The Front Page
at Chantilly High School

Reviewed on May 3, 2014

Shennie Yao
Dominion High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Right from the opening moments, the energy was non-stop. The atmosphere of 1940s Chicago abounded, with rapid-fire lines being delivered over top of each other. Not a single actor missed a beat, resulting in a production that was witty and nimble from start to finish. With a teeming supply of colorful characters and surprising twists, Chantilly High School's production of The Front Page did a fantastic job of putting a new spin on a classic Broadway comedy.

Written by former Chicago reporters Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, The Front Page first opened at the Times Square Theatre on Broadway on August 14, 1928. In that production, the story's main protagonist was Hildy Johnson, star reporter for the Herald Examiner: brash, arrogant, and utterly unable to resist a good story, he is determined to quit the paper, get married, and get a respectable job. Of course, hijacking his plans is escaped convict Earl Williams, who quite literally falls into Johnson's lap, bringing with him the story of a lifetime.

There have been many film adaptations of the play, the first of which was in 1931, which kept the title and the characters from the stage production. The second film adaptation, however, released in 1940, was titled His Friday Girl and portrayed the role of Hildy as a female reporter with romantic ties to Walter Burns. The 1970 adaptation, returning to the title The Front Page, again had Hildy as a male reporter determined to be married, but elaborated on the character of Walter Burns and Hildy's relationship with Burns, adding in a fiendish element involving deceit and a pocket watch. In their production, Chantilly High School used bits and pieces from all of the aforementioned productions, but still managed to put a fresh, original twist on it, such as making the male ensemble reporters female, which brought a new dynamic to the play. Hildy was also a female reporter, but not the ex-wife of Walter Burns as she was in His Friday Girl. All the little changes and the careful attention to detail were more than enough to distinguish Chantilly's production as bold, fresh, and original.

The most notable aspect of the show was the cast's adherence to the characters, which was an admirable feat in and of itself due to the abundant amount of dialogue and the speed with which the lines had to be delivered. Diego Encarnacion was especially admirable as Walter Burns, playing the ruthless paper editor with relish, keeping the audience guessing his real motivations until the last minute. Brooke Johnson was also notable as Hildy Johnson, balancing Hildy's romantic ambitions with her bloodthirstiness as a reporter. Even despite a small hiccup with a typewriter, Johnson (the actress) never broke character, constantly oscillating between ambitious, charming, and sympathetic.

There were also several standout performances from the supporting and featured cast. Vi Trinh as The Mayor was fantastic, bringing with her a cutthroat stage presence every time she was on stage. Gonzalo Izquierdo as Bensinger provided multiple comic interludes, as did Antonio Ribeiro as Mr. Pincus. The ensemble of reporters was also fantastic, with a chemistry that made the flow of dialogue feel natural.

Overall, the production abounded with wit and entertainment. The set was amazing, with doors opening to actual rooms as opposed to simply the back of the stage. The special effects during one heart-stopping moment involving a window was also impressive. Of course, there were a few fumbled lines, but it was excusable with the amount of dialogue that was delivered. At the end of the night, the standing ovation was wholeheartedly deserved.

Cindy Funes
Hayfield Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Chicago's ace reporter, Hildy Johnson, is giving up the newspaper biz for good. Until, arrested communist-loon, Earl Williams, escapes prison and jumps through a window into a Chicago press room with Johnson herself alone inside. Now it's time for Hildy Johnson to write the biggest story of her soon-to-be-over career. Chantilly High School brought the 1930's flare with lively energy, wonderful characterization, and thrilling technical elements in their production of The Front Page.

The Front Page is a play written by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur which premiered on Broadway in 1928 in the Times Square Theater. The play has many adaptations including the 1931 film directed by Lewis Milestone and the 1974 film both of the same name. The show is set in Chicago where the city goes crazy about the possible execution of a man named Earl Williams, accused of shooting a black police officer and being a communist supporter. All the reporters in the city want the juicy details of the case, but Chicago's best reporter, Hildy Johnson, has decided to call it quits to marry her fiancé Peter Grant who does not approve of her life in the newspaper biz. Until, the escaped Williams flies through the Chicago press room window where Johnson puts her engagement on the line to write the story that all of Chicago has been dying to know about.

