Lord of the Flies
at McLean High School

Reviewed on February 2, 2019

Audrey Brown
Wakefield School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

"It isn't just kids' stuff; it's serious." Intimate, hair-raising, and emotional, this was certainly the case for McLean High School's production of Lord of the Flies. Each member of the cast and crew united to create a production that was as thought-provoking as it was resoundingly dramatic.

Authored by William Golding in 1954, Lord of the Flies chronicles the triumphs and struggles of a group of British schoolboys as they find themselves alone on a deserted island after their plane crashes and no adults survive. In this microcosmic environment, the reader—or in this case, the audience—experiences the trials that the boys go through as they attempt to establish a democracy but then spiral into savagery.

A key element of the play that was quickly noted was the dynamic of the cast as a whole. The production started with a high degree of tension as the audience watched the rows of young schoolboys grasp for their air masks from the ceiling of the airplane, and the girls playing each of the roles did not lose this level of energy for the entire show and even used it to their advantage to craft their respective characters. Every actress was constantly engaged, while no one player dominated too much control of the stage. In turn, those who were the most prominent members of the island society were able to command the attention of the others with a single shout or stomp of their spear on the stage. The fact that the actresses performed in a black box-style setting, surrounded by the audience on three sides, allowed for such an intimate connection between the audience and the players, and every moment was made significant as the audience immersed themselves in the boys' struggles.

Individually, Ralph, played by Syd Kirk; Jack, played by Kristen Waagner; and Piggy, played by Jordan Prather, were able to deftly maneuver the challenges of the island and nearly flawlessly intone British accents while establishing distinct personalities for their characters. Kirk asserted her dominance from the opening lines of the play, working her way into becoming the chief of all the schoolboys and then devolving into loneliness as the plot thickened. Prather's role of Piggy is one of the most well-known of the novel, and she portrayed the sometimes annoyingly civilized voice of reason by commanding the others, when not overtaken by her "ass-mar" or her near-blindness. Waagner received perhaps the most demanding role: her character arrived onto the island declaring her superiority to the others and, sporting her tailored blazer, easily snapped into anger when offended, but throughout the performance, she developed a controlled coolness and menacing demeanor that was highlighted by her wild hair propped up with bloodied bones.

In general, the production was supported immensely by the detailed costumes, props, and special effects, all impressively constructed by students. Golding's novel is fraught with symbolism, and McLean's crew did not fail to impress, featuring costumes and hairstyles that became progressively more tattered and bloodied as the boys descended into savagery; actual rain pouring from the ceiling during the heavy thunderstorm; and a silicone pig whose flesh squelched as Jack reached inside of it and drew out a handful of blood to paint on his followers' faces.

Constantly immersed in this high-tension show, the audience was collectively on the edges of their seats for the entire production. Golding's novel provoked questions that have been asked for decades about the nature of people initiating a society, and these ideas were brought to the stage in a poignant way by McLean High School's cast and crew.

Mithra Dhinakaran
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

A gut-wrenching portrayal of recess gone wrong, Mclean High School's production of Lord of the Flies reveals the sinister nature of humanity beyond the reins of civilization. From masterful acting to the immersive jungle set, wild fantasies sprang to horrifying life in last weekend's outstanding performance.

The play was adapted by Nigel Williams from the classic novel by Nobel laureate William Golding. Though published in 1954, the work's cut-throat analysis of civilization still stands in the present day. The story follows a group of British boys who have been stranded on an island. With an unknown chance of rescue, they split between the leadership of Ralph, who adheres to social order, and Jack, who drives them into savagery.

The show uniquely featured an all-female cast, who embodied their roles with remarkable conviction. Each character was set apart not only by a distinct hairstyle but authentic, individual reactions and body movement. Together, they channel fanatic energy that climaxed in scenes like the pig feast with the frenzied pounding of spears. Punctuating the craze was equally intense silence when the whole stage seemed to freeze at moments like the theft of Piggy's glasses.

Leading the pack, Kristen Waagner in the role of Jack transformed from foot-stamping prefect to militaristic savage. Maintaining a vicious swagger, Waagner walked the line between blood-thirsty hunts and childish tantrums, crafting the delicate facade of boy-chief in a game. When the opportunity arose, she never hesitated to get up in the face of her enemies, such as Piggy played by Jordan Prather.

From her first call for a meeting to the last clutch of a conch shell, Prather stunningly captured her character's anguish. Through twisted facial expressions and an unfailing accent, she tugs at the audience's heartstrings. Prather evoked both sympathy and frustration as she struggled to keep the boys to a virtuous path as much as fumbled to see without her glasses. A bright spot in the dark, Lauren Grobman and Amanda Flores served as the comedic duo of Sam and Eric. Finishing each other's sentences, their well-timed one-liners drew several laughs from the audience.

The technical elements of the show contributed to the dark atmosphere with attention to detail across the board. The hyperrealistic set (created by Piper Phillips, Alicia Dziedzic, Rebecca Blacksten, and Max Engel) made use of natural materials such as sand, trees, and vines. Other meticulous features included a silicone pig molded from the real animal by the props department (headed by Graydon Al-Khafaji) and a raining probe by special effects (headed by Yeon Joon Kim) which combined with lighting and sound to bring the thunderstorm directly to the stage.

