Marvin's Room
at Hayfield Secondary School

Reviewed on April 4, 2014

Robyn Smith
W. T. Woodson High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

There is a complex, much-feared reality that appears when teenagers, who are really still children, attempt to take on complicated adult roles -- problems that teenagers have witnessed, but definitely have not experienced. However, Hayfield Secondary School defied the odds with believable characters that the audience could not help but love with last week's production of Marvin's Room.

Written by Scott McPherson, a man who spent years taking care of his partner who suffered from AIDS, Marvin's Room follows the concluding chapter of Bessie, a woman who has spent the past 20 years taking care of her father, Marvin, after he suffered multiple strokes. Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia, forcing her to contact her younger sister, Lee, in hopes that either Lee or her two sons would be a match for life-saving bone marrow. Marvin's Room premiered in Chicago in 1990, and went off-Broadway in 1991. A movie adaptation was released in 1996, starring Hollywood legends Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep, and a young Leonardo DiCaprio.

There were a lot of remarkable aspects to Hayfield's production, from the chemistry among characters both individually and as a family, to the strong development and characterization that took full commitment from each actor. Watching the show did not feel like watching actors act; it felt like watching lives unfold.

It is hard to pinpoint one or two standout performers when nearly every actor had something remarkable to contribute. Katie Wattendorf played Bessie, the lead character, who overcame a somewhat childlike physicality and successfully played up the fatigue, the need for control, and the sense of depravity in her role. It was heartbreaking to watch Wattendorf break down in the final scene. Allisha Edwards played Lee, Bessie's younger sister, with incredible characterization. A specific example to highlight Edwards' talent was with smoking. Lee is an unrelenting smoker, with shortness of breath, hands that seemed always ready to hold a cigarette and visible anxiety. Cindy Funes played Aunt Ruth with brilliant comedic timing. Hank von Kolnitz played Charlie, Lee's youngest son, who was downright adorable. Noah Mutterperl successfully portrayed Hank, Lee's troubled older son, with just the right amount of anger and internal stress. Senior Daniel Kingsley never left the bed as Marvin, but his stage presence was incredible and elevated his part to much more than just a groaning, sick old man.

In terms of tech, the show had its strengths and weaknesses. Sound, run by Kimberly Fonseca and Lydia Bennsky, was usually on point with cues and body mics. Lighting, run by Tucker Keisling and Linsey Asbury, was appropriate, whether creating a dimly lit house at night or an overwhelming brightness during a scene at Disney World. The Stage Crew's work, run by Stage Manager Abby Bennsky, was minimal, as there were few set transitions, but very well executed. Costumes, by Sam Dickison and Sami Schellenberg, were suitable and helped enliven the storyline. Hair and Makeup, run by Franci Cesaro, Nicole Stiles, Sam Dickison, and Sami Schellenberg, were on point in several ways. The age makeup for Aunt Ruth and Marvin looked professionally done. The transitions in Bessie's physical appearance helped portray things not scripted, such as her health deterioration. The flashier Lee was legitimately glamorous.

There were tears in the eyes of several members of the enthusiastic audience as the show came to an end. Although what really happened to Bessie and her family was never shown, it was certainly implied. Hats off to Hayfield Secondary School for a heartbreaking rendition of Marvin's Room.

Eni Oyeleye
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Guy Lafleur once said, "When trouble comes, it's your family that supports you." Never was a wiser statement made, as evidenced by Hayfield Secondary School's masterful production of Marvin's Room, a play that is a timeless tale of the eternal family bond.

Premiering in 1990 in Chicago with a subsequent off-Broadway run in 1991, Marvin's Room was one of playwright Scott McPherson's most personal works. Loosely based on his life, the play chronicles the struggle of Bessie, a loving and selfless woman living at home with a bedridden father and disabled aunt. After Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia, her free spirited sister Lee is put into a position she isn't used to, one in which she is needed by those around her. The rest of the play follows Bessie and her family's growth during a time of unimaginable suffering.

The cast faced the daunting task of taking on weighty issues, but they met and exceeded expectations. They handled the serious issues of illness and family strife with considerable maturity. A small cast, they also ran the risk of being overwhelmed by the enormous amount of stage time each character had, but there wasn't a moment where anyone in the cast appeared flustered.

