for Theater on the Hill, shared her own perspective on the outlook for the upcoming performances in regards to involvement of the cast.
“I feel like [the director] has picked shows that have a lot of roles; I feel like everyone will get their chance to shine,” Eddy said.
Eddy continued to explain how the different choice of show, specifically the writing of the music, will be a sharp contrast, especially from last year.
“I think ‘Mary Poppins’ isn’t as hard vocally as Sondheim is, so I think our vocals will be even stronger than last year,” Eddy said.
Dee Craig, a senior at Clover Hill and actor for Theater on the Hill, shared the sentiment of this year’s season shifting from a more severe tone to be more playful and fun.
“I think [the choice in show] is really cool, I’ve never done a show that was really upbeat, happy, dancing, like compared to last year when we were putting people into pies. I just think comparing last year and this year this is just way way more upbeat,” Craig said.
Craig also explained how the new energy in the theater is not only in the style of production, but in the new members who will be rising into the ranks with the rest of the theater and the growth of the current actors.
“I’m really excited to see what the new talent is, I’m very interested in seeing how people grow and shape their possible theater careers and as people. I also love seeing [the underclassmen] grow up; it’s just something I love seeing. I love seeing [them] grow as actors and as comedians,” Dee said.
Matisse Giles, a senior at Clover Hill and long term performer for Theater on the Hill, expressed the wishes he has and his outlook for the season.
“I hope this year brings great happiness, not just to me but also for everybody else who is in the environment,” Giles said.
The start of the season marks the start of opportunity for both the performing arts to take a new direction, but also for more Cavaliers to participate in the upcoming performances, whether that be through watching or joining the cast; “Almost, Maine” will be playing from November 20 – 22, and the auditions for “Mary Poppins” will be in early 2026 and it will be performed from April 30 – May 2. Wilkerson voiced her encouragement for Cavaliers and the community to come participate.
“Come and support [the arts] because this is very important to your peers and your friends and we need an audience for it and expect to have fun,” Wilkerson said, “Prepare to enjoy your time.”
