Sarah, Plain and Tall
at Flint Hill School

Reviewed on May 2, 2014

Makiko Miyazaki
Walt Whitman High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

"You are nothing like my mother… She was warm, and loving… and she was pretty." As young Anna, mourning the death of her mother, shuts herself away from her new mother-to-be, we wonder which is better in life; to hold on to the happy past, or to move on to face the unknown. Flint Hill School's production of Sarah, Plain and Tall painted vividly the universal struggle in coping with change.

The play is based on a Newberry Medal winning children's book of the same name by Patricia MacLachlan. The 1991 movie adaptation showcased Glenn Close, a film superstar from the 1980s. Set in a Kansas farm in the early 1900's, the play centers on a bereaved family and their slow efflorescence of bond with a new mother-to-be. Jacob Witting, a farmer who lost his wife during childbirth, needs help taking care of his young children, Anna and Caleb, and places a newspaper advertisement for a wife. He receives an answer from Sarah Wheaton, who describes herself as "plain and tall." She leaves her home in Maine to live with him for a month before deciding whether to stay with the family as a new wife. However, her arrival is met with a mixed reaction, and Anna struggles to open her mind to Sarah throughout the play.

Anna (Courtney Ebersohl), the protagonist, is grief-stricken and haunted by guilt from deliberately not talking to her mother before she died. Through distressed glances cast to the ground, Ebersohl powerfully demonstrated Anna's loneliness and self-hatred. After bonding with Sarah, however, Anna transforms into a bright child, whom Ebersohl portrayed through flashing, mischievous smiles. Matt Middleton played Jacob Witting, a hardworking, amiable father. Shedding his serious face and revealing tentative smiles, Middleton effectively depicted Witting overcoming the initial awkwardness to be close to Sarah. Through confident posture and gentle gazes, Cecily Wolfe captured the poised and loving Sarah with ease.

Unlike his sister, Caleb (Joey Lindsay) immediately opens himself up to Sarah. Bouncing around Sarah and beaming constantly, Lindsay transformed himself into an enthusiastic child. Equally impressive acting came from Meg (Hailey Scherer), Sarah's sister-in-law who is tired of living with Sarah and thus encourages Sarah to live with the Wittings in Kansas. With excellent comedic timing and versatile facial expressions (which included a notably realistic fake cry), Scherer captivated the audience whenever she was on stage. She and Brandon Lessard, who played Scherer's husband, also weaved a remarkably strong chemistry. Although some actors could have demonstrated more character development, the cast should be lauded for maintaining unwavering energy throughout the play.

Technical elements helped greatly in transporting the audience to the good old West. The static, minimalistic set and the modest number of costumes were accurate since American pioneers would not have had superfluous possessions. The transitions between Maine and Kansas were made by illuminating different sides of the stage. Not only were the transitions always on cue, but they were also sophisticated as Maine was accompanied by a blue background to represent the sea and Kansas by orange to represent the radiating sun in the West.

Although Sarah, Plain and Tall is set over 100 years ago, its depiction of the emotional barriers to accepting change is strikingly applicable today. Giving the audience courage to face internal adversities in life, Flint Hill School's heart-warming production deserves a hearty "Ayup" of approval.

Aline Dolinh
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

To some, love is that stubborn thorn in your side that just won't vanish, no matter how hard you try. But to others, "no flower on earth can it excel." So is it a thorn or a rose? Through portraying the emotional voyage of a family on the American frontier, Flint Hill School's production of Sarah, Plain and Tall shows us that for some people, the answer will change.

Originally conceived as a 1985 children's book by Patricia MacLachlan, the story illustrates the Witting family, consisting of widowed Jacob and his two children, Anna and Caleb, whose lives are all thrown into disarray with the arrival of Sarah – a mail-order bride who is far from conventional and forces them to confront their preconceived notions about family and tradition. After winning critical acclaim, the novel grew into a series and was eventually adapted into three television movies, culminating in the "Sarah" saga's latest incarnation as a one-act children's musical in 2002.

Sonia Schmidt masterfully played an adult Anna, narrating her coming of age to the audience with a hint of nostalgia. Courtney Ebersohl breathed life into her younger counterpart, believably balancing her struggling emotions of grief and acceptance as she struggled to cope with change in her life and come to terms with her mother's death. She had a natural rapport with Cecily Wolfe, who captured the nature of the eccentric yet maternal Sarah as a woman from Maine who is nothing like Kansas has ever seen – she talks about the sea, has a lovely singing voice, and doesn't follow established "rules" of female behavior. The evolution of the twosome's relationship, from pent-up denial and resentment into an eventually strong mother-daughter bond, was one of the most emotionally cathartic parts of the play. Other standouts included Joey Lindsay as little brother Caleb – he believably depicted a boy still possessing the innocence of youth, but also being forced to confront the starker realities of adolescence, and brought laughter to an occasionally-somber stage. William and Meg Wheaton (Brandon Lessard and Hailey Scherer, respectively) also shined as Sarah's relatives from Maine, sharing a natural romantic chemistry that took them from a bickering married couple to love-struck teenagers on their first date. The tight-knit cast effectively transported the audience back in time as it highlighted the dynamics and mannerisms of families in 19th-century America.

