The Island of Dr. Moreau
at Lake Braddock Secondary School

Reviewed on May 7, 2016

Ben Drury
Teens and Theatre
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

A single man in a rowboat washing up on a lone island might sound like a plot device that's been done to death already, but anyone expecting something along the lines of Robinson Crusoe was in for a harsh awakening. In a jarring performance which dragged the audience to the depths of despair and then back again in seconds, The Lake Braddock Theatre team put together a gruesome tale sure to unnerve even the bravest of us.

"The Island of Dr. Moreau" is, first and foremost, a horror. It begins the narration with a grisly outlook on the future, and only continues to spiral down from there. Edward Prendick (Idan Woodruff), a university student from London, narrowly escapes drowning in a sinking ship and is set adrift for days. By pure coincidence, he wakes up on a mysterious island inhabited by creatures which are half human, half beast, and are able to speak English. The overseer of the island, Doctor Moreau, reveals these creatures are all the results of experiments he's been conducting, and that they're all perfectly under control. Things quickly begin to reveal, however, that not all is quite as "under control" as Doctor Moreau would hope.

The production begins rather slowly, treating us to a peaceful dialogue between Prendick and Ellison Montgomery (Kendra Weingast). The two did a fine job portraying the roles of a confused student and an assertive woman of power, adjusting their energy levels well when the scene called for it. Dr. Moreau (Breese Sherman) also was very convincing in showing the audience that he was nothing but a quiet man of science. The three of them together made for a very memorable trio of misfit adventurers.

Humans aside, the animals were the driving force in carrying this play to magnificence. Micaela Harmon gave a lovable performance of M'ling, the loyal dog who can get along with anyone. Running around hunched over like a puppy, dashing in circles for no real reason, and barking in a way which caused a few audience members to ask if there was a real dog in the room, she effortlessly won over the hearts of the entire theater. On the other hand, Max Grove's performance as an ape blew everyone away with the sheer amount of energy he could bring onto a stage. From beginning to end, Max was charging, jumping, shouting, beating his chest, and making everyone believe that he was indeed a real ape.

The most eye-catching of all the play's highlights were the amazing costumes and makeup worn by the cast. Kate Sharman, a leopard, crept all around the stage with her arms, legs, and face painted in such a way that it was hard to tell she was ever a human. The red and white mask of a fox, tusks on a wild boar, ragged scratches on a pair of hyenas, and hair on the chest of an ape all went to show how marvelously the appearances of the characters had been attended to.

The Lake Braddock Theatre hosted a truly stunning performance with amazing attention to detail. "The Island of Doctor Moreau" is one of the hardest plays for a high school to successfully pull off, and this team made it all look easy. Fast-paced and solemn, this production left an impression on its audience that no one will soon forget.

Emily Wilson
Thomas Edison High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Theater can force us to confront ugly truths about ourselves in ways that we might not expect. Lake Braddock's unsettling, thought-provoking production of "The Island of Dr. Moreau" is a fascinating exploration of morality's endurance in the face of truly horrific circumstances.

Based on HG Wells' novel, Troy Tradup's adaptation takes audiences to a remote island on which young student Edward Prendick finds himself shipwrecked. The island is home to the mysterious Dr. Moreau and his assistant, Ellison Montgomery. As the play progresses, the audience learns that Dr. Moreau is an infamous scientist who cuts animals and alters their brains in an attempt to make them more like humans, as he strives to spur evolution forward.

The trio of Prendick, Montgomery, and Moreau (played by Idan Woodruff, Kendra Weingast, and Breese Sherman, respectively) each did a nice job of portraying their deeply complex characters, who are all tortured by violent pasts. Despite their ethically questionable actions, their presentation of vulnerability and inner turmoil was captivating, allowing us to sympathize with and see ourselves in their characters.

Max Grove as the Ape was absolutely phenomenal. As he leaped across the stage, bellowing and pounding his chest, Grove's bold physicality and maximization of the space was truly impressive. The Leopard, deftly played by Kate Sharman, was also a standout. Sharman's graceful movements displayed an apt attention to detail as she showcased various feline mannerisms, from her slinking gait to her narrowed, beady eyes. The adorable dog, M'Ling (Micaela Harmon), provided much-needed comedy to the play. She, too, displayed her talents as an observant actress, as she imitated the movements of a dog, a highlight being when she spun around in circles before plopping down at Prendick's side, calling to mind an energetic puppy.

