In The Garden of Live Flowers
at Wakefield High School

Reviewed on December 3, 2016

Emily Lachow
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Beneath a shattered clock, with its numbers floating against an inky blue sky, a cascade of fluttering papers descends into a world torn between reality and whimsy. Wakefield High School's production of In the Garden of Live Flowers explored the tangled life of Rachel Carson with stunning visual bursts and emotional maturity.

In the Garden of Live Flowers follows Rachel Carson's journey to write Silent Spring, including her battles with cancer and the chemical industry. As she approaches death, her childhood hero Alice in Wonderland guides Carson through her intensifying struggles, all the while blurring the divide between fantasy and reality. The production has local roots, as authors Lynne Conner and Attilio Favorini won the 2002 Kennedy Center/ATHE David Mark Cohen National Playwriting Award for the script. Since then, many versions of this piece have been performed across the country.

As the beloved Rachel Carson, Hazel Thurston demonstrated a deep understanding of her character throughout the production. Her versatility was reflected in her ability to both tire with age and exude youthful exuberance during childhood memories. Thurston's consistency in her strong-willed demeanor and facial expressions gave off the impression that the world was spinning around her. Thurston's mature acting choices were enhanced by the lovely Danah Alkhafaji, who portrayed Dorothy. Their scenes together were refreshing and vulnerable, with a hint of romantic tension that added some vibrancy to the show.

The ensemble together was cohesive and versatile. A standout performer was Julianna Ditta, who performed with captivating dancing. Retta Laumann's Marie Rodell was rejuvenating and grounded, and conversely her performance as Sis was hilariously childish. As "Daddy," Angus Long was skillful in his comedic performance that evoked peals of laughter from the audience. Members of the ensemble demonstrated skill in their portrayal of multiple characters. The insects truly encompassed a bug-like demeanor, most notably the caterpillar who wriggled enthusiastically and spoke with conviction. The Alice in Wonderland characters fully captured the whimsy of wonderland; Alice and the White Rabbit were quirky and consistent in their eccentricities.

The technical elements of the show were equally as captivating as the performances. The sound, executed by Conrad Burns and GG Guajardo, was exceptional. Their sound effects of chirping birds and ocean waves were immersive and yet never overpowered the actors, and their timing perfectly aligned with the action onstage. The lighting was also notably well-executed; their array of different colors adhered to the mood of each scene, and the streaky colorful lights against the backdrop were visually exquisite.

Wakefield High School's immersive production of In the Garden of Live Flowers encompassed the tangled life of Rachel Carson with a vibrant natural landscape and stirring performances. Their homage to this revered scientist provided a mature outlook on protecting the natural world.

Neeka Samimi
Washington Lee High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

One woman dared to challenge the institutions around her to save the environment and the world. Marine biologist Rachel Carson was a true American hero. Wakefield High School's production of In the Garden of Live Flowers, a play about Carson's life and mind, was moving and mature.

In the Garden of Live Flowers, written by Attilio Favorini and Lynne Conner, depicts Carson's turbulent lifetime. The play weaves seemingly unrelated characters into Rachel Carson's life and the pandemonium in her brain. Characters from Alice in Wonderland reside inside Carson's subconscious throughout the show. Through each scene, pesticides are subtly shown to harm all living things.

The execution of this heavy, complicated show was impressive. The cast gracefully handled dark themes of cancer, family relations, and destruction of the environment. All actors put immense passion into their roles. Technical aspects of the show were precise and minimalistic, which allowed for a greater emphasis on the story itself.

Hazel Thurston played the role of Rachel Carson in an appropriately resilient, fierce, and modest way. She seamlessly transitioned between scenes portraying different stages of her life. Rachel Carson and Dorothy's (Danah Alkhafaji) relationship was portrayed as tender and loving, hinting at romance just enough to captivate the audience.

