Meet Me in St. Louis
at W.T. Woodson High School

Reviewed on November 7, 2015

Raquel Sequeira
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

The enchantment of the turn of the 20th century —- the ornate styles, the elegant clothes, and the romance pervading even everyday life—- still has the power to enthrall our hearts and imaginations. W.T. Woodson High School's rich performance of the iconic "Meet Me in St. Louis" transported its audience back to this captivating age.

First produced as a film in 1944, the story traces a year in the life of the Smith family of St. Louis in 1904, in anticipation of the St. Louis World's Fair. The characters struggle with complicated romances, family conflicts, and the threat of leaving their home, as they come to realize that the relationships in their lives are what truly matter. "Meet Me in St. Louis" was later adapted as a Broadway musical in 1989, bringing new songs and themes to the hugely popular, classic story.

A vocally talented and charming cast brought a heart-warming harmony to the ensemble. The family stood out with realistic and cohesive emotion. As the whole family sat around the dinner table for a tension-filled scene, they presented an array of distinct personalities, each playing intuitively off of the others to great comedic effect. Blake Phillips' dedicated portrayal of the stern yet loving father was especially convincing and entertaining. Family joys and quarrels were relatable and moving, characterized by unified emotion on stage and song.

Miryam Mendelson and Drew Bondy as the central couple, Esther and John, presented an adorable youthful romance, both with an innocent awkwardness in the portrayal of the relationship. The actors gave skillful vocal performances that blended pleasingly. From their first bumbling encounter filled with hilarious failed romantic attempts to a moving proposal scene that elicited sighs from the audience, the actors crafted the relationship with decisive personality, and with tenderness from their well-controlled singing; the reprise of "Boy Next Door" that finally brought their voices together in a duet under a soft blue spotlight elevated the couple's naive loveliness.

Among solid ensemble songs with strong choreography, some scenes brought exceptional energy to the play as a whole. Madi Sarlo as the family's maid Katie infused the stage with spirit and humor in her song "Touch of the Irish," complete with Irish accent and jig. Jacob Lamb as the oldest Smith child, Lon, led one of the most impressive ensemble pieces with his captivating singing and dancing for "The Banjo." His fluidity and fervor set the mood for the playful song, and even included an exciting few seconds of impressive tap-dancing.

A high-quality set was crucial to the tone of this production. Each of the large set pieces was extremely well-built and solid. This included a life-sized trolley car bearing an ensemble's-worth of passengers that rolled smoothly onto the stage. The front door — ever difficult to master — opened and closed without even a creak; the walls and stairs never betrayed that they did not in fact hold up a real house. All the props — from the red velvet furniture to the brass candlesnuffer — were appropriate to the time period and added greatly to the setting. Both set and props were used effectively in the movement and choreography throughout the play. All the set and props were moved on and off quickly and fluidly. Creative, powerful lighting added a final layer of crisp artistic style to the show, with well-handled spotlights highlighting individual songs or relationships.

The style and charm of Woodson High School's "Meet Me in St. Louis" captured the iconic story, music, and era, leaving the audience wishing they really could meet the characters at the summer fairgrounds of turn-of-the-century St. Louis.

Alexa Tucker
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

The curtains open up on a grand St. Louis sky as a little girl adorably entreats the audience to "meet me in St. Louis, meet me at the fair." With that, the audience is invited to look back on simpler times, when families all ate together and girls married the boy next door. Truly, the lights were not shining anywhere but W.T. Woodson's cheerful and charming production of "Meet Me in St. Louis."

Set in the excitement preceding the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition World's Fair, the 1944 film of the same name starred Judy Garland as Esther. Exuding a nostalgic all-American charm, the film immediately became a classic. The Broadway adaptation opened in 1989, nearly half a century later. With book by Hugh Wheeler and music & lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, the stage musical version was nominated for four Tony Awards.

