"A . . . My Name is Alice"
Congratulations!!!
Creating a poignant and compelling portrait of women's experience across all settings and stages of life, Jenkintown High School charmed the audience with an "all girl band" of powerful performers in their production of A...My Name is Alice.
This musical revue incorporates twenty-one different songs and scenes united solely in their narrative of women and the world. Originally produced by The Women's Project at the Village Gate Off Broadway, the show examines the diverse joys, sorrows, and complex relationships that women face, driving at the heart of what it is like to be a woman in modern society.
Jenkintown High School took on this difficult production with incredible feeling and strength, many actresses having to carry entire scenes on their own. This talented and passionate cast of almost entirely women was perfectly highlighted by a dynamic lighting design and versatile set to create an emotional feminist tour de force that swept the audience off its feet.
The ensemble of "Alices" worked together extremely effectively, creating complex and ever-changing chemistries as each actress filled several roles across different scenes. The cast displayed a compelling emotional connection with each other that appeared as a powerful force in the show. Individual performances also stood out as actresses were impressively able to create a memorable character through their short vignettes. As Ms. Mae, Aniya Cager was an audience favorite with her incredible mastery of a complex and lengthy monologue. Emily Munson similarly created a comedic character as the poet, never failing to make the audience laugh through her overblown though metaphoric portrayal. Actresses such as Marielle Zakrzwski and Yusra Ali also very effectively created more serious stories in scenes including "Emily the M.B.A." and "Pay Them No Mind".
The ensemble vocals in numbers such as "All Girl Band", "Bluer Than You", and "Lifelines" were incredibly powerful. Solo pieces like "The Portrait" and "The French Monologue and Song" also stood out with brilliant performances from vocalists Madison Gardner and Maria Cotsis.
The set was simple, yet very versatile and dynamic, creating authenticity for settings such as a kindergarten classroom, and the bedroom of a teenage girl. The lighting was another highlight of the performance, changing color and focus to reflect the changing mood of each scene. Despite occasional difficulties with the sound, the amplification of the large cast was balanced very effectively. The stage crew was a surprise highlight of the performance, appearing between scenes with pep and enthusiasm.
Jenkintown High School's production of A...My Name is Alice powerfully gave voice to women across all aspects of society, encompassing them together through the idea of "Alice" to create a memorable, inspiring piece that left the audience with absolutely no doubt that "Alice is doing alright!"
by Julia Jennings of Upper Moreland High School
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How do you define feminism? Coming up with a definition that encompasses every woman's experience is difficult, if not impossible. Jenkintown High School's production of A My Name is Alice made no effort to define such a daunting term, but in not doing so may have managed to accomplish something even more impressive: capturing the raw essence of womanhood.
Conceived by Joan Silver and Julianne Boyd, A My Name is Alice is a musical revue, a patchwork of disconnected songs and monologues. It presents a kaleidoscope of modern women: friends, rivals, mothers, daughters, poets, businesswomen, and even an all women's basketball team. But unlike some feminist plays, A My Name is Alice makes no preachy pretenses. Instead of focusing on cheesy messages and feel-good songs, it pays tribute to a variety of female lifestyles, celebrating their common thread of womanhood.
The highlight of Jenkintown's production was the clear community the cast and crew had built. From the opening number, a jazzy ode to female solidarity titled "All Girl Band," the actresses' chemistry was undeniable.
Maria Cotsis stole the show with her magnetic stage presence, drawing all eyes towards her whether she was singing, speaking, or simply posing on stage. She effortlessly ducked in and out of different accents and inflections, and flawlessly delivered four minutes of hilariously nonsensical French in "The French Monologue and Song." As the First Alice in "Friends," Cotsis masterfully embodied several different ages while pulling at the audience's heartstrings with her stunning vocals.
As the show's only running gag, Emily Munson had to maintain a difficult level of continuity across her three scenes without becoming boring and repetitive. She did so hilariously, leaving the audience in stitches whether she was mimicking a wilting plant or a dying swan. Aniya Cager was another comedic powerhouse, holding a conversation with herself for almost 8 minutes. Madison Gardner left some members of the audience in tears with her heart-wrenching rendition of "The Portrait," and Yusra Ali sang gorgeously in both "Pay Them No Mind" and "Friends." The cast's chemistry was intimately beautiful to watch, with several actresses crying, cheering each other on, and exchanging firm looks of solidarity throughout the performance.
The simple but effective lighting managed to be both simplistic and engrossing, making each scene unique without becoming distracting. The stage crew were equally impressive, incorporating the cast into the short and slick scene changes in a way that made the interludes between the scenes almost as visually interesting as the scenes themselves.
With a charming cast, slick lighting, and performances raw with emotion, Jenkintown High School's production of A My Name is Alice embodied the un-embodiable, capturing all the messiness and complexity of womanhood in its purest form.
by Patrick McCann of Harriton High School
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Women. How does one describe them? Amazing? Awesome? Astounding? Jenkintown High School's production of A My Name is Alice celebrated all aspects of the female identity in their one-of-a-kind performance.
Conceived by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd, A... My Name is Alice is a whimsical musical revue packed with lesser-known yet charming songs spliced between humorous vignettes centered around the lives of various women. From the hair salon to the nightclub to parent-teacher conferences, "The Alices," (or female ensemble) offer clever insight into the desires and discomforts of the modern female.
Jenkintown's performance contained no ostentatious sets and costumes, or show-stopping numbers, for none were needed. Only the talent of young actresses carried the entire two-hour performance, every second of which was enjoyable and engaging.
Among the ensemble of Alices, there were numerous standouts: Maria Cotsis stole the show with her solo performance of "The French Monologue and Song," evoking howls of laughter from the audience with her various accents, along with thunderous applause for her impressive vocals. Another commendable soloist was Emily Munson, whose depiction of an avant-garde, feminist poet left the audience in stitches. Aniya Cager nailed the elderly yet spunky character of Ms. Mae, carrying out an entire salon conversation with herself effortlessly.
Other performers made a powerful impact with more minor roles: Yusra Ali opened the show beaming with energy, setting the tone for the rest of the performance. Her heartfelt solos in "Pay Them No Mind," and "Friends," added another layer of emotional depth to the show. Virtuoso Madison Gardner contributed to the depth as well, belting out an especially enchanting rendition of "The Portrait." Marielle Zakrzwski performed consistently while juggling a myriad of different roles, including fifty-year-old hopeless romantic Vicky, a narrator, and a demeaning boss.
The technical simplicity of the show accentuated the quality of the actresses' performance, while displaying sophistication and attention to subtle details. Particularly praiseworthy were the stage crew, who not only executed scene transitions with expediency, but added quirky twists. Whether they were dancing along to the music while laying down a table, or clad in cowboy hats following a sketch depicting moms at a nightclub, their little additions made the performance all the more entertaining.
All too often are female characters in theater secondary or one-dimensional, so A... My Name is Alice was a breath of fresh air bolstered, of course by the talented Jenkintown performers.
by Katrina Conklin of Baldwin School
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Alice is doing alright at least in Jenkintown High School's production of A... My Name Is Alice. A musical revue of short scenes, monologues and songs, that packs a powerful punch of girl power in only two acts.