Brooke Johnson lead the cast as the hard-headed and dedicated Hildy Johnson. Johnson provided impressive characterization with a sassy attitude and solid facial expressions. Alongside her was her boss and editor of the newspaper they work for, Walter Burns played by Diego Encarnacion. Encarnacion was eager for the latest news as shown through his witty lines and physicality. Johnson and Encarnacion balanced each other well without overpowering the other. Whether they were bickering and making fun of each other or working together to hide Earl Williams (Ryan Rickard), Johnson and Encarnacion had wonderful chemistry that demonstrated a lovely balance between the two actors.

The supporting actors also assisted in providing energy and personality. Chris Knarr played Sheriff Hartman with an authoritative attitude when he spoke to the fabricating journalists about their stories but also obtained many laughs with his funny physicality as he tries to answer the many phones in the press room. Antonio Ribeiro also received many laughs from the audience as the goofy messenger, Mr Pincus. Ribeiro had precise comedic timing with his simple yet hysterical lines. The group of journalists in the press room provided the 1930's high energy and hectic atmosphere as they constantly spoke over each other with their loud voices.

The set design for the show worked wonderfully for the cast. The set had rolling walls that opened up to view Walter's office. The crew created five sugar glass windows that allowed Earl Williams to jump through, thus brilliantly shattering the window without causing much pain to the actor. The press room was cluttered with many telephones and papers all over the tables and many posters and newspapers all over the walls giving off the precise 1930's press room busyness without being too distracting.

From the lively and energetic characters to the precise and superb technical aspects, Chantilly High School performed a remarkable performance of the brilliant 1930's show, The Front Page.

Madeline Doane
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Red Apple 21 - FCPS

Breaking News: Glass shattered...escaped criminal...all here in the Herald Examiner news room...read all about.

The original production of The Front Page, directed by George S. Kaufman and produced by Jed Harris, opened on Broadway on August 14, 1928.The show was later restaged three more times before being adapted to four television productions and multiple movies. While on Broadway, the show won 2 Tony Awards as well as a Drama Desk Award.

Despite all the adaptions along the way, this bizarre and thrilling play is about the corruption in Chicago between the mayor and police force and how it affects the local newspapers. The Herald Examiner journalists find the juiciest gossip in their town and blow it up out the wazoo. Hildy Johnson, the most essential reporter, proclaims to her boss, Walter Burns, that she is leaving the business to move to New York, with her fiancé. However, before she is ever able to reach the train station, the biggest news of the century erupts right before her eyes and she has the scoop on everything interesting.

Hildy Johnson, played by Brooke Johnson, was such an exquisite actress on stage and most certainly pleasing to watch as her tone of voice seamlessly switched from being a sassy businesswoman to someone deeply in love. Brooke really lit up the stage with her impeccable energy as she delivered each line. All of her mannerisms seemed effortless, almost as though she was accustomed to working in a newsroom. Not only was her physical energy wonderfully executed, but her chemistry between both Walter Burns and her fiancé was deeply felt through the crowd.

As the show went on and Walter Burns' role in the play became more relevant, his inner boss-like character, exploded with rage. Diego Encarnacion, the man who played Burns, delivered his lines with such angst and power as he awaited the news updates. Diego seemed to be the perfect choice for this role as his presence never went unnoticed. That being said, his acting beautifully complimented that of Brooke Johnson.

Although the leads certainly had their moments, the supporting and featured roles surely stepped up to the plate just the same. Mollie Malloy, played by Karin Frizzelle, had a persuasive Chicago accent, unlike some of her fellow actors. It was gratifying to see her keep up the accent despite the fact that she was constantly sobbing or being shaken up from the incidents occurring to Earl Williams. Bensinger, a fellow journalist, had a very loveable character with his outward quirkiness and geekyness that Gonzalo Izquierdo brought to the stage.