The technical elements of this show were fantastic. The lighting, designed and executed by Kyle Dannahey, was superb. Using rich greens and yellows for the jungle, and incorporating the motif of shocking flashes of scarlet during scenes of violence, Dannahey's work was integral to creating the eerie, Gothic tone of the play. The special effects (designed by Sarah McDaniels) were also noteworthy; in particular, their use of blood and gore. In one scene a character's intestines and another's spine were ripped out of their bodies with jarring realism.

The makeup crew, led by Kendra Weingast, was innovative and artistic, creating stunningly realistic portrayals of animals. Using individual brush strokes to imitate fur, and implementing fangs, yellowing teeth, and prosthetic pieces, they executed their ambitious designs beautifully.

Lake Braddock's production was a gripping, horrific portrayal of the nature of humanity, calling us to question our own moral guidelines and potential for cruelty. Are we not men?

Carina Kiema
Fairfax High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

An eerie hush falls over the crowd as the auditorium is cast into complete darkness. As the crowd looks on, pairs of glowing green eyes begin to creep out of the wings and we are introduced to the Island of the Doctor.

"The Island of Doctor Moreau" is an 1896 science fiction novel by H. G. Wells. The novel is narrated by Londoner Edward Prendick, a shipwrecked man who is left on the island inhabited by Doctor Moreau, who creates human-like beings from animals.The novel confronts a number of philosophical themes, including cruelty and pain, moral responsibility, and human interference with nature.

This weekend, Lake Braddock High School put on a spectacular production of Troy Tradup's adaptation of the novel.

Breese Sherman, playing Dr. Alphonse Moreau, had a god-like presence on the island, and his sonorous voice and purposeful stride were truly that of someone older and wiser, and suited the character.

Idan Woodruff, playing Edward Prendick, was a superb Lead Actor. He stayed true to his British accent throughout the show. Max Grove, who played the Ape, was an incredible and riveting presence on stage. He constantly beat his chest and the ground, and his guttural voice and disjointed sentences coupled with his entirely painted skin, made him distinctly beastly. Additionally, Kate Sharman, playing the Leopard, was ferocious from start to finish. She pivoted her feet with each step and her low crouches and growls were undoubtedly feral. Likewise, Jessie Todaro, playing the Panther, though possessing few speaking parts, was marvelous. In one particular scene, she is asleep and chained down to the doctors table as he "works" on her. She stayed so utterly still for a prolonged period, she could've been mistaken for a mannequin. And her agonized screams sent chills down the audience members spines.

A notable member of the beast folk, Asjah Heiligh, playing the Sayer of the Law, was a commanding presence, a hush coming over all the animals each time she struck her cane to the ground. She had a dignified presence even though she was a wild animal. Additionally, Micaela Harmon, playing M'ling, was adorable; her whimpers and barks, and even the trusting, wide-eyed looks she gave to her masters, were impressively similar to those of a real dog.

The entire Beast Folk Ensemble was splendid. The animals were all unwavering in their low crouches and various grunts and snorts. Moreover, their use of the aisles as an extension of the stage and as a way to divert from the scene transitions was successful. The animals snarling and snapping at audience members as they exited made for an engaging and intense experience.

The set was intricate and realistic, featuring tall bamboo stalks in the background and moss covered rocks and creeping ferns in the forefront. The aging makeup on most was realistic, but on some there were visible lines. The lighting was utilized successfully, with different colors used to signify corresponding emotions, and even things such as fire and the ocean. The special effects were horrifyingly realistic, and were spectacular when accompanied with the sound effects .

This production was spectacular overall, and is like one you've never seen before. If you're looking for a lively experience, this is the show for you.

Brittany Geier
Teens and Theatre
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Fairfax

What happens when a man's unchecked ambition to play God and make his mark on the world drive him to abandon all human sentiments of compassion and morality? Lake Braddock Secondary School's performance of The Island of Dr. Moreau presented a terrifying, thought-provoking view of morality and man's pursuit of knowledge.

Since its publication as a science fiction novel in 1896, H.G. Wells' The Island of Dr. Moreau has been adapted into numerous films and stage productions. This terrifying, thought-provoking tale tells of a young Englishman, Edward Prendick (Idan Woodruff), who is shipwrecked on a secluded island in the Pacific. He encounters Dr. Moreau (Breese Sherman), an obsessed man who is consumed by his desire to create his own race of perfect humans. Through the process of vivisection, he transforms the various animals on the island into beings that possess both human and animal characteristics. These creatures wander freely about the island where they live out a "travesty of humanity," complete with their own laws and assemblies.