First published in 1984, A... My Name Is Alice was conceived by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd. With four different composers A... My Name Is Alice has a pop-rock feel very contemporary for the time it was originally produced.
Although this musical has no linear plot it follows women from different backgrounds through a range of emotion. From comedy to tragedy, first love to heartbreak and day to day occurrences to absolute travesty. Jenkintown's production was on a simple set with furniture pieces and props that moved in and out pending on the scene. Multiple girls performed as the various "Alices" or acting in a small ensemble.
A fearless standout amongst the Alices was Maria Cotsis. With fun flair, a beautiful singing voice and stage presence beyond belief, Cotsis maintained a high level of energy through the entire duration of the show. Her featured song "French Monologue and Song" had the audience crying with laughter, and later on, when she sang "Friends" with co star Yusra Ali, the audience was in awe of her lovely harmonies.
Other Standouts include Mattie McNamara who presented a high level of professionalism in her tear-jerking monologue "Demigod". The comedic monologue performed early on in the performance by Aniya Cager was not only hilarious but kept the audience interested the entire time, never once losing energy. Group numbers such as "Pretty Young Men" and "Bluer Than You" were seamless group numbers with standout performers.
The crew of A My Name Is Alice kept the show moving with interesting, colorful lighting (designed by Delene Beauchamp and Robert Coffin). The production had multiple difficulties with sound balancing and microphones but this was easy to overlook due to the high level of professionalism by each actor.
Jenkintown High School's "All Girl Band" certainly did not leave the audience "Blue". A joyous night of vignettes performed by powerful female performers. Displaying the complexity of the lives of women, A My Name Is Alice was a spectacle you would not want to miss.
by Kayla Downing of Bordentown Regional High School
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What better way to celebrate Women's History Month than to watch an "All Girl Band" on stage. With unforgettable harmonies, dramatic poetry, and a delightful tap dance scene. AMy Name is Alice was humorous, powerful, and emotional. This performance by Jenkintown High school shows you what it means to be a woman.
The show takes place in Modern time with women who are dealing with their own struggles. The show is a collection of vignettes strung together to create a masterpiece. In this musical, all the women share the same name, though they all have different stories. It's a story of perseverance as a woman, and self love through aging. Taking us down the life paths of various women, and the experiences they share in friendship, families, and work. The musical was conceived by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd. It was published by Samuel French Theatrical company.
The scenery/background in each scene remained consistent, while the lighting changed. The set was very minimalistic, but the lively actresses brought the show to life. The set changes were engaging because the stage crew added a comedic element to the show. Between scenes, they would changesets while nodding their heads, and dancing to the beat of the drum. The music by the pit was always on queue and never left me unsatisfied.
In the song "All Girl Band" Alice sings out "from now on I'm singing the lead" these girls took the audience by storm. To start of the show Yusra Ali amazed the audience with her vocals, and emotion written all over her face. Providing us with the powerful introduction we needed, talking about "one of those days" that all the woman in the audience could relate to. Later on, in the show, we see the comedic elements given to us by Emily Munson and Maggie Farr. Emily Musson the poet of the play continuously had the crowd in laughter with her three-part "For Women Only" poems. While Maggie Farr showed off her tap skills in her solo performance of "Good thing I learned to dance".
The harmony of the Alices truly soared through the sky. In each scene, they were in they stayed in key, and all the rounds were on point. The choreography was well rehearsed in "Detroit persons/Educated feet". Using basketballs on stage is very risky, but the girls did a great job of keeping the passes secured.
Though the mics weren't fully cooperating, throughout the whole musical the girls still had the ability to project their voices. The lighting was spectacular, and the spotlight followed Maria Cotsis throughout the duration of "The French Monologue & Song". Maria did a great job making the audience cheer with her gorgeous vocals.
The finale of the show was beautiful. Tears were shed because of the powerful message given to us by the lead singer of "Lifelines" Madison Gardner who used her voice to bring clarity to the whole musical. The lyrics of the song were sung in harmony with all of the Alice's and rang out self-love. Jenkintown High school did a fantastic rendition of A...My Name is Alice causing Women who saw the show to feel seen, and loved.
by Cydney Brown of Abington Friends School
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Jenkintown High School's production of A..My Name is Alice is just as poignant as it is hilarious, just as heartbreaking as it is joyous and overall an important show, especially in March, Women's History Month.
First conceived by Julianne Boyd and Joan Micklin Silver, A...My Name is Alice was then written and composed in a very collaborative way, much as the musical would suggest through its use of different perspectives. Songs were composed by people such as, David Zippel, Winnie Holzman, and Lucy Simon and vignettes were written by people such as Anne Meara. The show explores the ups and downs in a diverse group of women's lives through short vignettes, letting the audience have a peek into the highs and the lows of tens of women's lives.
Jenkintown High School's production of the show was packed with raw emotion that the audience could feel radiating off of the performers. Ensemble numbers such as "All Girl Band" showed of flawless harmonies and endless fun while solos such as "The Portrait" were beautifully emotional and impactful, leaving the audience thinking.
A...My Name is Alice is a true ensemble show with no true leads yet there were surely numbers and actors that stood out as audience favorites. Maria Cotsis did an amazing job in the scene, "The French Monologue and Song", leaving the audience tirelessly laughing, while also displaying her beautiful singing voice. Yusra Ali did a beautiful job in her portrayal as one half of the life long best friend duo in the scene, "Friends," packed with emotion that seamlessly shifted from childish enthusiasm to the insecurity of old age perfectly. Finally Madison Gardner's voice stunned the audience in both "The Portrait" and "Lifelines/All Girl Band (Reprise)" displaying amazing range and control while lacking no emotion.
The stage was minimalistic, only permanently adorned with a black platform, allowing the stage to morph to fit any scene that was going on. The lights, by Delene Beauchamp and Robert Coffin, were also minimalist, working perfectly with the general realness and relatability of the show. Finally stage crew, which consisted of Michael Casey, Eric Malfa, and Lucas Pacuraru, was assisted by the performers in between the scenes, showing the interconnectedness of the stories perfectly.
Jenkintown High School's Production of A...My Name is Alice was just as hilarious as it was tragic, just as fun as it was important, highlighting the stories of many all under the common theme of women, something especially important to focus on this month, Women's History Month.
by Holly Myers of Abington Friends School
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Join the all girl band for A...My Name is Alice at Jenkintown High School. A...My Name is Alice was conceived by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd.
This relatable hilarious musical is in vignettes telling the stories of the day to day lives of women. Although sharing the same name, Alice, their lives range from first dates to blind dates, even from daydreaming about boys with friends to daydreaming at the office. With sad times and happy times, this musical gives you opportunities to understand each character in limited time. Whether through keeping a long-lasting friendship or going through a break, A...My Name is Alice connects with every woman.
