The Quaker Valley High School Drama Club will take on a classic this fall as they present The Great Gatsby, adapted for the stage by Simon Levy. Under the guidance of faculty co-sponsors Jason Marko and Kayla Marasia, this year’s production showcases not only the students’ theatrical talent but also their creativity, leadership, and teamwork.
At the helm of the production is senior Emma Leghorn, who serves as the show’s director. As part of QVHS’s tradition of empowering student leadership, Emma has taken charge of both the creative and logistical aspects of the show, from interpreting the script to making critical decisions about staging and movement.
“Emma’s chief responsibility during our rehearsals is to facilitate blocking,” explain faculty advisors Marko and Marasia. “She tells the actors and actresses where to go on the stage and how to make movement a central part of the storytelling process. She also helps the cast explore how to embody their characters and bring F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless story to life.”
“I try my best to be kind and encouraging and to foster a comfortable environment while also keeping everyone accountable and making sure they’re working hard,” said Leghorn when reflecting upon their directorial responsibilities.
Working alongside Emma is senior Ana Luiza Bacchi, who is serving as student producer. She ensures that every detail behind the scenes runs smoothly. This fall she has been tasked with creating rehearsal schedules, assisting with costume design, building the program, and overseeing performance logistics. Together, Emma and Ana have led their peers with professionalism and creativity.
“The producer’s job is to make the director’s vision come to life with the resources we have. I work with the budget in making sure we can afford whatever we get for the show,” said Bacchi. “I work with making the schedule and sending out reminders for rehearsal. I also get to make the playbill, so I have to stay on top of people to submit their bios and their headshots. As the producer, I also get to do things like go to costume closets to find costumes for our cast or help with character workshops, too.”
Preparation for The Great Gatsby began in August, with auditions held at the start of September. Since then, the Drama Club has met four times a week for rehearsals, with additional Saturday practices in October to fine-tune performances and polish the production.
“I got to pick the show and made most of the casting decisions with help from our producer and stage manager. I thought Gatsby was a good choice because it’s something that everyone has heard of and that makes people say, ‘Ooh, fun!’” said Leghorn about selecting the show. “The casting for the show is also flexible, which is a plus.”
The show features a talented ensemble of Quaker Valley students. Henry Thomas Simon takes on the role of narrator Nick Carraway, while Milo Taylor-Martin embodies the mysterious Jay Gatsby. Julianna Vescio portrays the charming yet conflicted Daisy
Behind the scenes, a dedicated crew of 12 students has worked tirelessly on lighting, props, set construction, and sound design. Gina Carafelli contributed her artistic talents as the production’s graphic designer, crafting the official poster and playbill that capture the elegance and energy of the 1920s.
Supporting roles are filled by Savvy Cannon, Libby Doebler, Lin Matthews, Lincoln Liao, Beatrix Miller, Adele Hydzik, Lilly Gibson, Mira Hames, Sydney Rice, and Lucy Sweeting — a talented ensemble bringing the world of East and West Egg vividly to life.
This production of The Great Gatsby promises to be a performance to remember, as every element reflects months of hard work, passion, and collaboration.
“As a student-run production, [Emma and Ana] have been responsible for all of the creative and logistical decisions,” said Marko. “Kayla and I are just here to make sure things run smoothly.”
Performances of The Great Gatsby will be held in the Quaker Valley High School Auditorium on:
- Friday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are available online at quakervalleydramaclub.ludus.com.
Join us for an unforgettable performance and celebrate the incredible talent and dedication of the QVHS Drama Club!