The Man Who Came to Dinner
at Chantilly High School

Reviewed on May 6, 2016

Jack Posey
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

It has often been said that "laughter is the best medicine"- if so, the shenanigans surrounding the recovery of patient Sheridan Whiteside in The Man Who Came to Dinner had the audience cured! The cast and crew at Chantilly High School prescribed a healthy dose of comedic hijinks with their production of the classic 1939 Kaufman and Hart comedy.

The Man Who Came to Dinner follows the antics created by outlandish radio personality Sheridan Whiteside, who is taken in by the well-to-do Stanley family after slipping on ice and injuring his hip on a national radio tour. The wheelchair-bound Whiteside's sharp tongue and interference in the personal lives of the quirky inhabitants of the Stanley residence and other colorful associates create comedic chaos for all parties involved.

Even from a seated position in a wheelchair, Adam LeKang took the stage with a bombastic, cantankerous energy and grand stage presence as Sheridan Whiteside. His control of the difficult, period-specific language made the jokes far more understandable and enjoyable for the audience, and his snarky jabs at other characters (most notably blistering insults hurled at his obsequious, sad sack nurse, Miss Preen, endearingly portrayed by Olivia Madigan) elicited belly laughs and guffaws of sympathy from the audience. As his loyal secretary, Maggie Cutler, Adriana Castillo held a consistent transatlantic accent and crafted an engagingly multifaceted performance. Her character's cool composure giving way to fiery temper and touching vulnerability throughout the course of the story.

Michael Rosegrant was a hilarious standout as British actor Beverley Carlton, committing to his posh upper-crust dialect and propelling the comedy of his scene forward with excellent pacing that brought the audience to spontaneous applause upon his exit. Similarly, Marka Doolittle had the audience in the palm of her hand as the ancient Harriet Stanley, her excruciatingly slow movement and stalker-like fixation upon Whiteside creating hysterical moments throughout the show. The remaining ensemble of performers made distinctive characterizations that helped bring the zaniness of the show further to life, and delivered consistent vocal energy and volume.

The set of the production was an elegant, two-story interior of a luxe grand parlor, complete with a double-staircase and furnished with elegant lamps, tables, and portraits hanging on the China-blue walls. An impressive attention to detail was found in dressings and backdrops placed behind the set's many doors, giving the impression that there were new locations behind each portal, rather than the expansive blackness of a backstage. The silent and smooth addition of a Christmas tree with plush presents into the parlor during a scene performed with little-to-no lighting made for an impressive and exciting reveal upon the re-illumination of the set. Equally impressive were the entrances of a large Egyptian sarcophagus, painted with great detail, and a crate full of stuffed penguins that bounced and waddled around in a lifelike manner with the help of clever fish-wire rigging.

The cast and crew at Chantilly High School certainly brought a classic to fresh life with their production of The Man Who Came to Dinner.

Daria Kerschenbaum
Thomas S. Wootton High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Some might think that having an international celebrity stay at your house is the stuff of dreams, but as the Stanley family soon find out, the opportunity is more trouble than its worth. If you're enamored with the idea of meeting other famous people and perhaps showing off your own artistic talents to this famed guest of yours, Chantilly High School Theatre's "The Man Who Came to Dinner" might convince you otherwise.

"The Man Who Came to Dinner" is a 1939 comedic romp with a touch of romance, full of the scratchy jazz records, evening gowns, and old glamour that characterize our rosy view of the era. Written in three acts by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, the play follows Sheridan "Sherry" Whiteside (Adam LeKang), the renowned radio personality, after he's confined to a small town home after slipping on the ice and injuring his hip. When his loyal secretary of ten years, Miss Maggie Cutler (Adriana Castillo) falls in love with the local journalist, Bert Jefferson (Jack David), Whiteside is determined to prevent the marriage to maintain his favorite employee. What results is a series of hijinks, hilarity, and a box full of moving, chirping penguins, courtesy of a talented Chantilly props team.