The stage is highly minimalistic with a platform and stairs on both sides. The sets don't change drastically, only having furniture to move. The platform is multifaceted being used as high school bleachers or a stage for an overdramatic poet. Although constant, the lights change to create a different mood for each vignette. Opening with "All Girl Band", the lights were fuschia as the backdrop, then ending act 1 with "Bluer Than You", the backdrop was a melancholy blue.
As the show doesn't have a main character, it makes up for it with incredible characters that stand out from the rest. "For Women Only Poems #1, 2, and 3" played by Emily Munson overdramatizes poetry in her own way, blaming men for being a clipped bird, a drooping plant, and a dying swan. Her sound effects are ones to remember. Another memorable performance was office receptionist Mindy (Laura Dibble) wanting an exciting romantic life in "Trash"; Dibble tangoed around the workplace looking for adventure. A sooth daydreaming voice sung by Mattie McNamara as Featured Alice in "I Sure Like The Boys" takes us back to the high school days daydreaming and sharing thoughts with friends. Another hilarious performance in Act 1 was "Ms. Mae" (Aniya Cager) at the beauty parlor telling stories to the hair stylist and oooo child, it was something to see.
The musical included heartwarming performances as well as relatable ones. "The Portrait" (Madison Gardner) sings about losing her mother and needing her in her life; Gardener's light gentle date allows the audience to reflect on life and death. "At My Age" with Vicky (Marielle Zakzwski) and Karen (Sophie Pettit) brings us back to our first date as a teenager and as an adult, Zakrzwski and Pettit both channel the nervous feeling of waiting for your date with such success. In heartwarming performance, "Friends", first Alice (Maria Cotsis) and second Alice (Yusra Ali) display a timeline of friendship, from children to adults. Ali and Cotsis show us that it is very possible to keep friendships alive. "Pretty Young Men" played by Arlene (Maggie Farr), Helen (Maria Cotsis), and Roz (Laura Dibble) show us how to have a good time at a Girl's Night Out, Farr, Cotsis, and Dibble's friendship is something evidential and relatable on so many levels.
All Alices are individually strong in their vignettes, filling the stage more with themselves than the set. But they are all stronger together in ensemble performances in outfit coordination and sublime harmonies. With an enthusiastic stage crew and a girl power ensemble, celebrate Women's Month with A...My Name is Alice!
by Kayla Brown of Abington Friends School
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Can you imagine feeling discontented with being "just a wife?" Sick of the kids? Tired of the PTA and carpooling? Then maybe it's time to join the "All Girl Band!" In Jenkintown High School's motivating production of A My Name is Alice, membership is available to all females, no matter their age, background or race.
A My Name is Alice is a revue, consisting of 21 small vignettes that provide a little peek into the lives of many women. Ranging from a fifteen-year-old girl feeling nervous excitement over her first date to enthusiastic young mothers visiting a strip club to an elderly woman rambling to her hair stylist, the show offered relatable situations for the audience to ponder. The production originally debuted at The Village Gate in New York City in 1983, and received a warm critical response for its sophisticated lyrics and complexity.
Jenkintown High School's rendition of A My Name is Alice was honest and emotional, displaying believable relationships and offering a captivating twist on events of everyday life.
The actors appeared immersed in their roles, despite only having one scene and few interactions to develop their characters. Madison Gardner pulled the audience's heartstrings with her poignant vocals during "The Portrait." In contrast, both Emily Munson and Maria Cotsis had the audience in stitches. Munson performed three short "For Women Only Poems" that satirized overzealous women blaming men for all their problems, punctuated with exaggerated characterizations of a crippled bird, dying swan and thirsty plant. Cotsis quickly made herself a fan-favorite with her dramatic flair for accents in "The French Monologue & Song" and her portrayal of an excitedly desirous woman in "Pretty Young Men." Cotsis also proved her flexibility with Yusra Ali in "Friends," a touching song depicting the entire history of a friendship. As the lead vocalist in "Pay Them No Mind," Ali combined her excellent voice with a magnetic stage presence to compel the audience to the song's meaningful messa
ge. Aniya Cager delivered an impressive monologue to an imaginary stylist. Her reactions to the story she was telling were priceless.
The production's lighting, orchestrated by Delene Beauchamp and Robert Coffin, conveyed each scene's mood, while also creating an interesting backdrop for scene changes. The stage crew worked efficiently to move the props around between scenes. They also provided entertainment during the interludes by dancing and wearing small costume props on their way to move items. Though there were some issues with microphones cutting in and out, overall the sound crew managed each individual situation well.
Jenkintown High School's A My Name is Alice was brought to life with authenticity and relatability, celebrating the diversity and depth women bring to the world.
by Anji Cooper of Academy of the New Church
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Come join the all girl band in Jenkintown High School's production of, " A...My Name is Alice" !
This show is a musical review featuring songs and sketches about women of different ages telling a wide variety of stories. The show originally opened off-broadway in 1984 and was produced by the Women's Project of the American Place Theatre. It is performed by a large ensemble of women called the Alice's who introduce themselves by reciting a variation of the popular children's rhyme, " A..My Name is Alice".
The show only relies on a strong ensemble of women to carry it across. The natural diversity of the show showcased the entire cast and their variety of talents and abilities. While energy lacked in some of the ensemble numbers, they still managed to deliver quality singing and dancing.
"A..My Name is Alice" includes songs that have become staples of musical auditions and cabarets. This is because of their strong comedic or emotional value which can often create a strong performance. Emotional songs include"The Portrait" beautifully sung by Madison Gardner and "Pay Them No Mind" which featured Yusra Ali soulfully singing with the entire cast. Comedic songs include, "The French Monologue and Song" which featured Maria Cotsis doing her best french accent and "Good Thing I learned to Dance" where Maggie Farr showed off her tap dancing skills.
Another memorable thing about the show was the acting, especially during the monologues and sketches. Emily Munson played a reoccuring beatnik poet who performed a series of poems from her collection, "For Women Only". Her over dramatic readings never failed to make the audience laugh. Aniya Cager played Ms.Mae, a black woman who has just gotten her hair done. Both of these actresses had no one else onstage to play off of which can often be difficult, but it never stopped them from having energy onstage.
Due to the nature of the show, "A...My Name is Alice" featured a minimal set. It consisted of a singular staircase and set pieces only included a small amount of chairs and a table. Costumes were very simple because the show mainly relied on everyday clothing. The only technical issue was that microphones would often cut out frequently and come in either too soft or too loud. Having minimal technical elements, made the show greater because it highlighted the talent of the performers.
Jenkintown High School found the perfect show to showcase all of the talented girls in their theater department. Whether it was through solos or full cast numbers, it told the audience that every woman has their own story to tell.
by Anna Davis of Archbishop John Carroll High School
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This weekend, Jenkintown High School did a phenomenal job in their production of A My Name is Alice.
A My Name is Alice is a musical about 16 girls named Alice. Each girl tells their story through either a song, poem, or just a regular story. This show has the whole audience going through a number of emotions throughout the whole performance.
There were 16 girls playing women named Alice in this musical. Throughout the whole show, each Alice got to tell their story to the audience. I really felt their emotions during each story and was very interested the whole time. They all engaged with the audience so well and made the show even more enjoyable. I believe each Alice portrayed their characters very well and did an outstanding job telling their stores.