Leading the show was Katie Wattendorf as Bessie. Obviously not a middle aged woman, Wattendorf was faced with the challenge of developing a physicality and tone that were appropriate to her role. She did so incredibly well, making unique dramatic choices that set her character apart. Her emotional connection to her character was apparent, and her earnest optimism was striking. While many other characters completed a significant emotional arc throughout the show, Bessie's presence was steadfast throughout the show and not much about her character changed. This could have made her boring to watch from an audience's perspective, but Wattendorf remained enthralling and enjoyable to watch from the opening of the curtain until bows.

Another estimable performance was from Alisha Edwards as Lee, Bessie's free-thinking and responsibility-averse sister. One of Edwards' greatest attributes was her ability to create a genuine and endearing character that truly captivated the audience with its authenticity. There were moments in which many in the audience forgot that they were sitting in an auditorium watching a play and allowed themselves to become fully invested in the lives of these characters. It was largely because of Edwards' and the other principal character's performances that the audience was fully able to immerse themselves in the family's lives.

Although there were some issues with the establishment of period, it was not a major impediment on the overall outstanding quality of this production. Clever set design allowed for the show to change setting without much difficulty, and the minimalist costumes were appropriate for the piece.

Overall, exceptional acting skill made for a thoroughly heartwarming night at Hayfield Secondary School's production of Marvin's Room, a timeless play that is truly one for the ages.

Yena Seo
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to ShowBizRadio.net

Every year, approximately 50,000 people are diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer of the bone marrow and blood. Thirty percent of these people will find a matching bone marrow donor within their families, while the rest are left to scour the national registry. Statistics like these often incite discussions on how to find a cure, and how to help, but often disregard the taxing physical and emotional effects the disease can place on a person. The story of a cancer patient and the impact it has on herself and her family was presented with maturity and poise in Hayfield Secondary School's heartwrenching production of Marvin's Room.

First performed in Chicago in 1990, Marvin's Room was written by Scott McPherson, whose experiences as an AIDS victim during the height of the epidemic greatly influenced his writing. The play then went onto be performed off-Broadway and the Kennedy Center, and saw a 1996 film adaptation starring Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton and Leonardo diCaprio. Set in a sunny Florida town, Marvin's Room follows the kindhearted Bessie, who resides with her ill father and aging aunt as their primary caretaker. However, when Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia, she is forced to reach out to her sister--a runaway free spirit whom she hasn't seen in twenty years--and her two nephews in search of a bone marrow match. As the story unfolds, confessions are made, tears are shed and an entire range of human emotion is experienced.

Cast members adeptly handled the seriousness and sensitivity of the subject with sophistication. Katie Wattendorf magnificently anchored the production and tackled the immensely demanding role of Bessie with impressive realism, creating a credible character. Noah Mutterperl imbued the role of the rebellious, teenaged Hank with ardor, providing several levels of complexity to his role, from violent outbursts to genuine moments with Wattendorf. Mutterperl demonstrated a commanding stage presence and his commitment to character, even when the spotlight was elsewhere, was utterly fantastic. As Bessie's estranged sister Lee, Allisha Edwards delivered a perfect balance of edge and sincerity.

Supporting actors also brought fantastic intensity to the production. Cindy Funes and Hank von Kolnitz as Bessie's dottie aunt Ruth and adorable nephew Charlie showcased some of the best chemistry in the entire show, constantly feeding off each other's energy. Both actors also demonstrated superb comedic timing, producing necessary lighthearted moments in such a heavy drama. As the show's bedridden titular character, Daniel Kingsley did not have any spoken lines but managed to add to the family dynamic through excellent physicality.

Technical aspects were simple in design, but stunningly effective in execution. A deconstructed set created a personal, intimate atmosphere for the production. A kaleidoscopic range of costumes, hair and makeup distinguished differences in characters, visually depicting the Florida environment as well as the physical transformation of Bessie during her battle with leukemia. Lighting and sound were consistent throughout the show, and occasional hiccups were handled with professionalism by actors and tech members.