Most cast members balanced several roles, giving each one equal importance and a different flair. The most entertaining scenes were those with many actors onstage, as their dynamic as an ensemble was flawless. Timing of overlapping lines was well-executed, and movement across the stage was smooth. The show opened with striking, flowing choreography performed by the insect ensemble. They continued to have a presence in the show, representing animals dying from pesticide poison. Another remarkable ensemble was the hiking family. They added humor to the show, especially Daddy (Angus Long) and Brother (Xavier Molina). Some actors drifted in and out of accents, but managed to hold on to their characters' identities. A great feat of the cast was their ability to project without microphones, which made the scenes more immersive and realistic.

Seamless technical aspects enhanced the mood of every scene. Sound added a great deal to the show, as it was a helpful indicator of setting. The soundtracks of ocean waves crashing presented a beachy atmosphere, for instance, despite the lack of many props. The set was minimalistic and yet telling of Carson's confused mind. Wire numbers hung from the ceiling. A tide pool filled with real water made the show more immersive. The level of minimalism was high, though, as even eating was pantomimed. However, the actors mimed with gusto, making the absence of props less peculiar. Lighting was brilliant, fitting, and had perfect timing, filling the stage with dramatic crimson shades as soon as the Red Queen entered. Cold, sterile blues and greens were used for the hospital scenes. In addition, the costumes portrayed each animal well while being understated.

When Rachel Carson passed away, the world lost a great mind and catalyst for worldwide change. This production reminded everyone of her spirit, passion, and triumphs. Wakefield has succeeded in conveying the significance of Carson's heroism.

Katherine Kelly
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Riddles aren't easy to solve, and as Rachel Carson embarks on a journey to find their her answer, Wakefield High School's "In the Garden of Live Flowers" blossoms. Mystical animals, ambient music, and heart wrenching scenes create the surreal story, unfolding into an inspiring and touching production.

"In the Garden of Live Flowers" was written by Attillio Favorini and Lynne Conner based on the life of Rachel Carson, the author of Silent Spring. Carson was a marine biologist whose many educational writings informed the unaware public of the dangers of pesticides. While dealing with the harsh criticism her book received, Carson was diagnosed with breast cancer. The production follows this journey, complete with flashbacks and fantasy, with Carson often finding herself in a realm of imagination guided by Lewis Carroll's character Alice, Carson's alter-ego and childhood hero. As the story unfolds, each piece ties together, making for an exciting show and a dreamlike production.

Hazel Thurston, playing Rachel Carson, handled her role beautifully. As a character forced to age throughout the show, Thurston's emotional depth and adaptable demeanor allowed her to make these changes clear. Even with her great range of emotion, Thurston maintained a bewilderment in the world, an important character trait. Thruston's dynamic with her best friend Dorothy, played by Dana Alkhafaji, was another enjoyable element of the production, with both handling the difficult themes of the show gracefully.

Another notable mention is Garrett Rinker, who played the salesman that talked to Carson on a train while she was in college, doubting her ability to succeed. He filled the character with charisma and youth, perfectly capturing the hilarity and annoyance of a persistent seller. Angus Long, playing a father, was another amusing character, providing an invigorating contrast to the overall somber mood of the performance, with well delivered jokes and enjoyable interactions with his family. The ensemble carried the show, dressed as animals and introducing an unforgettable dimension to the performance. They worked beautifully together, truly bringing a buzz of life to the garden, perfecting their choreography and offering immense energy. A stand out ensemble member was Julianna Ditta, playing a snap dragonfly. Her elegant movements introduced a beautiful focal point to the ensemble and complimented the other insects nicely.

The technical pieces of the show helped set the scene and bring feeling to the story. The sound used conveyed the time and place through seasonal music, the repetition of tunes, and specific sound effects. The lighting as well transmitted emotion with the color choices and accurate timing. The floating numbers incorporated into the set created an immediate dreamlike feeling along with the sound and lighting. The run crew themselves dressed in surgical gear, preserving the eerie theme of the production.

For an unforgettable journey, follow the life, the dreams, and the imagination of an extraordinary woman through Wakefield High School's production of "In the Garden of Live Flowers".