The tech aspect of the show was fantastic. The set was very simple which was very fitting for the performance and helped us keep our focus on the actors. The set changes were very smooth and fun to watch! Stage crew danced on stage while they moved props on and off and really made the crowd laugh! I loved seeing the crew enjoy themselves on stage and it just made the whole experience even better! The costumes for this show were regular everyday clothes which really added a great effect to the performance. There were very few mic issues throughout the entire show. When the whole cast was singing together, the mics were balanced very well and no voice stuck out. This can be very hard to achieve so I really appreciated the way this was done.
Overall Jenkintown did a fantastic job with their rendition of A My Name is Alice and I am really looking forward to seeing what they do in the future!
by Jess Flores of Archbishop John Carroll High School
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A...my name is Alice, and my husband's name is Adam, And his girlfriend's name is Amy, is a childhood rhyme Jenkintown High School brings to life in their production of Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd's A My Name is Alice.
This not particularly well-known production unfolds in a series of vignettes in that of a musical revue of around 20 songs and sketches performed by a sixteen-member cast of women of different ages and types in a 'wide variety of situations and relationships with perspicacity, empathy, and self-belittling humor.
The young women in the production from the top of the show to bottom held such capturing emotion and showcase simplistic, yet capturing, well-executed choreography. The girls acquire the persona of their character so convincingly. Holding conversations with oneself is very complex to hold, but executed quite well in this production. The songs featured comedic sketches that present moral themes, to heart-wrenching, empowering performances in scenes.
To highlight some of the actresses that performed exquisitely were Maria Cotsis, Yursa Ali, Emily Munson, Maggie Farr, Aniya Cager, Madison Gardner, and Laura Dibble. Maria Cotsis delivered a riveting, extremely enjoyable performance in "The French Monologue & Song" one on one in front of the audience creating such a personable experience. Yursa Ali began the show with such vivid and exciting energy that really brought the audience's engagement alive. A fantastic trio of Maggie Farr, Maria Cotsis and Laura Dibble in "Pretty Young Men" began the second act with good, entertaining energy and comedic play. Ms. Mae, played by the incredibly funny Aniya Cager, never broke character and thoroughly lovable to watch. Emily Muson's three poems were extremely well blocked and she was very comfortable in her stage presence which was great to watch.
Other featured roles that stood out were Daniel Wescott and Chris Higham who played Stanley and Howard in "Trash". They presented their roles very fittingly and really added a funny element to the show.
Alyssa Davidson, Mark Yurkanin, Wes Schaal, and Tim Wolfe, Jr. brought the Alices to life with vivid, exciting sounds that were performed very professionally. Heather Willever-Farr instituted costumes that were very simplistic but very sophisticated and fitting to the scenes. Miss Ann Gardiner choreographed numbers very favorably strong, and stage crew was swift and pleasant to watch become engaged in the music passing through with props for the set. The set design itself brought to life by Flannel and Hammer, was so straightforward, but incorporated various props that brought the stage to life. Bill Pross added lights that conveyed the pure, raw emotion of the scenes in a very attractive arrangement.
Jenkintown High Schools' production of AMy Name is Alice was one most intricately well produced as it was enjoyable, delightful and refreshing to watch.
by Maria Englert of Archbishop John Carroll High School
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The power of women is a timeless and relatable theme. Jenkintown High School's production of A...My Name is Alice presented the audience with this theme through small vignettes of the struggles and triumphs of women both in ordinary and not-so-ordinary ways. The heartwarming performance highlighted what it truly means to be a woman.
The multiple vignettes of the show place the all-girl cast, with the exception of a few men, in a series of non-connecting, non-consecutive scenes. These women, the Alices, are shown at all ages, through all walks of life, and in numerous situations, interactions, and relationships that present the audience with insights into the strength of women.
The cast of Alices presented multiple stories, playing multiple different parts with multiple different people. The mixtures of songs and monologues allowed each of the actresses to show their strengths and acknowledge their weaknesses. Though no one actress took over as a lead character, captivating and impressive performances by Maria Cotsis and Laura Dibble were truly unforgettable and made for a strong and carrying theme of women in all stages of life.
Several other Alices left touching and lasting impressions on the audience. Madison Gardener's rendition of "The Portrait" and Aniya Cager's monologue as Ms. Mae gave the audience an impression of very different women with the same idea of strength. The Alices overall presented strong ensemble numbers like "Bluer Than You" that, at times, lacked energy, but was still full of emotion and power.
The lighting of the show was extremely conducive to a close-knit, community feel for both the audience and the stage. Entrances, exits, and transitions were full of charming attitude from the cast and stage crew alike that allowed the show a more intimate feel for the audience and made every part detailed and exciting. The unusual participation, attitude, and dancing of the stage crew in the blue light of set transitions made for a truly unique experience.
The vignettes of Jenkintown High School's production of A...My Name is Alice left the audience feeling empowered and loved, having experienced a transformative message of the power, strength, and all-consuming love of women.
by Noelle Arpea of Archbishop John Carroll High School
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The empowering primarily female cast, entertaining songs, and important message made Jenkintown High School's production of "A...My Name is Alice" a show to remember.
This musical is comprised of small vignettes about women of all ages and types. With some funny and emotional songs, it relates to various aspects of women- from a young girl about to go on her first date, to a grandmother in the beauty parlor, to a girl wishing her mother was still with her. However, the one thing that connects the small scenes is the fact that the characters are all females, and each of them has something to say.
The entire cast embraced this musical wonderfully. The energy never faltered, especially in the ensemble numbers. During the final song, "Lifelines/All Girl Band", it was clear that everyone was having the time of their lives while conveying this powerful message.
While there were no clear leads in this production, there were many break-out soloists who did a fantastic job. The singer of "The French Monologue & Song", Maria Cotsis, had a gorgeous voice and stunning French accent which she maintained throughout. Likewise, Madison Gardner did an excellent job performing the emotional song, "The Portrait". As well, Yusra Ali and Maria Costis stole the show during their duet, "Friends".
Many other talented students comedically characterized these vignettes. Aniya Cager was hysterically realistic as a grandmother during her monologue, Ms. Mae. Similarly, Emily Munson was amusing during her three poems, "For Women Only...". Other memorable performances included Laura Dibble's entertaining song, "Trash", and Isabelle Stec-Sala's brilliant solo during "Welcome to Kindergarten, Mrs. Johnson".
The stage crew was one unexpected highlight of the show. They felt authentic to the story and tied the vignettes together by acting and dancing during set changes. As well, the lighting was very strong and conveyed the mood of each individual scene perfectly. There were some technical issues with the mikes in the beginning of the show, yet it didn't detract from the performance and it was quickly fixed.