Few high school theater departments are able to undertake such a serious topic with the respect and honesty it deserves, but the talented cast and crew were able to do just that. During one of the most emotional points of the show, Bessie reflects on her life and remarks, "I've been so lucky to have been able to love someone so much." Indeed, audience members were lucky to have attended such a wonderfully executed performance, one of pain, patience, solidarity and strength, as Hayfield Secondary School's production of Marvin's Room.

Stuart Pratuch
West Springfield HS
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

Cancer never has a positive connotation. It causes pain. Grief. Suffering. Yet from this suffering, those afflicted acquire strength from the support of their friends and family. Whether it's someone to lean on or someone to cheer you up, Hayfield Secondary School's Marvin's Room proved that even in the bleakest moments of our lives, there are people who love and care about us.

Marvin's Room premiered on November 15, 1991 at Playwright's Horizons. After winning both the Drama Desk Award for Best Play and Joseph Jefferson award for Best Original Work in 1992, it went on to become a 1996 movie under the same, starring Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio. Critics praised the film for its strong cast and their depicted family bonds. Scott McPherson, the playwright, drew inspiration for his heavy themes and motifs from his loved one's struggle with HIV. Overall, through a dysfunctional family that comes together for the sake of a single loved one, Hayfield's exceptional performance produced a wonderful evening full of love and affection.

Hayfield's stellar cast shone throughout the play. Allisha Edwards (Lee) made and committed to excellent character choices and development, showcasing her on-edge personality which gradually and carefully softened as she reunited with her son. Hank (Noah Mutterperl) shared a wonderful chemistry with Lee, but by himself, his high energy and obvious desire to control his anger set this character apart as a troubled soul. Lee also shared an outstanding sororal bond with Bessie (Katie Wattendorf) as they reconnected after many years apart. Another phenomenal chemistry developed between Ruth (Cindy Funes) and Charlie (Hank von Kolnitz) as they warmed the audience's heart through their carefree antics.

Meanwhile, some smaller characters stole the show in their own individual moments. Marvin, performed by Daniel Kingsley, always remained in character even though his bed restricted his movement. The quirky Dr. Wally (Sean Moseley) provided comfort and relief from the heavy drama of the show. Even alongside the doctor, Bob (Ryan Stanley) enjoyed his limited onstage and stole every moment with his happy-go-lucky attitude. Though there were some problems with microphones and a few lines and props were dropped, the cast responded to these issues with impressive projection across the immense auditorium and stayed in character, making the show seem flawless in execution.

The fantastic tech work should not be ignored here. The hair and make-up fabulously reflected a significant age gap between young and old. The deconstruction of the set removed set changes and also illustrated the close relations the family had with one another. Meanwhile, the sound cues were on point and varied, from quick phone rings to the cacophony of Disney World. Even more attention to detail was evident in the costumes, which superbly acknowledged the time period and climate of Floridian weather.

Ultimately, both cast and crew successfully attacked every moment with charisma. Transporting the audience as they stumbled along, the cast confronted the horrors of cancer with love and with care. As the final scene played out, Hayfield's cast and crew met an emotional audience from their beautifully handled show.

Elizabeth Barto
West Springfield HS
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Ft Hunt/Kingstowne

Plays about cancer frequently bear stigma of a heavy, depressing mood which perseveres from diagnosis to the death of the patient. However, Hayfield Secondary School's production of Marvin's Room defied that stigma with an often funny, often tender, realistic depiction of a fragmented family's life when interrupted by leukemia.

Scott McPherson's award winning play premiered in Chicago 1990. In 1992 it won the Outer Critics Circle Award for best play, as well as the Drama Desk Award for best play, and the Joseph Jefferson Award in Chicago for best original work. Four years later, it was made into a movie starring Dianne Keaton, Meryl Streep, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The show's lead - Bessie, sister of Lee, with whom she has not spoken for 17 years after Lee left her to care for her crippled Aunt and dying father alone – was played by Katie Wattendorf. Wattendorf undertook the role of Bessie with honesty and heart, making seamless emotional transitions as her character fights her slow transformation from tireless caregiver to anxious patient with diminishing chances of survival.

