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Behind the Scenes with the Fall Play Cast

Three seniors offer an inside look at Plough and The Stars - one of whom is serving as the assistant director, by Madeline Shanley, Class of 2018
by Madeline Shanley, Class of 2018

This year at Ranney, Upper School theater and performing arts director Mr. John Doyle, has chosen Plough in the Stars as the fall play. I had a chance to speak with some of the people that will be making this year’s theatrical performance possible. First and foremost, senior lifer Jacob Wahba  Jacob has been casted to play the leading man, Jack Clitheroe.

Jacob went into great depth explaining his character and the conflicts his character faces. “....he is torn between Nora (his wife) who he loves, and the love for his country, Jack wants fight and support Ireland anyway he can…” Jacob has been in every Ranney play since he was a fifth grader and he feels a strong connection to the stage. When asked who was a big inspiration in his acting career, Jacob said Uta Hagen was a large inspiration--she urged reading in between the lines and looking beyond to learn as much about a character as possible. Another favorite actor of his is Johnny Depp - the way he can transform from one character to another is something to Jacob strives for. Jacob also said that although he will be sad to leave the Ranney theater family upon graduation this spring, he intends to remain in the theatre overall going forward.

Another senior lifer taking the stage one final time in this fall’s play is Tessa Payer. Tessa will be playing Bessie Burgess. She had this to say about her character, “...One difference is….that she does not support the irish revolutions, her son is fighting in World War One alongside the british…” Tessa went on to say her character could be called the antagonist in the story and so, through Bessie, the audience is provided with another perspective of what is happening. Tessa has been part of 15 Ranney plays and musicals throughout her career in Ranney spanning all the way back to Lower School. Tessa said her biggest inspiration as an actress would be Laura Osnes, noting that her voice and dancing ability are absolutely amazing. When she leaves the Ranney community in the spring, Tessa plans to minor in theater. Although Tessa isn’t sure if she will become a full-time actress, she plans to continue acting and participating in theater.   

I also was able to talk to one more very important senior in the Ranney theater family,  Peri Rohl. Last year, Peri was the lovely Dora in Fiorello, however this year, Peri has stepped out of the limelights and backstage, now working as Assistant Director to Mr. Doyle. When asked why she chose to work behind stage and not on it, Peri said, “I’ve been in the shows the past three years, and I’ve worked backstage before, but being AD doesn’t happen to many high school students….so I thought it would be really cool to have experience.”
Peri had many inspirations when it came to acting, including Audra Mcdonald, Lesli Margherita and Kelli O'hara. I asked Peri to describe what being an Assistant Director really meant, she said, “I am always on book, reading lines for the actors. I give notes and suggestions to the actors and I assist Mr. Doyle.” Peri does not plan on studying theater in college, but she wants to keep it in her life.

The play opens November 12 at 7 p.m. on Panther Hall stage. It is running for three nights and is open to the public. This is the last play these seniors and many others will be acting in and should not be missed!


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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society. 

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