Jenkintown High School's production of "A...My Name is Alice", got an A for the performance of this hilarious, emotional, and fun-loving musical that celebrated females of all ages and types perfectly.
by Skylar Ortiz of Baldwin School
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A.. My Name is Alice is a musical written by Jane Bayer, and it was produced first in 1983. This musical features small vignettes of various women at different times in their lives. The show jumps around to different people, sometimes they could be at a parent-teacher conference or at a hair salon or even a limo. The whole musical is about empowering the women element of theatre, and it does a good job of doing this in a very comical and thoughtful way.
Jenkintown High School's production of this musical was simply amazing. Every short little scene topped the last, and they had an electrifying end.
Maria Cotsis was one of the most commonly seen Alice's in the show, and she played her role amazingly. Her most iconic scene was for sure her singing the French Monologue. She was one person who kept consistently good energy throughout the whole thing, and her accent switching was absolutely magnificent. Above all her comedic timing was what made it a pleasure watching her perform. Another one of the more notable Alice's most definitely was Emily Munson, every once in awhile Munson would come out on stage solo and perform poetry that all had a common theme. Along with this poetry she would add in unique dance moves to signify her words, and her commitment to the piece was amazing to me.
A musically outstanding Alice was Madison Gardner, her voice was stunning, and she did an amazing scat solo in the final number. Not only that, but she did a solo song about missing her mother in which she demonstrated her great musical talent. In terms of technics, most things were great. There were a number of mics cutting in the show, but ultimately it didn't detract anything from the show. Lights in the show were simple, and they were done great. Sets in the show were pretty simple, and the stagehands seemed to be getting into the show. This added so much to the atmosphere of the show, and it made the show a lot more fun to watch. Costumes in the show were simple, and they did their job well. The show was set to show you the experience of average women, and the costumes did a good job.
Jenkintown's A..My Name is Alice did a great job of telling a story. The play more than anything felt like fun, and it looked like everyone was enjoying themselves. It's nice to see actors enjoying what their doing on stage. I think Jenkintown's performance was refreshingly nice.
by Avery Johnson of Friends Select School
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The problems that are becoming more apparent with women leave ample opportunity for the musical A...My Name is Alice to be preformed.
Jenkintown High Schools production of A...My Name is Alice was inspiring. The show consists of a series of vignettes preformed by different actresses. The show was perfect to celebrate Women's History Month with since the only time you would see an actor was to forward a woman's story. The vignettes show women's troubles in society from going on the first date, the loss of a loved one, and the hate that is received from others.
The production worked because of connection between stage crew and cast. The cast seemed to be invested in helping the stage crew and vise versa. The relationship between the actors on the stage was just as stunning as the skills they brought to the show
Although there were no leads one of the Alice's stood out for both her singing and acting abilities. Maria Cotsis was very strong throughout all of the scenes she was in. Her accents in "The French Monologue & Song" were outstanding along with the voice control.
Another strong Alice was portrayed by Yursa Ali. Opening the entire production with a strong voice and a good acting ability. She sang a chill inducing version of "Pay Them No Mind'.
The set changes were very smooth due to the stage crew. Along with being good with their jobs they were also a delight to behold. While participating in the scene changes all of the actors and stage crew stayed in character as well as did movements that forwarded the enjoyment of the crowd. The sound from the mics sometimes cut out and the lights not focused on the right spot but overall the production was still astounding.
Overall the entire production was carefully handled, skillfully crafted, and beautifully preformed. Both the actors and the stage crew seemed intimately induced with the prosperity of the show.
by Lucy Kelley of Friends Select School
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Actresses amaze the audience with stunning songs! Jenkintown High School's production of "A...My Name is Alice" touched the audience's hearts one song at a time.
"A...My Name is Alice" is a musical of a collection of vignettes that focus on the central theme of feminism and the strength of women. Some scenes made the audience cried and others made them laugh. The show definitely showed a variety of emotions.
Overall, some actresses had strong vocals. The show could have had more energy and it would have been great to see the actresses more invested in the show. The show was hilarious at times and literally made people cry at others.
Maria Cotsis wowed the audience with her amazing voice. Her vocals were outstanding and she switched between many accents in seconds in "The French Monologue & Song". She was a delight to watch and played her characters very simply but effectively. Emily Munson was a crowd favorite. She really brought the comedy to the show with her vignettes of "For Women Only" poems. She could have gone even further but she still was a delight to watch. Laura Dibble had nice vocals but during some of her scenes, she could have been more invested in her performance. However, she really shined in "Pretty Young Men". Madison Gardner really stood out for her vocals during "The Portrait" and "Lifelines". Her acting was extremely simplistic and could have used more energy but her vocals sent shivers throughout the room.
Maggie Farr really stood out in her song "Good Thing I Learned to Dance". Her tap number was enjoyable and her vocals were pleasant to listen to. She brought nice character choices to each of her characters and really distinguished the differences between them. Yusra Ali was a delight to watch. She brought a lot of energy to the show and was consistently in character on stage. Her song "Pay Them No Mind" moved the audience and brought many people to tears. It was a beautiful performance.
The stage management went very smoothly. The set changes were very simplistic but were done smoothly. The stage crew danced around when they came on stage to move set pieces which were a nice choice to make the set changes enjoyable. The lighting was simplistic and smooth throughout the show and added a nice dash of color to each scene. The microphones would cut in and out at times and sometimes were too loud or too quiet but other than that, the sound was delightful.
Jenkintown High School's production of "A...My Name is Alice" was a beautiful show that could have used more energy but still got the point across: that women are powerful and should never be underestimated.
by Sara Kelley of Friends Select School
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The Jenkintown High School production team asked audiences to join and listen to the 'All Girls Band' in their rendition of 'A... My Name is Alice.'
Originally conceived by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd, 'A... My Name is Alice' is a song cycle rather than a traditional musical. Progressing through a series of slice of life vignettes, the anecdotes depict very different women who have very different experiences who all unite under the same theme: a celebration of femininity.
Jenkintown's performance made audiences laugh and contemplate with each powerful and energized vignette. The energy among cast members ran high throughout the production and the transitions were swiftly and seamlessly conducted by an energized stage crew, providing for a fluid theatrical experience. Displaying maturity and dedication, the cast and crew provided a show that was delightfully entertaining and hardly 'For Women Only.'
The cast capitalized off the comedic moments with a keen understanding of the wit of each of their anecdotes. A stand-out was Maria Costis who had audiences roaring with laughter in her 'French Monologue and Song,' in which she demonstrated an impeccable comedic timing and dedicated herself to her humorous French accent. She additionally lent her comedic timing to the number 'Pretty Young Men,' joined by Laura Dibble and Maggie Farr, who charmed audiences with winning facial expressions that showed just what 'scandalous' sights they were seeing.
Quirky and eccentric, Emily Munson additionally endeared audiences with her poems 'For Women Only,' utilizing a comedic physicality and a mature, self-deprecating wit. A more serious number, 'The Portrait,' had Madison Gardner reflecting on a girl's need for her mother. Gardner made the song all the more thought provoking with her solid vocal abilities and tender performance.
The stage crew of Jenkintown's production garnered laughs themselves as they made even the transitions enjoyable, dancing to the beats of the transition music. Rather than being distracting, it was a welcome and enjoyable addition to the already wonderful production.