Lake Braddock's production was anchored by the outstanding cast of characters comprising the "Beast Folk," the human-animal hybrids which Moreau creates. The actors in this ensemble never broke character during the entire show, delivering unnerving performances of tortured, mutilated animals complete with uncanny animal shrieks and terrifying facial expressions. Their use of the theater aisles greatly enhanced their performance and connection with the audience.

Playing the shipwrecked Prendick, Idan Woodruff portrayed his character's journey from a passive observer of events to a key thinker who voices his misgivings about Moreau's experiments and helps repress a rebellion of the Beast Folk. Kendra Weingast as Dr. Moreau's assistant, Ellison Montgomery, aptly displayed her character's development from a passionate, loyal follower of Moreau to a skeptic who begins to doubt the ethical justifications for his gruesome experiments. Portraying the eccentric Dr. Moreau, Breese Sherman delivered the perfect blend of pragmatist and monomaniac as he spoke in a matter-of-fact manner about his ardent desire to form his own race of humans.

Several actors portraying various members of the Beast Folk contributed significantly to the show's unnerving yet captivating atmosphere. As M'Ling, the friendly human-dog hybrid that attends Dr. Moreau and Montgomery, Micaela Harmon brought a refreshing and innocent presence to a show dominated by hideous, unpredictable creatures and calloused humans. Max Grove (the Ape) was an instant hit with the audience, arresting their laughter and compassion as he formed an immediate bond with Prendick and died urging the other Beast Folk to cleave to the Law established by Moreau. Portraying the Leopard, who incites a rebellion of sorts against Moreau and his Law, Kate Sharman was truly terrifying with her ravenous snarls and ghastly, over-the-top murders of Moreau and one of his Beast Folk specimen.

The lighting crew's work was spectacular, particularly when used on the set backdrop to convey a certain mood -- for example, blood-red lighting corresponded with the murder scenes. Occasionally, the cast's energy seemed to lag, yet their intensity during the scenes with the Beast Folk enthralled the audience and contributed to the show's spine-chilling atmosphere. Despite occasional lapses in articulation, on the whole the cast spoke clearly and audibly, especially considering that several actors mixed their own voices with animal sounds.

Lake Braddock's production of "The Island of Dr. Moreau" thrilled and captivated the audience with its sobering, terrifying view of the danger of human ambition when unchecked by compassion and ethical standards.

Katie Kolo
Thomas Edison High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Imagine a place where the lines between humanity and savagery are blurred, where cruelty is excused for the sake of scientific progress, and the need to not only survive, but improve is held in regard above all others. This intricate and difficult setting is the one presented by Lake Braddock Theatre in their production of Troy Tradup's adaptation of the H. G. Wells classic The Island of Dr. Moreau.

The Island of Dr. Moreau was first written by Wells in 1896 and discusses morality through the lense of Edward Prendick, a shipwrecked young man who washes up on an island and is nursed back to health by the eccentric Dr. Moreau who is interested in advancing life through vivisection and manipulation of natural properties. His many experiments result in the "beast folk" of the island, animals who have been almost transformed into people and follow the laws of humanity that Moreau has set. As Prendick gets to know the different perspectives of the animals and people on the island, his ideas of what is right and wrong fluctuate and eventually settle into a mindset of survival at any cost.

Leads Idan Woodruff (Prendick) and Kendra Weingast (Ellison Montgomery) did a good job of portraying the story, especially as the second act progressed and the central themes of authority and morality became more present. Even more commendable than the performances of these two actors, however, is that of the various Beast Folk on the island. The ensemble as a whole was remarkably cohesive and intensely committed to the physicality of the animals they chose to portray, keeping hands curled into the shape of paws or hooves and making other character choices that greatly enhanced the overall effect of the show. Particularly impressive performers include Micaela Harmon (M'Ling) as the loyal dog-servant to Prendick and Moreau, whose every move was supported by a canine motivation, and Max Grove (Ape) who managed to work animalistic intensity and physicality seamlessly into his lines and blocking to create a character that truly stood out among the cast.

