The Worst High School Play in the World—Review

My review of the November 22nd, 2007 performance of Cairine Wilson Secondary School’s production of “The Worst High School Play in the World”, for the Cappies.

Raised by squirrels, trained by monks, the lost prince of Saxonia sets off to reclaim his throne in Cairine Wilson Secondary School’s production of, “The Worst High School Play in the World”.

The production was staged as a play within a play, the story of Ivanha (Connor Fair), prince of Saxonia, within the story of a high school play gone wrong. Intentional technical problems and appearances by The Director (Megan Moffat) frame the off-beat story of Ivanha’s quest for humanity, love, and reclamation of his throne from his uncle Viscera (Justin Edwards).

Narrating the story of Ivanha, Friar Rico (Ryan Evans) and Belinda (Heidi Whitmer) were an excellent ensemble. With well-executed entrances, and a very polished accent on Evans’s part, they worked together to shape the show’s mood throughout.

Connor Fair had a particularly memorable interpretation of Ivanha. In every situation, he kept his character believable, especially in his portrayal of a squirrel child in the forest and his interaction with Lenore (Nicole Wilkinson). Wilkinson and Fair handled interaction between their characters very well.

Though the first act started out a bit slowly, Justin Edwards, as Viscera, brought energy to the stage that benefited the show and set it on track. His performance in the final joust was admirable, and delivery on his persistent line, “Everybody has a face!” was very enjoyable.

Also, Denise Charron, as Medulla the court magician, held her character nicely and made good use of expression. William Muir, as Friar Fred, was a very subtle, yet funny character. The Soundperson, Kyle Lloyd, and The Director (Megan Moffat) had very well-timed entrances and were very believable onstage.

The aspect of a play within a play was well done and framed the story of Ivanha in a good way. The transition from intermission to Act Two was particularly enjoyable. The technical crew, consisting of Kevin Hastings, Tyler Robinson, Kevin Rutkay, and Daniel Vermette, always had sound effects and lighting on cue.

The entire cast and crew of Cairine Wilson’s, “The Worst High School Play in the World,” admirably performed this quirky script with lively energy, memorable acting, and a lot of laughs.