The Jenkintown cast navigated the difficulties of such a show in stride- keeping energy high throughout, powerfully showcasing their vocal abilities, and making audiences fall in love with characters who had mere minutes of stage time. The 'Alices' of Jenkintown's production hardly had audiences 'Bluer' by the end of their performance.
by Bailey Collington of Interboro High School
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Powerful women, stories of humor and heartbreak, beautiful voices and tight harmonies All of this and more was delivered in Jenkintown High School's moving production of A My Name is Alice.
A My Name is Alice consists of a series of vignettes, mostly performed through song. Each scene tells the story of a different woman or group of women going through the motions of life, whether that means going on a first blind date at 50, attempting a career as a poet, or struggling to keep in touch with an old friend. This show revolves around the concept of female life, delving into the challenges and the fun that accompany it.
The cast as a whole maintained an exciting energy for the majority of the show. Characterization was sometimes lost in larger ensemble numbers, however the ensemble still worked well together to deliver the harmonies of each number and had a clear chemistry between one another that was truly admirable.
There were many young women in this show who stood out and truly brought their characters to life, no matter how short their particular scenes may have been. A few memorable performances included that of Maria Cotsis, who brought strong vocals, humor, and personality to the stage, and Laura Dibble, who added a fresh and fun hilarity to the show.
Some other honorable mentions are Yusra Ali, who added a contagious warmth to her characters with her sweet voice and strong portrayal of emotion, Emily Munson, who brought a unique, quirky humor to the show, and Aniya Cager who impressively performed her solo scene, emulating her character with obvious dedication and heart.
The stage crew allowed for smooth transitions between each scene, making sure the minimalistic set was in order for each scene change. Since some of the students were not wearing microphones, it was difficult at times to hear certain dialogue and lyrics, but the cast did their best to tell the stories of their scenes.
Overall, Jenkintown High School's production of A My Name is Alice was a heartwarming, humorous, and engaging experience.
by Charlotte Relyea of Interboro High School
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Jenkintown High School's production of "A My Name is Alice" was fantastically displayed and demonstrated an important message of women empowerment, appropriately during Women's History Month.
Conceived by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd in 1983, "A My Name is Alice" contains many one-scene shows that although are not connected in plot, all have the central theme of women. Played by an all girl cast, with the exception of a few men, each girl plays a different role and tells a short story of their life in acting, singing, or both.
In this production, there was 16 Alices and almost all of them did a spectacular job and filled the room with emotion. Maria Cotsis played a plethora of roles but her top performance was in "The French Monologue & Song" where she never once broke character despite the difficulty of changing into many accents and was still comedic. Maggie Farr played a hilarious dedicated mom in "Pretty Young Men" but soon broke when the "cowboy hats" came out. Yusura Ali, whether front and center or in the back, always displayed passionate emotion and was one to look out for wherever she was placed.
Emily Munson brought the comedic aspect to the stage whenever she stepped out to share her new poem entitled "I am woman". Madison Gardner stole the show with her powerful vocals in "The Portrait" and seamless runs in "Lifelines". Mattie McNamara was a formidable actress when describing how she was captivated by a man and later how her lover got up and left her. Although only in one scene, Chris Higham and Danny Wescott made their hilarious debut in "Trash".
The set was minimal but the stage crew were fun to watch when the set went dark. Most shows, stage crew rush onto a stage and run off to get the scene moving, but Jenkintown moved in a timely manner, dancing on stage and came out with props, making the show even more enjoyable. The lighting exemplified the feeling of the scenes and it was evident that it was chosen and changed carefully with every song and act. Although the sound was a little distracting because of pops, that did not stop the actresses to keep on prevailing and adjust their vocals as necessary.
"A My Name is Alice" by Jenkintown High School truly represented the hard times and good times of women and how they can come together to be as one. In the last scene, the Alice's were so captivated by the amazing show they demonstrated and the friendships produced through it, that many started crying and that made the show even more meaningful.
by Julien Reardon of Interboro High School
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Celebrating Women's History Month, Jenkintown High School's production of "A My Name is Alice" put women in the limelight and had the audience laughing, crying, and everything in between.
"A My Name is Alice" is composed entirely of a series of vignettes that all surround the central theme of women. This cycle of songs and sketches depicts all women of different ages and situations, and each one tells a new story about women.
This performance may not have scenes progressing one central plot, but what it does have is a strong bond between women. These students worked together, yet separately, and created an entirely different mood and feeling with each new scene.
As one of the Alices, Marta Cotsis was a stand out performer among the ensemble and in her solo moments. Her diverse and committed performances throughout the show revealed how much of a stand out actress she is. He performances in the songs "Pretty Young Men" and "The French Monologue & Song" brought out a comedic side, while in "Friends" her emotional characterization fueled the song and established a caring tone.
Channeling her inner poet was Emily Munson who recited three different poems throughout the show. Although they all were connected to the same theme, she established a different tone for each one and told a story with her interpretive and comedic movements. This production focuses on contrasting moods that are exemplified by Maggie Farr's energy-filled performances including tap dancing and the typical mom going out for the first time since having kids which put smiles on faces all around. Opposite of this was Yusra Ali's performances that established a more earnest tone that was highlighted by her singing that evoked the same mood.
Delene Beauchamp's and Robert Coffin's approach to lighting fit the tone of each scene perfectly. Their simplistic lighting setup mirrored the simplistic nature of the show and used color in a way that established the tone of each scene. Along with this was the use of brighter lights and the occasional spotlight to create more of a setting among the minimalist set. The stage crew and cast deserve appreciation for being involved in the scene changes by doing little dances and keeping the audience entertained when there would traditionally just be music and a dark stage.
Jenkintown High School's production of "A My Name is Alice" embodied female empowerment and celebrates women of all types, and this cast had that in their heart and was able to reveal it all to an intrigued audience.
by Liam McCaffrey of Interboro High School
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Imagine a show where everyone has the same name and highlights important subjects all while singing, oh wait there's a musical that includes all of the above!
A musical revue published in 1983 and written by Jane Bayer, "A My Name is Alice", is a series of vignettes focusing on present day topics, mainly women's rights. The show depicts several women, whom all are named Alice, and unfolds stories of each character in different manners.
Jenkintown High School's production of "A My Name is Alice" consisted of two acts. Although act one lacked energy in some parts, the cast made up for it with an outstanding second act! The actresses did a splendid job at transitioning from the different characters from scene to scene.
Alice, portrayed by Maria Cotsis, had a difficult character to portray. She had several accents, yet spoke in them realistically, and continuously without breaking character. Her main accent, french, was spoken so eloquently and the enunciation was clear for the audience to still understand the comidical aspect of her character. Her notable performance was impressive due to her consistency of her french accent even during her song. Yusra Ali, also portraying Alice, had wonderful emotion in her performances, it was obvious how her character felt through her facial expressions. Madison Gardner, Alice, was phenomenal! Her vocals were angelic yet she still portrayed the emotion of her song "The Portrait" through her facial expressions and movements.