The supporting cast extended the reality created by Wattendorf with equal skill. Allisha Edwards brought accurate physicality and maturity to the role of Lee – impoverished mother of Hank, smoker, and potential bone marrow match for Bessie – completely capturing the nuances of a mother's concern and frustration, as well as those of her character's addiction. Noah Mutterperl played Lee's son Hank – compulsive liar, pyromaniac, and Bessie's last hope – with both the great energy and control that the role demands, able to unleash his character's volatile rage, and rescind it again repeatedly, and in quick succession. Together, Edwards and Mutterperl portrayed a fascinating dynamic between a disputing mother and son, with each maintaining the painful distance until the very end when, in a slip into understanding, they begin to reconcile.

Hank von Kolnitz brought levity through exuberant and childish Hank's younger brother Charlie, playing off of Cindy Funes' equally quirky and young-at-heart great aunt Ruth. Von Kolnitz and Funes were adorable separately, and hysterical together.

The deconstructed set was effective, though some elements lacked polish. Sound was well executed, with the one brief exception when the microphones stopped working. The actors recovered quickly, however, making up the difference in sound by projecting, and the error was quickly forgotten. While some scene changes were a little lengthy, music was used to great effect during these black-stage moments, rendering them which less disruptive.

In a play that sets its foundation with character relationships, the cast of Hayfield Secondary School's Marvin's Room played off of each other's performances to create a complex web of interactions that made their story engaging, and paradoxically buoyant in spite of the tragic subject matter.

Gaby Greiner
Freedom High School
Submitted for publication to Alexandria Times

When you have an ailing man with one eye, one kidney, one daughter that takes care of him, and one daughter that is estranged from him, an awkward conversation is bound to occur. Hayfield Secondary School put on their production of Marvin's Room, a realistic play with a heavy topic and a few fun characters to lighten the mood.

Marvin's Room, written by Scott McPherson in the early 1990s, is a story that follows Bessie, a leukemia patient who is also taking care of her sickly father, Marvin, as well as her Aunt Ruth. She has a sister, Lee, whom Bessie has not seen in 17 years because she has constantly been busy with her father and aunt. Bessie and Lee are not alike at all, and they have a strained relationship, but as time goes on they try to mend it. Lee has two sons—Hank and Charlie—and Hank and Bessie get along well, despite the fact that Hank has spent time in a mental institution because he had previously burned down their house. Bessie sees the good in everyone, and is the driving force behind trying to get their family to heal despite a destructive disease that is taking over their lives.

Hayfield's production was brimming with beautiful acting. Each performer took on their role completely, putting forth laudable efforts to portray their respective characters without overacting. Overall, the entire show felt very personal and realistic, which was made possible by the commitment of each actor to their role. The small cast was able to bounce energy off of each other, with their actions and reactions to other people and situations onstage being very well timed and occasionally bringing comedy into this very serious plot line.

The cast was lead by Katie Wattendorf (Bessie). Wattendorf's acting was captivating; the audience truly felt as if they were with her throughout her journey with cancer. Supporting her were Allisha Edwards (Lee) and Noah Mutterperl (Hank). Each of these characters had their own evident development throughout the show, and the choices made by each actor made their arc clear and engaging. Cindy Funes (Ruth) was able to provide necessary comic relief throughout the show, constantly engaging the audience and realistically embodying an older woman with consistent and evident choices. The chemistry between the characters onstage was clear, with specific relationships between each of the characters, and all of them interesting.

The technical aspect of the show was very well done, with perfectly timed and executed sound effects setting a high bar for the rest of the production. The set, while simplistic, was realistic and functional, as were the props. The costumes were realistic and fit each character very well, which added to the character development as time went on. Every technical aspect of the show was performed with no noticeable hiccups, and complimented the show wonderfully.

Marvin's Room, although centered around cancer, is not really about the disease, but about a broken family dynamic and how it is healed. Hayfield's actors did a brilliant job of drawing the audience into the story to watch the journey unfold.

Alexander Carroll-Cabanes
Woodrow Wilson High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Hayfield Secondary School's impeccable performance of Marvin's Room was nothing short of a home run. The cast's high-caliber performing skills combined with the detailed set and flawless tech allowed for this play's intricate blend of tragedy and comedy to flourish to its fullest potential.

