The UC High theater program wrapped up the 2024-25 season with their production of The Outsiders, which ran in the auditorium from April 23-25.
Senior Declan Graham played the comical character Two-Bit in the show. He said, “The Outsiders is a play based on a 1980s movie, based on a 1960s book. It’s about a [young] boy named Ponyboy growing up in poverty and instability with his gang of friends.”
Senior Isabella Neri, who got the chance to direct the play, described the show. “Action, adventure, romance with strong themes of identity, loyalty and growing up too fast. Seeing it come to life on stage adds a whole new layer of emotion and energy that you just can’t get from the page. Plus, it’s performed by your friends and classmates who’ve worked hard to bring this story to life,” said Neri.
Neri said, “I’m certain that almost every student on campus knows of it, and contrary to how your English teacher may have made it seem, it’s a really interesting story that has something for everyone.”
Graham said, “This play was different from the other shows I’d been in this year, because it had very high stakes and a darker atmosphere. It also had creative choreography that I think surprised the audience.”
As the student technical director for the production, Senior Tinotenda Feremenga said, “The work behind the scenes is really important for bringing the audience into the story. Without all the lighting and costumes on the stage, the audience might not fully understand and get into the world of the show. It also helps for fundamental things like being able to hear the actors on the stage.”
Feremenga said, “Being a part of The Outsiders in theater overall has been such a good way for me to focus my energy and my time. I like being able to use my brain in a creative way rather than having the pressure of getting a grade for something, so I just enjoy my time working with other people. Theater in general is just a really good escape for me.”
“Between all of the work that was put into this show, and the fun that we all had doing it, I think that energy carried onto the stage. The show that we built was really special, and I think the audience felt that,” said Neri.
“Senior Night was on the closing night of the play, April 25. The juniors gave speeches to seniors and finished the theater season of the year” Graham said.
Theater teacher Nia Hilton said, “The senior show is always bittersweet, because I get to see the seniors take on leadership roles within our department, but it’s also the last time that they’ll be a part of a production. However, it’s worth it to see them succeed.”
Neri said, “Honestly, I’m a bit sad to leave but excited for the future too. All the fun that I’ve had in this program has really made the years fly by. It’s bittersweet knowing that this was my last time working with these people, but I’m proud of the work that was put into this production so I’m grateful to have had this as my last show.”
Neri said, “The workload transition from being an actor to directing is greater than I originally imagined; but honestly, it was incredibly rewarding. Getting to see the bigger picture and help shape the bigger picture and help shape the story from the ground up gave me a whole new appreciation for the process.”
“It challenged me in the best ways and taught me a lot about leadership, collaboration, and trusting others to bring their own creativity to the table,” said Neri.