The Smith family leads a comfortable and happy life in St. Louis. Mr. Smith works as a lawyer, and the eldest son, Lon, is off to Princeton for college. The two eldest daughters, Rose and Esther, are occupied with their suitors. As Rose pursues New York resident Warren Sheffield, Esther is after the boy next door, quite literally. Meanwhile, the two youngest daughters, Agnes and Tootie, cause all kinds of mischief with their childish escapades. When Mr. Smith announces that the family will be moving to New York, they are heartbroken as they are faced with departing their hometown on the eve of the World's Fair.

Miryam Mendelson exuded confidence and charm as Esther Smith. Her versatile singing voice sounded beautiful both alone and in harmony with other cast members, and her romance with the slightly unsophisticated but well-meaning John Truett (played by Drew Bondy) captured the hearts of the audience. Although she could flutter her eyelashes with the best of them, Mendelson showed off her tougher side when she believed that John had hit Tootie. Without hesitation, Mendelson marched outside and gave Bondy a few good whacks, calling it the "touch of the Irish" to the great delight of the audience. Of course, she soon learned that she was mistaken and the two quickly forgave each other.

The Smith household endearingly portrayed the give-and-take of family life, melding into a realistically affectionate unit. The entire ensemble reached its peak of energy when Jacob Lamb as Lon led the attendees of the Winter Ball in the musical number "The Banjo." Another standout moment occurred when the life-size trolley made its grand entrance on the stage, the cast riding along and singing their hearts out in their crisp suits and frilly dresses. Although there were some problems with volume, the cast consistently blended their voices into beautiful harmonies.

Effective technical elements added to the cheerful tone of the show. Bright and colorful costumes perfectly embodied the style of 1904. Various lamps, candles, and chandeliers were placed all over the set, requiring great precision with lighting cues as these were turned on or off. The choreography (Kristin Bolger and Miryam Mendelson) featured tap dancing, Irish dance, and even some pointe work, incorporating the various talents of the cast.

W.T. Woodson's light-hearted production of "Meet Me in St. Louis" reminded the audience of the endurance of love and family. As Esther says to console her sister on Christmas Eve, "We can be happy anywhere as long as we're together."

Zoe Le Menestrel
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Red Apple 21 - FCPS

Life is picturesque for the St. Louis situated Smith family. Rose and Esther are both in love, the former with a millionaire, the latter with the boy next door. Their younger siblings are up to all sorts of hijinks, and their parents lead a comfortable, routine life of playing bridge and raising child. But when Mr. Smith announces he wants to relocate the family to New York City, the once-close family splits at the seams as the move threatens to uproot them from everything they have ever known. W. T. Woodson High School brought the charming musical adaptation of "Meet Me in St. Louis" to the stage in a delightful evening of song and dance.

"Meet Me in St. Louis" is based on the beloved 1944 film of the same name. Its time-honored music and lyrics were composed and written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, while its book was penned by Hugh Wheeler. The musical opened on Broadway in 1989 and was consequently nominated for four Tony Awards.

Although there were several standout lead actors, Woodson's ensemble deserves due commendation for their constant engagement. Their realistic stage business, high energy, and overall buoyancy made the show that much more enjoyable.

Among the standouts was Miryam Mendelson as Esther Smith. She boasted one of the best voices of the night and astounded in solos, such as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Mendelson captured her character's saucy, yet sweet, nature with ease, and alternatingly got laughs and "aww's" for her earnest performance. She also worked well with on-stage beau John Truitt (Drew Bondy). Their chemistry was evident, which made their transition from newly met sweethearts to engaged lovers one of the best story arcs of the night. Finally, Bondy's vocals are worth highlighting for their absolute loveliness. His gorgeous voice melded beautifully with Mendelson's in every one of their duets.

Other actors who deserve mention include: Jacob Lamb as Lon, Blake Phillips as Mr. Smith, and Madi Sarlo as Katie. Lamb was a triple threat in that his vocals were consistently strong, his dancing was committed and entertaining to watch, and his acting was enthusiastic. Phillips portrayed the Smith patriarch with humor and sensitivity. His amusingly gruff voice and pleas to be left in peace to bathe contrasted with his heart-warming speech that the Smith family was not to move to New York after all. Sarlo, as the family's Irish maid, was hilarious, whether Irish dancing with vivacity or making snide remarks at the expense of Mr. Smith.