The most mesmerizing factor of this show was most certainly the elaborate set. The entire Chantilly Set Construction team did an amazing job of filling the newsroom with countless props that aided in making the set seem like an actual newsroom. With every new scene, the set continued to bewilder the audience. The sliding panel that opened up into Walter's office all the way to the toilet in the bathroom were beautifully designed. However, the alley was the most impressive seeing as though the windows appeared to be made of real glass and were capable of opening and closing. Yet another surprise occurred when Earl Williams mischieviously crept along the balcony outside the newsroom before bursting in through the window, made of sugar glass.

Earl Williams escape from the jail caused a real break through in the lives at the newsroom which was a shattering delight.

Katie Wattendorf
Hayfield Secondary School
Submitted for publication to ShowBizRadio.net

Never underestimate the power of the press! Or, in the case of Chantilly High School's production of "The Front Page", never underestimate the power of one dimwitted criminal, a determined newswoman, and her fired-up boss. Saturday night, the Chantilly Theatre department was swept back into the fast-paced Thirties and the heart of Chicago, where newspapers scandalized daily events and and fear of the "Red menace" ran wild. In a high-energy and suspenseful production, the actors and technicians of Chantilly High School had the audience on the edge of their seats with their powerful leading lady, feisty ensemble, intricate set, and shocking special effects.

Originally produced in 1928, "The Front Page" is a captivating comedy about Chicago news reporters covering criminal scandals for the local papers. Actually written by former reporters Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, the play has been adapted into four films and four television productions since it's initial release. Also, the lead character of Hildy Johnson is originally written as a male, but in the 1940 movie adaptation "His Girl Friday", the lead is swapped for a female star, which is the format in which Chantilly chose to perform. Taking place entirely in one press room, "The Front Page" follows the story of the aforementioned Hildy, a star reporter that is planning to leave the press business in order to be married, but when a highly-sought after criminal comes crashing through the window, she can't resist. Giving into the allure of the tabloids, Hildy captures the criminal and slowly discovers the scandalous details of his arrest, forcing her to decide between her oncoming marriage and the story of a lifetime.

Senior Brooke Johnson as Hildy carried the show with her powerful acting choices, skilled comedic timing, and dynamic character relationships. Similarly, Diego Encarnacion as Walter Burns, Hildy's tyrannical boss, equalled Johnson's power, making their duet scenes the show standouts. Sprinkled throughout the show were hilarious featured actors, including Vi Trinh as the spunky Mayor, Antonio Ribeiro as the adorably dumb Mr. Pincus, Ryan Rickard as the accused criminal Earl Williams, and Karin Frizzelle as the melodramatic Mollie Malloy. Not to be forgotten, supporting Hildy was an ensemble of bold newspaper woman and cops that filled their scenes with undying energy and comedic antics.

As a base for the energetic acting was an intricate stationary set full of period-appropriate details, including typewriters and old-fashioned telephones. Enormous windows on the wall were swung open and shut by actors, providing an interesting detail to the set. By far the most jaw-dropping special effect occurred when the escaped convict crashed through the window into the office, shattering the "glass". To mimic real glass, technicians melted sugar into a glass-like substance large enough to fill the massive window, a great feat of creativity and effort. Period appropriate hair and laborious detail work in regards to costuming accented the performances and realistically portrayed the time period. Consistent yet simple sound and lighting benefitted the performance, allowing attention to remain on the actors.

Overall, Chantilly's production of "The Front Page" was overflowing with attention to detail by technicians and commendable dedication by actors. Accurately picking up on the fast-paced, quick-witted, nonstop energy of a tabloid newsroom, the production grabbed the audience's attention and held onto it until the very end.

