Earlier this month, the Friends Upper School production of Middletown by Will Eno left many viewers feeling puzzled – but also wowed by students’ impressive acting.

Middletown explores the universe of a small American town while developing the friendship between resident John Dodge (played by senior Noah Sheasby) and new arrival Mary Swanson (played by sophomore Emma Bailey.) The various scenes show the lives of Middletown residents intersecting in strange ways that force the audience to think about real-world interactions.

Stars of the show Noah and Emma stand out for the way they connect as actors. Viewers enjoyed their scenes, as the many resounding laughs from the audience attested. 

For new Upper School principal Brandon Rogers, this was his first Friends School theater production. He had only positive things to say.

“Fantastic chemistry between Emma and Noah,” he said. “Those scenes are great. Very funny”

Mr. Rogers said he appreciated the opportunity to get to know some Friends students better through observing their dedication and passion in this work of art.

For other audience members, this was just one of many Friends school productions they’ve witnessed. Seniors Krisna Kumar and Erin Nicolson commented on how it contrasted with past productions.

“It was really moving. Definitely one of the most moving plays that we’ve done,” said Krisna.

Erin said she agreed.

“I really liked how it was darker than normal, and I thought that the actors did a really good job at portraying all of these really uncomfortable emotions,” said Erin. 

“They acted with a lot of maturity,” Krisna added.

Not many lower school students attended, as Middletown includes themes of self-harm and mental health struggles. However, those old enough to appreciate the art valued the darker choice of production. The engaged chatter at intermission centered around the students’ impressive skill at depicting these difficult topics.

The nontraditional ending also caught viewers’ attention.

“I actually really liked the way that they ended it, in that there wasn’t a curtain call,” said Krisna. “The way that the cast just sat there, and the audience was like ‘What just happened?’ I thought that was really cool. I liked that”

Erin also commented on the ending.

“At the end, the audience seemed really unsettled and unsure of what to do and whether or not to clap really loud,” she said. “I thought that it was interesting that we were left with so many emotions, and I like that better than a big grand happy ending.”

Typically, Friends productions end in a joyful standing ovation by family, friends and teachers of the performers. Middletown’s dark themes and nontraditional ending meant the reaction here was much more muted, and left viewers with a different feeling. Cast and crew members say for them, too, this production felt different.

Technical director Sophia Clark, who works closely with the stage crew, said the difficult themes affected the preparation for show weekend. It often feels like a struggle to have the productions ready for the performances, she said – but the darkness of this content created extra stress.

“It was a stressful show, but all productions are stressful. And this one deals with hard subject matter, so that’s expected,” said Sophia.

Despite the stress among cast and crew, encouraging laughs, gasps, and cheers from the audience showed that the play’s serious subject matter landed with viewers.

“There were some very deep moments. Very profound,” said Rogers.

Ultimately, Middletown was a hit! In the lobby after the show, students and teachers talked about how impressed they were by the talent of their peers and students. This was an opportunity to watch the people they see every day at school in a different light, creating a work of art, using their theatrical talent to portray difficult subject matter.

Friends School theater productions have always brought together students, teachers, administration, and parents, who come to support the actors, while being inspired by the art they’re creating. Middletown did not disappoint! It made the audience think about the themes of the play, and what it took to portray them so elegantly.