Among the technical aspects that shone, set and lights were highlights. The set was composed of pastel colored flats and an elegant staircase that made up the Smith household; it was a perfect backdrop for the action that occurred. A memorable set moment was the entrance of a life-size trolley that transported most of the ensemble on stage for the number "The Trolley Song." Light transitions were well-executed and made for quick scene changes.

"Meet me in St. Louis, Louis, meet me at the Fair. Don't tell me the lights are shining, anyplace but there!" As the cast sang these words in the musical's final reprise, it was difficult not to be overwhelmed with nostalgia for a simpler era. Woodson's drama department did a splendid job of bringing 1904 to life with their array of talented singers, dedicated ensemble actors, and able technical crews.

Caroline Ortiz
Oakcrest School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Charming conversations, witty jokes, nostalgic family traditions, and exciting new loves all meet in St. Louis on the stage of W. T. Woodson High School. Their rendition of "Meet Me in St. Louis" was endearing and lovable, filled with vibrancy throughout.

This musical was originally a movie of the same name made in 1944 with well-known actress, Judy Garland. It wasn't until many years later that Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane wrote lyrics and music, and Hugh Wheeler the book, to bring the enchanting narrative to life. The story follows the humorous Smith family in 1904 whose days are filled with the youngest Tootie's antics and older sisters Rose and Esther's schemes for romance. Rose has a tempestuous relationship with Warren, the son of a millionaire. Meanwhile, Esther pines over the boy next door, John Truett, from her front porch. Yet, once Mr. Smith, the stern and distant father, declares that they are moving to New York, the family struggles to let go of their beloved Midwestern city.

The chemistry between the Smiths was the crowning triumph of W.T. Woodson's production. The actors and actresses portrayed the close-knit family equally well in times of laughs and sorrow. Their ease with each other added a natural authenticity to their roles, letting the audience gladly immerse themselves in their woes.

Esther, played by Miryam Mendelson, showed off a soaring voice which sailed easily through both comic and emotional songs. Likewise, her acting shone most strongly in her relationships with others, namely her motherly affection for Tootie and sisterly mischief with Rose (Rachel Turner). Her voice became laden with sarcasm at all the appropriate moments, sending the audience into peals of laughter. Stunning alongside her, Lon (Jacob Lamb) brought great vibrancy to the cast. His singing in the musical number "The Banjo" brought life to the stage, and his energy proved infectious.

Mr. Smith (Blake Phillips) drew the most laughs from the audience with his blunt, stern voice that delivered jokes to great comedic effect. His devotion to the role is truly to be admired, as his acting choices were bold and effective. While some members of the cast struggled to keep up their energy, their commitment to the music wrought memorable results. The cast, when all together in the ensemble numbers, were fun, lifting the hearts of the audience.

The set, mostly consisting of the Smith's Victorian age home, was very well done, both clean and accurate to the time period. While a separation between the household and the outside could have been made clearer, the setting excelled in providing the cozy family household atmosphere. The costumes, likewise, were period perfect and colorful — interesting to the audience but never overpowering. With intriguing lighting choices and a lively orchestra pit, St. Louis was brought to life before the viewer's very eyes.

It is not often that a humble audience member is whisked away into a more innocent time with only the cares of the Smith family to trouble them. Many audience members walked away sweetly smiling, for they longed once more to meet in St. Louis.

Maya Hossain
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Fairfax

The happy-go-lucky cast of W.T. Woodson's Meet Me in St. Louis gave a lighthearted performance that made the audience nostalgic for the carefree era at the turn of the 20th century. A brightly clad ensemble gathered on stage singing, "Meet me at the fair!" to open the show. By the end of the night, the audience wanted to do just that.