Jacqui Simmons
Hayfield Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com- CH/Lorton/Oakton

Phones are ringing, typewriters are clinking, a constant white noise of gossip, arguing of reporters trying to determine who got the story first; this is the typical ambiance of a Chicago newsroom in the 1940's. Chicago's Criminal Courts building has seen just about everything from murders to break-ins when a new case arises involving the escape of an accused criminal. Hildy Johnson, a successful reporter for ‘The Enquirer' is on her way to the ‘Big Apple' when who else but Earl Williams (Ryan Rickard), escaped convict, falls through the window and begs for help. The great cover-up has begun, to try and help Williams escape and be pardoned for his crimes. With help from Walter Burns, many laughs are had as the plot gets more and more convoluted.

Originally set in 1928, ‘The Front Page,' written by former Chicago reporters Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, has been adapted multiple times from Broadway stages to movies, often utilizing a 1940s setting. For this production, Chantilly High School employed the 1940s setting, adding its own flourishes and originality. While the original production has an almost entirely male cast, Chantilly put a unique spin on the show by having and almost entirely female cast.

Our leading lady in the newsroom was Hildy Johnson (Brooke Johnson), with her unique facial expressions and killer accents captured the audience's attention from the get-go and moved the pace of the show fluidly and professionally. Walter Burns (Diego Encarnacion) was a great asset to the show by adding incredible energy and enthusiasm throughout. His attention to detail was fantastic from smiling when old ladies are pronounced dead, to rubbing wrists when removed from handcuffs.

Chaotic, the only word that could possibly describe the ensemble of ‘The Front Page'. With overlapping lines, messy rooms, stunning body language, and witty comebacks thrown across the room; the girls of the newsroom portrayed the perfect, imperfect reporter scene.

Technical errors during the performance were few and far between. Fantastic special effects were used to portray broken glass which had the audience jumping out of their seats. Sound effects were time period appropriate as well as perfectly timed. Costumes of the show obviously had a lot of time put into them and added personality to every one of the characters. The almost overcrowded set gave incredible insight to the detail work put in by technicians as well as giving a realistic look to the newsroom.

As we approach the end of the school year, school productions become ever-more elaborate and polished, with one-upsmanship the name of the game. With its production of The Front Page, Chantilly has presented a terrific addition to this year-end theatrical bonanza that deserves to dominate the headlines.

Yvonne Nguyen
Hayfield Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Sniffin' out the latest scoop? Well get a load of this headline, "Chantilly High Wows Audience in Comedic Play". In Chantilly High School's production of The Front Page, the audience is given a peek into the fast-paced and hilarious world of newspaper reporters in 1940's Chicago.

The Front Page was written in 1928 by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. It appeared on Broadway three times, delighting audiences. The Broadway comedy was also adapted into several films including The Front Page (1931), His Girl Friday (1940), The Front Page (1974), and Switching Channels (1988).

Set in the Press Room of Chicago's Criminal Courts Building, The Front Page tells of Chicago reporters, and their pursuit of Earl Williams, alleged communist revolutionary- accused of killing a policeman. Hildy Johnson, star reporter of The Examiner, struggles with her decision to quit reporting in order to move to New York with her fiancé. However, she finds difficulty in walking away from a good story. Walter Burns and Hildy Johnson team up in order to catch the criminal, and churn out a heck of a story.

Hildy Johnson, portrayed by Brooke Johnson, was a whirlwind of a character. From the moment Johnson entered the scene, she commanded the stage. Her effective vocal characterization and high energy level impressed. Johnson also did a superb job of contrasting the multiple sides of her character, demonstrating her understanding of Hildy Johnson's complex personality.

Diego Encarnacion (Walter Burns) had a notable strong voice. His physical choices added greatly to his character. Most impressive was the complicated chemistry between Encarnacion and Johnson, as co-workers, long-time friends, and potentially more, Encarnacion and Johnson played off of each others energy spectacularly, and were a force to be reckoned with on stage.