The entire cast managed a two hour and forty-five-minute show without microphones, projecting their delightful and intercontinental dialects into the cozy theater. LeKang led his costars with a bombastic energy, keeping those around him on their toes, trying to avoid his amusing tirades. Castillo's no nonsense attitude and charm made her the perfect counterpoint; her voice work was particularly accurate to the period. The supporting performers maintained true dedication to fully embodying their characters, resulting in nothing short of hilarity. Banjo's (Connor Cragg) short stage time in act two was a particular audience favorite what with Roger-Rabbit-like energy. On the opposite end of the spectrum was Harriet Stanley (Marka Doolittle), a bizarre and bewildering old woman with a particularly shady past. Doolittle's masterful use of silence had the crowd in the palm of her hand.

Chantilly High School's tech crew outperformed themselves with an incredible, sprawling set that captured the decadence of the late 1930's—for the wealthy few, of course. The two-story Mesalia, Ohio mansion had a keen eye to detail. Instead of merely placing a curtain behind each of the six entrances to the main foyer, the set included a detailed peak into the rest of the home. The light beyond the main entrance changed in accordance to the time of day and lighting expertly controlled the many lamps on stage. Equally astounding was the running crew's transition during act one, bringing on a towering eight foot Christmas tree seemingly out of nowhere, in complete silence, in a matter of seconds.

Perhaps hosting a celebrity is not all it's cracked up to be, but Chantilly High School's production of "The Man Who Came to Dinner" is the perfect example of an excellent revival of a theatre classic sure to tickle an audience's funny bone. The Stanley's might not be thrilled, but that won't stop you from having an uproarious time.

Kelsey Loesch
Paul VI Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

What do an unwanted houseguest, a lovesick secretary, a scheming starlet, and a family of penguins have in common? Why, they all took the stage in Chantilly High School's production of The Man Who Came to Dinner, of course!

The Man Who Came to Dinner was written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. It premiered in 1939 and ran until 1941. The show begins with the infamously brash radio personality, Sherry Whiteside hurling insults from a wheelchair. While on his way to attend a dinner at the home of the Stanley family, Whiteside slipped on a patch of ice and now finds himself stuck at the Stanley's home. However, the Stanley's suffering is far greater due to Whiteside's antics and the outlandish house guests that wreak havoc on the status quo- and all in time for Christmas!

Although confined to a wheelchair for the majority of the almost three hour play, Adam LeKang gave an incredibly physical performance as Sherry Whiteside. LeKang hurled insults and exemplified every characteristic of a rotten houseguest, creating the type of character audiences love to hate. Whiteside invites a great number of his eccentric friends to the Stanley home including the famed actor Beverly Carlton (Michael Rosegrant) and the madman Banjo (Connor Cragg). Rosegrant ensured his scene would be remembered through his impressive energy and passionate over-the-top gestures. From the moment he burst onto the stage, Rosegrant was utterly electrifying and a joy to watch.

Providing a much appreciated contrast to the wild and wacky was Adriana Castillo as Whiteside's devoted secretary, Maggie. Castillo's heartfelt performance and impressive presence made her stand out among so many larger than life roles. She also won over the audience in her crafty scheme to win her man, Bert Jefferson's (Jack David) affection away from the delightfully dramatic actress, Lorraine Sheldon (Leah Copeland).

The play featured a large number of actors in featured roles. The nervous nurse's, Miss Preen played by Olivia Madigan, outbursts grew increasingly more hysterical as the show went on. In perhaps the most memorable role of the evening, Marka Doolittle was positively brilliant as Harriet Stanley, an elderly woman one can only describe as very, very unusual. Doolittle's hunched over shuffle and vocal tics had the audience roaring with laughter.

The set itself was absolutely breathtaking. The two level house featured an incredible attention to detail rarely seen in high school productions. Props were also remarkably detailed. Especially impressive were the crate of penguins, Christmas tree, and the Sarcophagus.

With a picture-perfect set complemented by an eccentric cast of characters, the cast of Chantilly's The Man Who Came to Dinner created a night of theatre not to be forgotten any time soon.

Jessica Scarano
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com- CH/Lorton/Oakton

With Christmas just around the corner, the Stanley family finds themselves trapped in the presence of a renowned radio host who may ruin the holidays with his trickery and deceitful ways. Chantilly High School brings both laughs and gasps to their theatre with their entertaining and vigorous production of The Man Who Came to Dinner.