Act two opened up with "Pretty Young Men" and included three actresses, Maggie Farr, Maria Cotsis and Laura Dibble. It was evident that the performance was more than enjoyable for the audience. The song had everyone laughing and ready to hear more. Each actress had their own unique aspect to the song, yet shared the stage equally.
The simplistic lighting requirements allowed for the mood to be set quickly for each scene. Even though the mics would turn on after the actresses began speaking, they didn't allow that to interfere with their performances as a whole. The stage crew was also an enjoyable aspect of the show. Although they weren't apart of the cast, they still danced when changing scenes as they brought props onto the stage.
Jenkintown High School was marvelous with their performance of "A My Name is Alice" due to the actresses characterization, vocals, as well as their energy portrayed throughout the show.
by Ryan McGinley of Interboro High School
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For women only Poem #4. Jenkintown High School's production of "A My Name Is Alice" was an inspiring and sophisticated performance that invited the audience to celebrate women and as they depicted a wide range of life experiences and relationships from a diversity of women of all different ages, backgrounds, and perspectives.
"A My Name Is Alice", is a musical vignette originally written by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd, first produced in the 1980s. The lively vignette conceived by a wide variety of comedy writers, lyricists, and composers presents a marvelous Kaleidoscope of modern women. Sophisticated, funny, and insightful, the show focuses on twenty musical numbers and short scenes which portray different life experiences including friends, rivals, and sisters.
Impressively performed, the entire cast took on a fast pace and vocally demanding show. Each character equally executed and supported unforgettable performances as they each took stage. Creating a powerful and energetic production they kept the audience laughing all night, along with a few shed tears.
Standout performance from Madison Gardner immediately drew the audience in with her heartwarming vocals and tender emotions of losing her mother in "The Portrait". Followed by Maria Cotsis who was impressive as she flawlessly spoke in multiple accidents, and convincingly conveyed conflicting emotions of searching for her identity in "The French Monologue and Song". The entire cast continued to deliver throughout the show with their intricate scene changes and beautiful harmonies in scenes and songs such as "Bluer Than You", "Pay Them No Mind", and "Lifelines/All Girl Band".
In addition, Laura Dibble (Mindy), encapsulated her character of a woman who wishes her life was as exciting as a trash romance novel. Paired with her gorgeous vocals and comedic timing certainly made both "Trash" and "Pretty Young Men" true show stoppers. More laughs followed from characters such as Ms. Mae (Aniya Cager) and Poet (Emily Munson) both perfectly executed comedic timing in their short monologues.
Included in this production was a small orchestra who played their instruments exceptionally. They effortlessly performed score after score without hesitation and created amazing energy for both the cast and audience. Costume designs were especially commendable as the garments were essential in creating each individual character and bringing them to life.
Jenkintown High School gave an inspiring and entertaining performance, filled with life, loves, and friendships as the cast of "A My Name Is Alice" navigated the audience through the "carpool of life" family, relationships, and life changing events as the all declare "Alice is doing alright".
by Carlee Ingelido of Ridley High School
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Jenkintown High School's production of A My Name is Alice did a nice job putting on a meaningful show!
A My Name is Alice is a lesser known musical revue with a central theme of women. Each song / monologue follows different characters and stories, but a few numbers throughout follow the same group of "Alice's". The show has over 15 songs composed by many different people such as David Zippel, Winnie Holzman, and Lucy Simon. The show was first produced in New York City in 1984, and has two sequels called A My Name is Still Alice and A My Name Will Always Be Alice.
Overall, Jenkintown High School gave good effort into a different styled show. The almost entirely female cast had well developed characters and nice vocals throughout. Although at times there were issues hearing cast members and energy levels could have been higher, the cast and crew did a commendable job.
Leading the cast, Maria Cotsis did a great job throughout the entire show. In her staring number "The French Monologue & Song", Cotsis brought lovely comedic timing and stunning vocals together to a well formed number. Cotsis also shined in group pieces such as "Pretty Young Men" and "I Sure Like The Boys".
Another stand out cast member was Yusra Ali. From the first moment she stepped on stage, Ali had a stage presence which encapsulated the audience. In her stand out numbers "Pay Them No Mind" and "Friends", her incredible vocal performance shone through. Even in numbers where she wasn't the center of attention such as "I Sure Like The Boys" and "Bluer Than You", she dominated the stage with her non-verbal attributes.
Aniya Cager delightfully engaged the audience with her monologue portraying the character of Ms. Mae. She used great vocal delivery and comedic timic through her piece. In addition, Emily Munson hilariously delivered several monologues entitles "For Women Only Poem #1", "For Women Only Poem #2", and "For Women Only Poem #3".
The stage crew, composed of Michael Casey, Eric Malfa, and Lucas Pacuraru, effectively and timely completed scene changes throughout the duration of the show. Even though the changes themselves were completed quickly, they comedically did so, and made said changes even quicker.
Overall, Jenkintown High School did a nice job with a rather difficult production!
by Kara Kennedy of Ridley High School
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While first dates, basketball games, office jobs and kindergarten seem like a strange combination, Jenkintown High School manages to explore them all in A My Name is Alice.
First produced in 1983 by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd, A My Name is Alice is a musical revue consisting of 20 sketches following women. Although their tales are not connected, all of the stories, whether hilarious or heartbreaking, unite under one central theme: the power of womanhood.
Throughout the production, the cast maintained their characters well, which is no easy feat when playing older, more mature roles. Many of the girls also had to sing or act alone on stage, which can make it difficult to fill the space; however, every girl managed to keep the audience engaged.
Although A My Name is Alice had no true lead actresses, many of the cast members stood out as powerful performers. In "For Women Only Poem #1, #2, and #3", the comically adroit Emily Munson kept the audience laughing despite being alone on stage with virtually no props. Maria Cotsis was excellent in "The French Monologue and Song", showcasing her powerful vocals and great acting. In "Pretty Young Men", Maggie Farr (Arlene), Maria Cotsis (Helen), and Laura Dibble (Rozz) gave an amusing performance thanks to their great facial expressions and pleasant voices.
Overall, every cast member did an admirable job of keeping the show interesting. Stand out performances include Aniya Cager as Ms. Mae and Marielle Zakrzwski as Mrs. Kaplan, Vicky, and the narrator in "Emily the M.B.A". In addition, Yusra Ali did a superb job in many different roles, but she was particularly great it "Pay Them No Mind". While some actresses seemed to lack intensity and vocal power, every girl seemed to be enjoying their time on stage.
The technical crew helped keep the show running smoothly, specifically during scene changes. In each scene change, the stage was not completely dark, meaning crew members were visible to the audience. Thankfully, stage crew moved fluidly across the stage and even occasionally alluded to previous scenes. Lighting was reflective of the themes within each song, keeping the stage visually appealing despite the minimal set. Although there were issues with sound at times, they quickly recovered.