Similarly, the relationship between Vi Trinh (Mayor) and Chris Knarr (Sheriff Hartman) was very enjoyable to watch. Trinh's no nonsense attitude was hilarious coming from her small frame. Knarr physical characterization was perhaps the most enjoyable of the show. His body language always portrayed his emotions, even when he was not the focus of the scene.

The set of this show was very impressive, and dressed very well. The chaotic and messy scenery worked perfectly with the plot of the show. A section of the stage even opened up to reveal Burn's office.

The shocking climax of the show was when Earl Williams (Ryan Rickard) burst through a window, into the building. Cleverly, made of sugar, the window was a shock to all, and a collective gasp was heard throughout the audience.

The ensemble of the journalists worked well together, creating a rapid-fire 1940's environment. Their quick chatter, and sarcastic behavior was very realistic to the time period. Working more or less as one character, the ensemble had great stage business and reactions.

The Front Page is a hilarious and entertaining show for all audiences. Chantilly's production showed off their excellent projection characterization, as well as their impressive technical elements.

Tessa Youngner
Heritage High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Smashing windows, ringing phones, and flying news stories filled the theater of Chantilly High School with laughter as their performance of The Front Page proved to be a hit. This Broadway comedy is set in Chicago following newly engaged Hildy Johnson (Brooke Johnson) on her final day of work as a journalist, leaving for her New York ad man fiancé, Peter Grant (Sam McKee). Things start to go awry as the normally hectic newsroom gets even crazier with the breaking story of the escape of convict Earl Williams (Ryan Rickard). To tangle matters even more, Williams finds refuge in the newsroom with the help of Hildy and her stern editor Walter Burns (Diego Encarnacion) while Peter grows impatient with Hildy's delayed departure and the police go on a goose hunt for Williams. This comedy written by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur premiered on Broadway in 1928 later being turned into a 1974 movie set in the 1940's following its success. Excellence in technical crews and the cast was evident by the high caliber at which Chantilly presented The Front Page.

Consistency in honest performances and stage presence existed in this entire group of performers. Brooke Johnson's leadership of the cast transcended pass the stage and throughout the theater as she commanded the audience's attention. The time and dedication she put into the role was obvious as each detail of Hildy, from her accent and inflection to her larger than life physicality all gelled fluidly to embody her character with a natural presence. Complimentarily, Diego Encarnacion perfectly executed a balance between authenticity and entertainment as his character was developed true to the plot but pushed the envelope with big comedic moments to keep the audience engaged and laughing. Others that kept the audience laughing from the moment they stepped on to their final exit were Gonzalo Izquierdo as nerdy journalist Bensinger and Antonio Ribeiro as adorably sheepish and confused Mr. Pincus due to their expertly delivered lines and excellent physical comedy. Although some actors were not solid on their lines and sometimes struggled with comedic timing, the commitment they all gave to embody their characters and the time period brought the play to another level and made any minor mistakes a vague memory amongst the enthused audience.

Although not typically the case, the technical aspects in Chantilly's performance of The Front Page thrilled the audience. The set done by Ben Jordan and Mia Rickenbach was beyond impressive as the walls slid open to separate a beautifully done Seal of Chicago to reveal Walter's office embedded into the walls. The main set of the pressroom also displayed depth as the cluttered mess embodied the discombobulated plot while maintaining authenticity with set pieces and props by Michael Rosegrant illustrating a true reflection of a 1930's pressroom. The most impressive and shocking technical aspect of this show was revealed towards the end of the first act as the convict jumped through a window into the set, shattering home-made sugar glass everywhere. The rush and fear of possible injury by glass was real as the scene appeared real due to this brilliant special effects piece. The set, props, and special effects astounded every person in the theater with their specialty which truly enhanced the show.

Chantilly High School's production of The Front Page transported the audience back to the 1930's for a night of big shocks and big laughs keeping the audience at the edges of their seats.