One of Scott McPherson's darker plays, Marvin's Room has won multiple awards, including the 1992 Drama Desk Award for best play and the Joseph Jefferson Award in Chicago for best original work. It was adapted for a film of the same title in 1996.

This morose play deals with the difficulties of family relationships throughout a tragedy. It concerns two sisters, the first of which, Bessie, has given up her chance for success in life in order to care for her father who has been bed-ridden for the past two decades due to a stroke. The second sister, Lee, has chosen a responsibility-free lifestyle, neglecting her father and rarely visiting her sister. However, after Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia, Lee decides to give her sister a chance at surviving, and tests herself and her two sons for donor compatibility. As the two sisters reunite and Bessie's situation worsens, the strained relationship the two sisters had becomes more pleasant and natural. In the end the audience is left in tears of both joy and sorrow.

The brilliant Katie Wattendorf emotionally portrayed the downfall of the play's lead character, Bessie, through committed acting and convincing mannerisms. Wattendorf's continually changing chemistry with the equally talented Lee (Allisha Edwards) ensured that the audience was kept on the edge of their seats throughout the entire play. Charlie, convincingly played by Hank von Kolnitz, served as the comical cornerstone of the play. His well-timed reactions and unspoken communication with his emotional doppelgänger, Aunt Ruth (hilariously played by Cindy Funes) ensured that the audience chuckled even the emotionally toughest situations. Noah Mutterperl was also a standout of the talented cast, passionately portraying Charlie's tough and troubled brother, Hank.

The sets and tech complimented the already excellent play. The mics allowed crystal-clear understanding of the lines, while well-placed light ensured that no facial expression was lost throughout the entire night. The sets were not elaborate, yet perfectly matched the mood of each scene, from the optimistic colors of Disneyland to the calmness of the Floridian skyline.

Each individual actor was outstanding, but the cast's amazing combined efforts brought out a clash of emotions in the audience the way that only professional performances can.

Sehee Curro
Albert Einstein High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Cancer personally affects many people and families. It is a fight for a life that unites people with everlasting hope and strength. The cast and crew of Hayfield Secondary School's production of Marvin's Room collectively worked together to create their simple and sweet adaption.

In 1991, playwright Scott McPherson debuted Marvin's Room. Set in Florida, "Marvin's Room" displays the vulnerable lives of a broken family affected by various illnesses. Bessie, a kind and nurturing young woman, learns that she has leukemia, while simultaneously caring for her bedridden father, Marvin, and her clumsy Aunt Ruth. Her only hope lies in a possible bone marrow transplant from her distant sister Lee, who is free spirited and irresponsible. Lee visits Bessie and brings along her two sons, Hank, an angry teen who is has just left an institution, and Charlie, a kindhearted nerd. With the mix of different personalities, ages, and illness, there are guaranteed fights, tears, and forgiveness in this touching story of a family.

The entire cast of Hayfield Secondary School's production of Marvin's Room showed endless commitment to their characters and proved their understanding of how cancer and other illnesses not only affect the person diagnosed, but the lives of surrounding family.

Katie Wattendorf (Bessie) physically and emotionally portrayed the leading character. Her performance was enhanced by clear line delivery. Allisha Edwards (Lee) greatly contributed to the show. Her attention to detail in body gestures and character choices made her character come to life. Cindy Funes (Ruth) constantly executed an accurate elderly voice that gave the performance just the right balance of humor and gravity, which was notable in several standout moments. Noah Mutterperl (Hank) consistently stayed in character and showed a great level of maturity in his challenging role as an aggressive and hurt teenager. Hank von Kolnitz (Charlie) infused his character with charisma and was completely invested in his character. All the actors had great chemistry, giving further evidence of the entire cast's dedication to the piece and its heavy topic.

It was also evident that several tech crews put careful thought and time to elevate the production. Kimberly Fonseca, Ashley Smrcina, and Allisha Edwards (set) designed an efficient set with many moving part and made a great use of space by incorporating different platform levels. Sam Dickison and Sami Schellenberg (makeup) did a fantastic job blending in the makeup and making appropriate choices to each character. A few other areas of tech seem incomplete but overall their contributions made the production cohesive.