The show would not have been what it was without the impressive manifestations of the technical theatre aspects. The makeup design of Kendra Weingast greatly augmented the impact of the Beast Folk in the play, and the show certainly would not have had such a sickening effect without the hard work of Sarah McDaniels, who headed the execution of the fake blood onstage in a manner both realistic and sensational. However, the single most impressive element involved in the performance was the lighting by Kyle Dannhey. From flashes of lightning to the motif of red washes that accompanied violence, his work was both consistent and spectacular.

"Somehow, nature drifts endlessly back in." This line from the show could not have been better embodied by the cast and crew of Lake Braddock Theatre's "The Island of Dr. Moreau" in their portrayal of humanity's devolution into barbarism in times of moral crisis. From the opening lines to the closing bows, The Island of Dr. Moreau created a space for the consideration of these very difficult topics.

Elli Esher
Teens and Theatre
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

A dark auditorium is lit by a red spotlight. A single canoe sits under it. Only the silhouettes of trees can be seen against the pale, green background, and the white noise of buzzing cicadas fills the air. Such was the beginning of Lake Braddock Secondary School's production of The Island of Dr. Moreau. Scared yet? With chilling special affects, pioneering actors and convincing disguises, the cast and crew succeeded in producing a truly spine-chilling performance.

Adapted by Troy Tradup from the 1896 novel by H.G. Wells, The Island of Dr. Moreau tells the horrific tale of a man named Edward Prendick (Idan Woodruff) who, after surviving a shipwreck, washes up on an island inhabited by the disgraced Dr. Alphonse Moreau (Breese Sherman). Over the course of his stay, Edward realizes that Dr. Moreau is creating human hybrids out of animals through vivisection, a topic of much debate at the time. The story deals with themes such as pain, suffering, morality, humanity, and human interference with nature by creating a miniature depiction of society within the confines of Moreau's island.

While appearing in only a small number of scenes, the energy of the production was almost encapsulated by its antagonist, the leopard (Kate Sharman). The actress seemed to have calculated every aspect of her character, literally down to her toes. With every footstep, her feet pivoted exactly like the animal she portrayed. She stalked rather than walked and, with only a few words, displayed an almost professional development of character that came to a gripping climax the moment she made Dr. Moreau "better" by brutally slaying him.

Two praiseworthy performances were also found in the ape (Max Grove) and M'Ling (Micaela Harmon), the dog. Grove quickly became an audience favorite with his overall eccentricity – his grunting voice, hooting, and occasional beating of the chest – as well as with the depth of character he managed to portray simultaneously. Harmon brought a spark of humor to an otherwise dark play by demonstrating the more comical inconsistences of her humanity – barking, sniffing the audience, and circling around several times before choosing a final spot to sit. These were some standouts, yet the entire beast folk ensemble was, in fact, highly impressive in both their physicality and the way they worked as one, cohesive body even while representing a vast array of species.

In a production where nearly all the characters have animal qualities, excellence in makeup quickly becomes a defining feature. For Lake Braddock, it was a resounding success. Every animal had a unique, detailed look reflective of their source animal, particularly in the case of the ape's nose. The actors managed an impressive consistency in projection as they were given no personal microphones, and scene transitions were, while sometimes slow, usually made interesting by the appearance of animals in the aisles. Special effects, such as the creation of a spinal cord and glowing eyes, served as the culmination of the play's gripping horror. Sound cues were on time and generally heightened tension, particularly in the cracking of bones. The ominously dark stage served as a successful reflection of the story's equally dark themes. A red light was used repeatedly at the occurrence of death.

The actors take their bows while still maintaining character. As the chills subside, the audience slowly rises to a standing ovation. Lake Braddock Secondary School executed a precarious feat by performing the "The Island of Dr. Moreau", and their attempt was a resounding success.

Stan Bottcher
Annandale High School
Submitted for publication to The Bear Facts

A crazy doctor, torturous surgical experiments, and humanesque, talking animals are only a few of the bizarre wonders that reside on the Island of Dr. Moreau.

Adapted by Troy Tradup from H.G. Wells' 1896 novel, The Island of Dr. Moreau tells a story of Dr. Moreau, a surgeon and pioneer, determined to transform animals into humans capable of speech, thought, and morality. Discovered by shipwrecked biology student, Edward Prendick, Moreau tries to explain his reasoning and philosophy, but to no avail. Things take a turn for the worst and Edward is forced to flee the island, leaving everyone questioning what it really means to be human.

