In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the “new.” The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. Last night, I experienced something new: an extraordinary play from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the play and its makers have challenged my preconceptions about theater is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Elkhorn High School’s famous motto, “our mission is to enable all students to learn at their full potential in order to function responsibly in a changing society.” But I realize, only now do I truly understand what they meant. Not everyone can reach their full potential in a changing society, but someone with full potential in an ever changing society can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the geniuses now acting at Elkhorn High School, who are, in this critic’s opinion, nothing less than the finest performers in Nebraska. I will be returning to the school soon, hungry for more.
In truthfulness, I am not a big fan of William Shakespeare. I could never read his plays in English class. His wording was just too convoluted for me. But after witnessing the Fall Musical, I had faith in the team at Elkhorn High School to deliver something that would at least be entertaining.
Now I truly understand why Shakespeare was not a novelist, but a playwright. I’ve never actually taken the time to just watch a Shakespeare play. It was much easier to understand when in the form of a play rather than a book. It needs to be seen, not read. But only the exceptional talents at Elkhorn High School could bring the play to life in a way that was engaging and beyond fun.
Having the mischievous character of Puck interact with the crowd as they try to get the mystic flower was a great way to have the audience interact with the play and become even more invested in the play. So all of my disdain with Shakespeare for causing my grades to fall, and all his questionable writing decisions were greatly overshadowed by the sheer genuinity of the performances I saw. A lot of effort was put into the play to bring the characters and sets to life, and it can be seen.
I, myself, had a great time attending the play. It was beautiful, comedic, and had a distinct humanness to it that made it relatable, especially in the character of Nick Bottom. The exceptional acting and sets made it very much worth it, and on top of all that, it was free!
This play did see the end of many seniors’ high school acting careers. Unfortunately this can’t be helped, but they really performed their hearts out for this final performance, and I can only hope they will continue on pursuing their passions. The end may only be the beginning. And that is all I have to say for now, if you aren’t graduating, go attend the plays next year, they have to be seen!