Hugh Wheeler's "Meet Me in St. Louis" is a comedic musical that premiered in 1989 based on the 1944 movie of the same name starring Judy Garland. Set in Missouri in the months leading up to the 1904 World's Fair, the show explores the pitfalls of young love and family matters. The focus of the musical is the Smith family, particularly the Smith daughters. The plot mainly follows Esther Smith's budding romance with boy-next-door John Truett and Rose Smith's complicated relationship with millionaire Warren Sheffield.

Esther Smith, portrayed by Miryam Mendelson, swept the audience into her world of wistful lovesickness with a classic voice reminiscent of the era. As Esther crooned about her beloved in "Boy Next Door", she used dreamy melodies to draw the audience into her reverie. John Truett, played by Drew Bondy, beautifully paralleled her in songs like "You Are for Loving." The way Bondy's steady voice complemented Mendelson's bell-like harmonies gave life to their idyllic love.

The most memorable part of the production was the Smith family. Comprised of five children, a mother, father, and grandfather, the Smith house was filled to the brim. These close quarters often led to hilarious encounters peppered with witty one-liners filling the theater with laughter. Their genuine and at times begrudging love was displayed in engaging musical numbers, such as "Whenever I'm With You." It was clear that the cast was enjoying themselves, and their energy infected the audience with ease. This quintessential and realistic American family left the audience in stitches.

The gorgeous set in this production enhanced the production immensely. The most outstanding set piece was the Smith house, decked out with a beautifully painted dining room, living room, and staircase. The juxtaposition between room colors kept all the actions in the house very distinct. This efficacy was showcased when the Smith sisters had a conversation in the living room while their older brother tossed a ball in the kitchen. There were many ways this scene could have looked messy, but the efforts of the design team made it look cohesive and natural. The stairs, which were used by the cast many times, did not shake, displaying the expert craftsmanship of the set team. Small, exquisite details adorned the house, like a hand-crafted stained glass window, which displayed the set team's meticulousness and attention to detail.

Additionally, the lighting in this production made transitions flow seamlessly. Colored gels and spots were utilized to their full capabilities to set the mood and indicate the specific setting of each scene. Even though at times some cast members were not completely audible, the cues for sound effects like doorbells and phone rings were impeccably timed to actors' motions and lines.

With so many coinciding storylines and archetypal characters, a musical like this can easily be done in a trite and dull manner. W. T. Woodson High School's adorable production was far from that. Each plucky song left the audience longing for the simpler time and every single character, even those with only a few lines, left a lasting impression. From beautiful sets to light-hearted, playful energy, "Meet Me in St. Louis" was a lively look into America's past.

Gillian Wright
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

At first thought, it may seem that 1904 was a simpler time: no iPhones, no AP classes, no traffic to get stuck in. But the Smith family demonstrates that some problems, such as miscommunication and complicated relationships, were equally real in the Victorian era. W. T. Woodson High School's production of "Meet Me in St. Louis" beautifully captured the individual struggles and joys of the endearing Smith family as they encounter change, develop relationships, and learn to value each other above all else.

Based on the 1944 film of the same title, "Meet Me in St. Louis" follows the four Smith daughters and their brother as they prepare for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. When their father announces the family will be moving to New York, the family is distraught, but as they mourn their beloved home city, they find solace in one another. The musical was written by Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane, and Hugh Wheeler, and opened on Broadway in 1989.

Starring as Esther, the second-eldest daughter and the family's ringleader, Miryam Mendelson displayed angelic vocals and an accomplished emotional range. Whether daydreaming about the boy next door or defending her sisters, Mendelson was full of life and thrilling to watch. Playing John Truett, Esther's beau, Drew Bondy matched Mendelson's vocals with his own marvelous voice and portrayed a thoroughly young man. As the oldest Smith daughter, Rose (Rachel Turner) epitomized a temperamental, lovelorn teenage girl. Fluctuating between devotion to her younger siblings and infatuation with lover Warren Sheffield (Matthew Bendus), Turner demonstrated clear acting superiority accompanied by an enchanting singing voice.