Idan Woodruff played the role of Edward Prendick with conviction and aplomb. At first disgusted by Moreau's practices, Woodruff's characterization of Edward was genuine and clear as his views transformed throughout the show. Kendra Weingast performance as Ellison Montgomery, assistant to Dr. Moreau, was also very sincere, clearly showing her inner conflict with morality culminating in her capitulation to the animals of the island. Diction and projection from all actors was superior, and each line was clearly understood despite the fact that the actors did not use microphones.

Another standout performance was that of Max Grove, who played an Ape that Dr. Moreau had transformed into something resembling man. Grove perfectly embodied the dichotomy of his role: part man, part ape. The audience audibly empathized with him when he was excited or crestfallen. Micaela Harmon's performance as M'Ling, the talking dog servant, was affecting as well. She captured the good natured spirit of a dog and was certainly man's best friend to the very end.

The crown jewel of the show was the ensemble of beast folk, the humanesque wild animals of the jungle. Their costumes and impeccable makeup were duly noted and completed their look. As they huffed, snuffed, howled, growled, and scampered through the aisles, the audience truly felt as if they engulfed in a jungle full of wild animals.

The show also featured excellent lighting and sound, designed by Kyle Dannahey and Helen Moreau respectively. Dannahey used color and angles to denote key parts of the plot, such as flashbacks or conflict. Helen Moreau used subtle jungle sounds to immerse the audience, and also had great sounds during the attack on Dr. Moreau by a leopard. Finally, the speedy and near silent stage crew made substantial transitions nearly unnoticeable throughout the play.

Lake Braddock's production of The Island of Dr. Moreau was highly ambitious, and very well executed, leaving the audience wondering what it truly means to be man.

Kathryn Heislup
Thomas Edison High School
Submitted for publication to The Bear Facts

Are we not men? The Lake Braddock Theatre's production of "The Island of Doctor Moreau" has audience members questioning themselves through this commentary on the instinctual nature of man. This is done through the story of Edward Prendick, as he finds himself on an uncharted island in the South Pacific with the strange Dr. Alphonse Moreau, who creates human-like animal hybrids that roam the island.

The Lake Braddock Theatre performed Troy Tradup's adaptation of H.G Wells' 1896 science fiction novel "The Island of Doctor Moreau". Wells referred to his novel as "an exercise in youthful blasphemy". Both novel and play adaptation present themes of moral responsibility, human identity and instinct, and human interference with nature.

The humans on the island carefully crafted their characters to show how time on the island affected them. Idan Woodruff, who played Prendick, carried the show well as he presented different emotions throughout that grew in intensity as the show went on. The same was done by Kendra Weingast, who portrayed the guarded Ellison Montgomery. Weingast seemed to intentionally create a character with restrained emotions during the first act, which was understandable once the character's history was made apparent. During act two, Weingast took the character to another level where repressed emotions were evicted from her head, allowing her acting ability to shine.

Other notable performances were made by the Ape (Max Grove), the Leopard (Kate Sharman), and M'Ling (Micaela Harmon). Each of them made careful character choices depending on the animal they were portraying. The Ape (Grove) did an outstanding job with his dialect and physicality, as he would do "ape-like" movements at carefully placed times during his lines. The Leopard (Sharman) moved her body with purpose as well. In every step she took her feet would pivot differently, creating a cat-like character. The adorable M'Ling (Harmon) created her character through dog-like panting, barking, and sniffing to highlight the curiosity and kindness of man's best friend.

Kendra Weingast also contributed to the success of the show with her work as Makeup Designer. The makeup in this production was unbelievably well done. The makeup worn by each Beast Folk character was beautifully detailed and complimented the actors. The makeup team paid attention to every detail, including the teeth of the animals, as some of them had fangs or yellow teeth. The most notable makeup was done on the Ape (Max Grove). Grove wore a prosthetic nose that distorted his face and definitely made him look more ape than human.

Another noteworthy aspect of the show was the lighting created by Kyle Dannahey. The lighting design provided a visual palette of emotions and themes in the play through color. Most memorable was the saturated red light added to scenes containing violence or death. Light was utilized admirably as each change in lighting had specific purpose to add an interesting dimension to the scene.

Each aspect of The Lake Braddock Theatre's production of "The Island of Doctor Moreau" was carefully crafted with specific purpose. With beautifully detailed visual decisions, and an ensemble that was dedicated to taking their characters to new heights, the production left audience members questioning the divide between themselves and animals.