The Man Who Came to Dinner, a comedy written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, debuted in 1939 at the Music Box Theatre in New York and ran for 739 performances. The play was later adapted into a popular film in 1942. The story follows a famous radio star, Sheridan Whiteside, who joins the Stanley family for dinner one night. Mr. Whiteside injures his hip and is confined to a wheelchair and forced to stay at the Stanley residence for a few weeks. During his stay, Mr. Whiteside welcomes a multitude of eccentric guests and unusual treasures. However, Mr. Whiteside's large personality and harsh humor seem to be interrupting not only the hosts' lives, but also that of his secretary's newfound love.

Adam LeKang led the show with gusto as the blunt houseguest Sheridan Whiteside. LeKang commanded the stage with his forceful stage presence and boundless energy. He did a notable job keeping the pacing of the show up and interacted skillfully with the surrounding cast members. Mr. Whiteside's earnest secretary, Maggie Cutler, played by Adriana Castillo, brought an adorable essence to the stage. Castillo maintained a consistent transatlantic accent throughout the show and demonstrated the layers of her character through her transition from professional secretary to love-struck woman.

Another standout was Cutler's charming love interest Bert Jefferson (Jack David), the aspiring playwright. Jefferson had sweet chemistry with Castillo and displayed his love through authentic body language. Mr. Whiteside's doctor, Miss Preen (Olivia Madigan), was totally committed to her anxiously hysterical character, and her fidgety body language clearly displayed her nerves around her employer. Mr. Whiteside's friend, the exquisite Beverly Carlton (played by Michael Rosegrant), had fantastic comedic timing. Rosegrant devoted his entire body to the physical comedy of his character, complementing the pacing of the show with his refreshing hilarity.

Marka Doolittle played the crazy Harriet Stanley with humor. Doolittle highlighted the age of her character with excellent physicality and employed uproarious facial expressions that made her an audience favorite. Ending the show with exuberance was Connor Cragg in the role of Banjo, Mr. Whiteside's close friend. Cragg displayed notable spirit from his entrance until his exit

The set was masterfully built with multiple levels, and there was a backdrop behind every door that added to the realism of the show. The stained glass window above the front door added color to the set while the large Christmas tree brought the spirit of Christmas right into the Stanley household. The hair and makeup team did a superb job with the age makeup, particularly on Harriet Stanley, and the hair crew added to the elderly effect by adding grey to the older actors' hair. The props in the production were expertly crafted and featured a crate full of moving penguins and a life-size sarcophagus.

Chantilly High School's production of The Man Who Came to Dinner was a fantastic blend of comedy and drama. There was never a dull moment on stage, and the actors did a phenomenal job delving deeper into a complicated script.

Diana Witt
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Most dinner guests only stay for the evening, but in Chantilly High School's production of The Man Who Came to Dinner, Sheridan Whiteside's unexpected stay brings chaos to the Stanley household. In this wacky tale of mischief and mayhem, the characters learn that good can come from the pandemonium of life.

Written by George Kaufman and Moss Hart, The Man Who Came to Dinner is a three act comedy play. It first premiered at the Music Box Theater in NYC in 1939. A film adaptation starring Monty Woolley came out in 1942. The story follows Sheridan Whiteside, a larger than life radio personality, when he is invited to have dinner with the wealthy Stanley family. Before Whiteside can even make it in to the house, he slips on the Stanley's front steps and injures his hip. Confined to a wheelchair, Whiteside must stay in the Stanley home longer than just one evening. However, his wheelchair does not stop him from causing disorder. With his large telephone bills, wacky house guests, and even a few loose penguins, Sheridan Whiteside turns the Stanley household upside in this wild, laugh out loud production.

Playing the title role of Sheridan Whiteside was Adam LeKang. LeKang hilariously delivered Whiteside's scathingly caustic jests confidently with impeccable timing. He was bound by a wheelchair for virtually the entire play, but managed to embody the outlandish and vivacious persona. LeKang created many unique and believable relationships onstage, most notably with his loyal secretary, Maggie Cutler, played by Adriana Castillo. The pair demonstrated the ups and downs of employee and employer, snapping at each other one moment and sharing a friendly giggle in the next. In addition, Castillo adorably captured Maggie's joy and sadness of her romance with newspaper man Bert Jefferson. Jefferson, played by Jack David, acted as the calm in the middle of the storm. David firmly characterized the dependable and serious, yet charming Jefferson.