Being a musical revue rather than one continuous story, A My Name is Alice is a complex show to undertake, but Jenkintown High School put forth a respectable production.
by Kelly McCarthy of Ridley High School
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A...My Name is Alice performed by Jenkintown High School might be exactly be the motivation you need to appreciate and empower the women in your life, or at least join an "All Girl Band"
A... My Name Is Alice is a musical revue by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd, first done in 1983. It won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Revue. It consists of over 20 songs and sketches by various composers and writers. A musical revue is a series of vignettes connected under one general theme, and in the case of A...My Name is Alice the theme is women.
An ensemble show, the cast of A...My Name is Alice is only as strong as their weakest member and lucky for them it was hard to spot one. Where the cast in certain spots lacked energy they later made up for in comedic timing, dance breaks, and a deep sense of sisterhood with one another that radiated to the audience.
Though the production had no set lead actor or actress (they are all named Alice, after all), one actress did stand out with a great deal of stage time and solos. Maria Cotsis is a skilled performer with a beautiful voice who's stage presence took control of every scene she was in. Cotsis stood out especially in "The French Song and Monologue", singing with a strong and consistent French accent and making the audience laugh at her silliness.
Another stand out actress was Aniya Cager. In one vignette, she played "Ms. Mae", a delightfully soulful woman getting her hair done and telling stories, laughing while subtly touching topics such as racial discrimination. It is extremely hard to command a stage with no one else on it, let alone for several minutes, but Ms. Cager did it with ease. Audiences did not want to see her loveable and funny character to go.
Perhaps one of the most entertaining parts of the show were the scene transitions. The crew came onstage in character, dancing and being silly relating to whatever the previous scene was. At one point, boys even came on stage wearing cowboy hats! Along with being entertaining, the crew made the many scene changes quick and easy.
After seeing this lovely and heartfelt productions, audiences may feel inclined to change their name to Alice to match their new favorite musical revue.
by McKenna Daley of Ridley High School
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Jenkintown High School and their sassy, confident, and totally hilarious "All Girl Band" put on an absolutely stunning rendition of A My Name is Alice!
A My Name is Alice is a show with no continuous plot between scenes. However, the scenes each have their own style featuring numerous women and two men who play a different character in every scene, and a central theme of female empowerment.
The entirety of JHS' A My Name is Alice was beautifully executed. Each member of the cast provided a captivating and energy filled performance. The stage crew, lighting team, and sound team all worked excellently as well. The production left the audience captivated and wanting more with every scene!
Although A My Name is Alice doesn't technically have a lead actor or actress, one of the girls in the cast stood out as if she was the lead. Maria Cotsis' gave a truly whimsical and impressive performance in her solo performance of "The French Monologue & Song" and she stood out in other numbers such as "All Girl Band", "I Sure Like The Boys", "Pretty Young Men", "Friends", and "All Girl Band (Reprise)".
Some other girls who stood out as well amidst the very talented cast were Marielle Zakrzwski, Laura Dribble, Bella Smith, Emily Munson, Maggie Farr, Delaney McGarry, Aniya Cager, Madison Gardner, and Yusra Ali.
Jenkintown High School's stage crew and lighting teams also did an excellent job of setting up the mood for each scene. The transitions between scenes were quite seamless and very well thought out. Although there were some consistent sound problems, the sound team did a nice job correcting them and the cast moved on smoothly and recovered quickly. The lighting for each scene was quite beautiful and wasn't distracting in any way. The lighting was also quite stunning through transitions between scenes as well, the audience was able to enjoy and appreciate the hard work the stage crew and cast put into making those transitions seamless.
JHS' A My Name is Alice was a gorgeous show that everyone who was involved with the production should be very proud of. Congratulations to Jenkintown High School's "All Girl Band"!
by Maddie Hogeland of Upper Moreland High School
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Life is filled with contrasting experiences, some make tears run down from eyes, some make the stomach hurt from laughter. Musical "A My Name is Alice", performed by Jenkintown High School, brilliantly captures turbulences of female life with multiple vignettes about different Alices. The show consists of 21 sketches and songs that make fun of, criticize, or dive into struggles of living a good life, and staying a strong and independent woman.
Some very talented students made every line of dialogue bring the scenes to life. Memorable performances include the Alice in "Good Thing I Learned to Dance", as she "taps" through her life with a comedic ingenuity. Another highlight is Alice in the three part "For Women Only Poem". She made the audience roar as the Alice illustrated the emotion of heart break with an imitation of a dying swan. Additionally, in the number "The Portrait" one more talented Alice made the audience feel genuine empathy towards the character with a beautiful song.
One more bright spot of the musical was "The French Monologue and Song". In the number, the quote on quote "French" Alice comedically sings about the hardships of turning German, then Danish, then Italian and finally French. With an array of amusing puns,the actress masterfully carried herself throughout the stage, authentically replicating different accents.
The minimalist sets and lighting helped set the mood for constantly switching scenes. On top of that, the energized cast and stage crew changed the sets with a bit of creativity and fun, making audience laugh in between scenes! Despite some microphone problems, the cast and crew adjusted skillfully and could be heard clearly.
"A My Name Is Alice" is an exciting production that does not let the viewers get bored for an instant. Jenkintown High School deserves much praise for making such a fun experience.
by Mariia Marchenko of Upper Moreland High School
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Just in time for Women's History, Jenkintown High School put on a uniquely stellar production of A...My Name is Alice that was sure to fuel the idea of true girl power in the hearts of many.
A production of multiple vignettes, A.. My Name is Alice is a musical revue telling the stories of multiple different women and their multiple different lives, which are surprisingly not connected, but are all united under the central theme of female empowerment.
Each and every Alice, as well as every crew member all showed clear dedication and passion towards show itself. Every vignette throughout the production told a new story, each creating a new narrative with such emotion that left every member of the audience either dying of laughter or wiping tears from their eyes.
The countless Alices within the show each created their own lasting impressions on the audience members, as each scene consisted of a new character telling their own story. Many of the actresses in the show played different characters in various scenes, but stand out characters included Maggie Farr with her ability to show versatility with both singing and acting, Madison Gardner displaying her incredible vocal abilities in heart wrenching songs such as "The Portrait", and Maria Cotsis showcasing her musical as well as theatrical talents.
Although there were no clear supporting roles, there were still multiple characters with more minor roles that stuck out in the production. This included Yusra Ali alongside the company in her beautiful rendition of "Pay Them No Mind', the remarkable amount of character behind the singular monologue of Aniya Cager, and finally, the outrageously hilarity behind the workings of Emily Munson and her stand-out poems.
Overall, the effort put into the crew behind A My Name is Alice, was pulled off very well. Stage crew created smooth, speedy, and effortless looking transitions between scenes, even including ensemble members to help at times in order to help carry certain little props to add to scenes. Lighting used a variety of different color backdrops for different scenes to add mood, which were shifted efficiently and during appropriate cues. Although the mics within sound proved to be faulty with the few pops and crackles at times, the actresses sang unaffectedly through the malfunctions which did not take away from the production in the slightest.
Inspiring the feeling of feminism in the hearts of many throughout the incredible performance, Jenkintown High School's production of A My Name is Alice left many young girls and women truly proud to be a girl, all the while putting on a show that will remain remembered in the musical seasons to come.
by Peyton Brillhart of Upper Moreland High School
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