As befitting the frontier setting, the staging was modest yet well utilized by its cast, with transitions from Maine to Kansas being seamlessly executed. Accurate period costumes also showcased the age differences between all the characters. Sound and technical aspects were also simple but excellently done – the cast sounded loud and clear in spite of their lack of mics, despite some lines being lost to laughter.

Sarah, Plain and Tall is best summed up by these words, sung by father Jacob himself during the play – "tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free - 'tis the gift to come down where we ought to be." Through lifelike presentation and a harmonious cast, Flint Hill showed us that though their production may have seemed "simple" at first glance, it was most definitely a "gift" to watch.

Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf
Langley High School
Submitted for publication to ShowBizRadio.net

The sun rises on the rural terrain of a Kansas farm, filled with the sounds of children playing hide-and-go seek. As a young woman steps forward in Flint Hill School's captivating production of Sarah, Plain and Tall, reminiscing of this seemingly mundane moment, little does her young counterpart know that things will soon change forever.

Based on the 1986 Newberry medal-winning novel of the same name by Patricia MacLachlan and adapted by Joseph Robinette, the 2004 theatrical adaptation garnered a Distinguished Play Award from the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. MacLachlan's classic tale is the first of a series of five books about the fictitious Witting family, which has enjoyed three television movie adaptations. Set in the early 1900s, the play depicts Jacob Witting, a Kansas farmer who struggles to raise his two young children after the death of his wife. Jacob places an ad in the newspaper for a new companion and help, attracting the attention of Maine resident, Sarah Wheaton. The story presents itself in an enticing flashback format of the endearing and sometimes precarious month between Sarah and the Wittings as they decide between becoming a family or parting ways. Narrated by a reminiscent adult version of Jacob's daughter, Anna, on the eve of her wedding, Robinette's adaptation comes full circle from beginning to end.

Portraying the headstrong and independent Sarah, Cecily Wolfe effectively captured the young woman's development from uneasy reservations upon arrival to eventual outspoken resilience. As another dynamic female, Courtney Ebersohl as the young Anna Witting proved especially emotive in both body language and the nuances of her character's reserved tension between Caleb and Sarah. Woven throughout the play were a series of nostalgic folk songs such as "Simple Gifts," "Cockles and Mussels," and "The Water is Wide." Wolfe's gentle voice handled the music superbly, particularly in a delightful, harmonious duet with Ebersohl, wonderfully symbolizing the blossoming of the two ladies' relationship.

The adorable Caleb Witting, played by Joey Lindsay, brought boundless energy to each scene with the epitome of an innocent child, complete with high-pitched voice and whimsical naiveté. Lindsay's curiosity-filled interactions with Sarah proved charming and compelling. Matt Middleton presented a believable father figure as Jacob Witting, somewhat stubborn but deeply caring of his family. Additionally, Cenji Yu portrayed a slew of different roles ranging from a mailman to shingle company employee, eliciting many comical moments through his exaggerated facial expressions. Narrations of Adult Anna (Sonia Schmidt) helped bring retrospective insight into the character's inner thoughts and beautifully maintained the production's pacing.

Stage managers Jane Braunfeld and Cailin Mazan professionally ensured that each sound and lighting cue was executed properly. A variety of sound effects, music, and blue and red washes helped encompass the audience as the southern and northern cultures collided. Separate area staging with minimalistic set pieces allowed the performers to stand out, while still offering a clear expression of setting.

With consistently touching, loveable characters, Sarah, Plain and Tall presented a fascinating tale about staying true to oneself, no matter what the circumstance. Just as love "grows and blossoms like a rose," so too did the enthralling life of the 1900's blossom in the hearts of all who were graced with this heartwarming story of the joys and challenges of everyday life.

Sarah Santoro
Stone Bridge High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Fairfax

Sometimes the people that come into our lives are not always what we expected. But if we open up our hearts and minds, it just might work out better than we ever could have imagined. The cast of Flint Hill School's poignant production brought life to this reality in the heartwarming tale of Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Sarah, Plain and Tall was originally the first in a series of children's books by Patricia MacLachlan. The critically acclaimed book won several awards, including the Newberry Medal, the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, and the Golden Kite Award. In 1991, it was made into a television movie starring Glenn Close and Christopher Walken. Tony Award nominee Joseph Robinette adapted the story for the stage, receiving the 2004 Distinguished Play Award.