Among the best musical numbers of the night was "The Banjo," in which Lon (Jacob Lamb), the sole Smith son, led family and friends in a new dance he learned at college. Though his vocals were captivating, most entertaining was his tap-dancing solo. Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Blake Phillips and Gracie Malin) shared a delicate yet delightful chemistry; their loving interactions with each other and with their children elucidated how such a charming group of young adults could be raised. Completing the household, maid Katie (Madi Sarlo) contributed fiery Irish wit and wisdom to the family. Katie's bright personality was best showcased in "A Touch of the Irish," when she decides to share with Esther and Rose some insight on handling less than ideal beaus.

Producing a show set over a century ago is no simple feat, but authentic costumes and a remarkable set transitioned the audience with ease to Missouri, 1904. From full-length ballgowns to children's pinafores, the costumes were extensive, elegant, and fitting of the Victorian era. In combination with subtle yet professional makeup, each actor was made to look his or her best. Accompanied by detailed props, the set of the Smith's home was truly lovely. For the most part, the show was well-lit, and despite occasional issues with balancing mics, the sound was masterfully accomplished without any feedback.

The excitement with which the Smith family anticipated the World's Fair and the amusement they derived from singing together, gathered around a piano, sharply contrast today's overscheduled, under-rested society. W. T. Woodson High School's heartwarming production of "Meet Me in St. Louis" serves as a reminder that though cultural trends come and go, the value of a loving family will never diminish.

Syona Ayyankeril
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Romancing, square dancing, and just a touch of the Irish! Hop on the trolley and head over to W.T. Woodson's production of "Meet Me in St. Louis" for a heartwarming musical about family, community, love, and the excitement of St. Louis at the turn of the century.

Set at the start of the 20th century, just before the 1904 World's Fair, the musical focuses on the Smiths, a middle-class family in St. Louis made up of Mr. and Mrs Smith, their son Lon, and their four daughters: Rose, Esther, Agnes, and Tootie. "Meet Me in St. Louis" premiered on Broadway in 1989 with music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and a book by Hugh Wheeler, based upon the 1944 musical film of the same name starring Judy Garland. It is a charming and amusing tale of the family members' fondness for each other, their romantic pursuits, and their affection for their community.

Lead actress Miryam Mendelson portrayed Esther Smith, a witty young woman hopelessly in love with the boy next door, John Truett (Drew Bondy). Mendelson gave an entertaining performance, comically portraying her character's sarcastic sense of humor and dramatic personality. The endearing chemistry between her and supporting actor Drew Bondy helped convey her character's story arc and emotional growth.

Jacob Lamb, in the role of Lon Smith, was an outstanding supporting actor. He led the ensemble in a dynamic performance of "The Banjo," filling the stage with charisma and liveliness. Blake Phillips also gave a noteworthy performance as Mr. Smith, consistently and believably portraying a much older man with the use of a character voice and gait, maintaining a rather stiff, controlled physicality. Madi Sarlo shone in "A Touch of the Irish" as Katie, the Smiths' maid. She kept a consistent accent and gave a spirited, high-energy performance.

The ensemble was energetic and cohesive, with a strong, skillfully blended sound as a chorus. They were consistently engaged in their scenes, even in moments when they were not the center of focus, such as musical number "A Raving Beauty," in which they maintained a high level of energy but did not steal focus from the soloists. Standouts include Kristen Bolger, a featured dancer in "The Boy Next Door," which she gracefully performed en pointe.

The majority of the show was set inside, or on the street outside of the Smiths' home. Each room of the house on stage had a working source of light, including a lamp and a chandelier. These lights added to the warm, comfortable atmosphere of the set. The orchestra was excellent, with a skillfully executed intonation, control, and full sound.

W.T. Woodson's "Meet Me in St. Louis" was a charming combination of humor, romance, and family values. The gifted cast and crew were able to achieve a charming production that accented the importance of family, community and love with energetic performances and well-executed technical effects.