Two of Whiteside's guests, Beverly and Banjo, were portrayed by Michael Rosegrant and Connor Cragg. The duo both showcased comedic skill in witty moments with Whiteside. Their bold movements and sharp vocalizations made for entertaining performances. Whiteside's nervous nurse, Miss Preen was played by Olivia Madigan. Madigan amusingly depicted many droll moments of confusion as she got caught up in the flurry of activity in the household. A hilarious cameo performance was given by Marka Doolittle, who played the senile old lady, Harriet. The audience erupted into laughter each time Doolittle crept up onstage with her bent posture and creepy grin.

A gorgeous dual level set adorned the stage. The bottom level was dry brushed and the top level featured detailed and decorated rooms, even though the audience only caught glimpses of them. Standout pieces included a grand and glittery Christmas tree and luxurious white sofas. Commendable props included the crate of penguins and the human-sized gold sarcophagus. He set transitions were almost unnoticeable, masked by good lighting and a quick crew. Subdued and warm lighting softened transitions and created a quaint ambiance for the home.

Confusion, chaos, and commotion created comedy in Chantilly High School's production of The Man Who Came to Dinner. The cast and crew certainly made an ordinary dinner into so much more.

Alexa Tucker
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

As the saying goes, houseguests are like fish: after three days, they begin to smell. But when the Stanley family's houseguests brings along cockroaches, penguins, and an octopus, he begins to seem rotten much earlier than three days in Chantilly High School's hilarious and polished production of The Man Who Came to Dinner.

Written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, the Man Who Came to Dinner tells the story of a radio personality, Sheridan Whiteside, who is forced to spend the holiday season with a small-town Ohio family after breaking his hip. Frustrated at his confinement, the abrasive Whiteside quickly takes over the house, receiving eccentric guests and odd gifts while maintaining a constant barrage of verbal abuse against his nurse and the house residents. However, when his secretary, Maggie Cutler, falls in love with a local newspaper man, Whiteside must decide either to do what he thinks is best for Maggie, or to let her decide for herself.

As the titular man who came to dinner, Adam LeKang portrayed Sheridan Whiteside with commanding stage presence despite his confinement to a wheelchair. Perfectly capturing the self-assured outrageousness of the loudmouthed radio personality, LeKang's booming voice and throaty laugh added realism to his performance. LeKang delivered insults with scathing savagery, but showed surprising tenderness when advising the Stanley children or Maggie. His boundless energy brought out the humor of the play and maintained the audience's attention in spite of a two hour long first act.

Adriana Castillo matched LeKang's intensity as the hardworking and no-nonsense secretary Maggie Cutler. In the few dramatic moments of the show, Castillo showed heartbreakingly genuine emotion as she begged Whiteside to not interfere with her relationship. As the endearingly oblivious newspaper man Bert Jefferson, Jack David charmed Whiteside and the audience from his first moment on stage. Despite interferences from the slinky actress Lorraine (portrayed by Leah Copeland), his relationship with Maggie was tender and heartfelt. Michael Rosegrant as Beverly Carlton and Connor Cragg as Banjo both made use of limited stage time to develop memorable characters with extreme energy and commitment.

The two-story set, created by Ben Klosky, Evyn O'Reilly, and Michael Rosegrant, provided the perfect backdrop for the action of the show and featured many small touches that added realism and authenticity. Doors did not simply serve as exits and entrances, but opened to glimpses of furnished rooms. A stained glass window above the front door glowed with sunlight during the daytime, and became dim as dusk fell. The lighting team (Ben Klosky, Timothy Rudolph, and Michelle Yee) integrated real house lights, such as lamps and overhead lights, into the lighting system wherever possible to illuminate rooms without relying on stage lights. The props team, led by Colton Anderson, had the difficult task of creating Whiteside's many eccentric gifts. They produced a sarcophagus, a penguin crate, and a cockroach habitat with impressive realism.

House guests may very well go bad after a few days, but in the case of Sheridan Whiteside, at least he leaves behind quite an interesting story to tell in Chantilly High School's uproarious production of The Man Who Came to Dinner.