The play tells the tale of the Wittings; a family living on a farm in 19th century Kansas. The father, Jacob (Matt Middleton), is a widower whose wife died in childbirth. He finds that tending to his farm and raising his children Anna (Courtney Ebersohl) and Caleb (Joey Lindsay) is too much to handle on his own. Inspired by his neighbors the Nordstroms, he sends an ad to the newspaper for a mail-order bride. The advertisement is answered by Sarah Wheaton (Cecily Wolfe), a strong-willed and strong-spirited woman who lives in Maine with her brother William (Brandon Lessard) and his wife Meg (Hailey Scherer). It is arranged that Sarah will stay with the Wittings for a month, after which they will all decide if she is to stay and marry Jacob. Over the course of the month, Sarah's unconventional ways stir up some conflict and Anna is unsure if she can accept Sarah into her heart and life. But Sarah and the Wittings learn that sometimes the unpredictable nature of love can surprise everyone.

Ebersohl brought strong, earnest Anna to life with clear commitment and skill. She demonstrated a deep understanding of the character, evidenced especially in the more emotionally charged scenes. Wolfe portrayed Sarah with a quiet courage and resolve. Both actresses worked together to skillfully display the changing relationship between their characters; from distant and unsure to warm and affectionate, culminating in a heartwarming rendition of the folk song the Water is Wide.

With Lindsay's lively and innocent portrayal of Caleb and Middleton's serious and steadfast Jacob, the Witting family came across as genuine and convincing.

Scherer and Lessard's believable, charming performances as the Wheaton couple added heart to the production. Their relationship was sweet and realistic, endearing them to the audience.

While some actors rushed their lines or didn't fully react to other characters, their authentic relationships and heartwarming interactions kept the audience from being taken out of the moment.

The realistic set was simple and effective with a water pump, bales of hay, a weathered fence, and an old wagon wheel. The rustic scenery placed the show in 1800s and successfully created a sense of the humbleness and modesty of life on the plains.

Although there were a few problems with lighting cues, the actors were not fazed by them and kept their performances strong and consistent.

The cast of Sarah, Plain and Tall displayed their talent in their genuine rendition of the touching tale with realistic interactions and believable relationships. The tech served to provide an authentic backdrop for the performance. In their heartfelt and honest production, the students of Flint Hill School told the story of learning to open one's heart to love even after great loss.

Maddy DeFreece
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

She wears overalls, she's headstrong, she sings; but all in all: she's Sarah, plain and tall. Originating as a children's book, Sarah, Plain and Tall, depicts the story of a widowed father of two, who posts an ad in the newspaper seeking a wife, much to his daughter's dismay. Traveling to a small town in Kansas from a sea-faring town in Maine, Sarah Wheaton (Cecily Wolfe) agrees to stay with the Witting family for one month to determine whether she will stay in Kansas and marry Mr. Witting, or return to her brother and sister-in-law in Maine. This weekend, Flint Hill School presented an extraordinary production of Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Courtney Ebersohl's portrayal in the role of Anna Witting, the oldest child of the family, was surely moving. Ebersohl demonstrated thorough character development throughout the entirety of the production as her character struggled with conflicting thoughts regarding the new house guest. Ebersohl surprised the audience greatly by revealing her vocal talent as she and Cecily Wolfe performed a sincerely touching duet of "The Water is Wide." From the delivery of her lines, to her astounding vocal ability, Ebersohl's overall performance was certainly memorable.

Matt Middleton played the role of Jacob Witting, the widowed father of Anna (Courtney Ebersohl) and Caleb ( Joey Lindsay). Immediately introducing the character as calm and well mannered, Middleton impressed the audience with his mature tone of voice, making his portrayal exceedingly authentic. Becoming more expressive towards Sarah and his children as the production progressed, Matt Middleton truly identified with the transformation and sentiment of his dynamic character.

Providing several moments of comic relief throughout the production was, Caleb Witting (Joey Lindsay), the youngest child of the Witting family. Lindsay's ability to regress to a much younger age was superb, as he acted and reacted with sudden out bursts of song or witty remarks. In general, Lindsay's performance was positively brilliant.

Giving an exceptionally amusing performance was Cenji Yu, who portrayed the roles of Howie, Levi and Chester Upshaw. Upon each entrance, Yu was welcomed to the stage with uproarious laughter from the audience, establishing him as a clear crowd favorite. For each character he played, Yu had distinguishable characteristics, however, keeping his unforgettable arm-swaying stride consistent in all of his roles.

As the play progressed, the cast and crew were able to convey a heart-warming message through skillful acting in conjunction with their use of old-folk music and warm lighting. Overall, Flint Hill School's production of Sarah, Plain and Tall, was outstanding; communicating that although new beginnings may seem intimidating, if you give them a chance, you may be pleased with the result.