Costumes (headed by Marguerite Godwin and Shea Killoran) played an essential role in portraying the devolution of the characters. As the play progressed, clothing would become more ragged, with augmentations including a leaf crown and bone necklace. Make-up (headed by Cassi Creason and Gabi Norton) functioned in tandem, as the sleeves peeled away to reveal artful bruises.

Topped off with a hair-raising original score by Helen Ganley, cast and crew kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the show. Mclean High School's Lord of the Flies delivered a spectacular performance that left hearts pounding and viewers fearful of humanity.

Aidan Wilbur
Thomas S. Wootton High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

At McLean High School's Lord of the Flies, more than just planes flew through the air. The palpable tension that filled the stage, coupled with the intensely dark, heartbreaking story, created a powerful effect that left a lasting mark on its stunned audience.

The play, originally adapted from William Golding's 1954 novel of the same name, was made for the stage by Nigel Williams in 1995. It tells the story of a group of adolescent boys whose plane crashes on an island, and how a struggle for power splits them into factions, one of whom wants to survive, the other wanting to play. Eventually, their struggle turns bloody, with worship of a mysterious "beast" and the eventual reverting of many of the boys to a primal state.

The entirety of the all-female ensemble gave a wonderful performance, remaining engaged, reactive, and in character for the entire duration of the play. Jack (Kristen Waagner) excellently conveys the degradation from a classy, uptight choir boy who must be in charge to a savage, brutal leader who naturally commands authority, while Piggy (Jordan Prather) expertly portrayed the manic hopelessness that many of the boys felt when trapped on the island. Piggy's need for order is overshadowed by the wildness of Jack and his hunters, and Prather embodied this very well.

Several more outstanding performances came from Sam and Eric (Lauren Grobman and Amanda Flores, respectively) and Simon (Ruby Larimer). Sam and Eric, the twins, created comedy at their own expense, even amid their fear, and Grobman and Flores played off of each other nicely, with great timing. Simon, the small but wise boy who tries to warn the others of their own downfall, is captured by Larimer, whose erratic, panicky movements and careful delivery encapsulated these traits.

While the cast provided the emotion, they were helped immensely by the crew, who created an incredible atmosphere all around the theater. The set (Piper Phillips, Alicia Dziedzic, Rebecca Blacksten, Max Engel) was complicated and intricate, with many levels of raised platforms, forest-like branches and leaves, many different points of entrance and exit, including a "cliff" that actors could fall from, and, to top it all off, thousands of pounds of real sand laid on the floor of the stage, to complete the feeling of a deserted island. Not only did the set exude professionalism, but the costumes (Shea Killoran, Marguerite Godwin, Katherine Kelly), hair, and makeup (McLean Hair Crew, Cassi Creason, Gabbi Norton) were intricately planned and executed, and worked extraordinarily well. As the show progressed, each became rattier and grosser to reflect the boys' time on the island, and their hair became wild and strewn with leaves. The makeup reflected their wounds such as bruises and cuts, as well as the war paint they made with the pig's blood, both of which were executed with amazing attention to detail.

Lord of the Flies was an excellent show, which robbed the audience of both their breath and their hearts. The terrifying story of what mankind can become leaves a harrowing reminder of our baser instincts, and McLean High's portrayal of the show leaves nothing to the imagination. The horridness of the boys' actions sears itself into the memory of the audience, and creates a lasting lesson for all who see it.

Simon Van Der Weide
Flint Hill School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

What happens to a group of schoolchildren, alone, abandoned on an island with nothing but the clothes on their backs? McLean High School's production of Lord of the Flies draws the audience deep within the forests of such a deserted place, where everyone succumbs to the beast within.

Lord of the Flies is a stage adaptation of a book with the same name, written in 1954 by William Golding, British author and winner of the 1983 Nobel Prize in Literature. Nigel Williams adapted the seminal text for the stage in 1995, and the Royal Shakespeare Company went on to perform the show for the first time in 1996. Lord of the Flies tells the tale of how young British children struggle to survive after their airplane crashes on a primitive island in the middle of the ocean. Although Golding's novel featured only male characters, McLean High School's production chose to subvert that norm and showcase the talent of an all-female cast.

Stealing the show from the moment she walked out on stage, Kristen Waagner (Jack) captivated with her imposing physicality, dominant persona, and excellent portrayal of the power-hungry choir prefect. Waagner artfully revealed the foibles of her character and drew the attention of everyone, making the tension almost tangible. Waagner never faltered in her performance and never failed to energize the air, whether stalking silently across the sand or dancing her primal dances. Playing the murderous villain, Waagner puppeteer-ed the entire ensemble into madness with striking skill and aplomb.

From the opening lines of the show to her last lines, Jordan Prather (Piggy) remained the rational voice in a growing cacophony of insanity. Prather's pleading voice and constant adherence to the conch shell, the last symbol of order in a world of chaos, sharply contrasted with the depraved anarchy of the entire rest of the cast. Prather brought a refreshing note of constancy and normality to the show, providing the springboard for almost everyone else's rebellion, and rightly fell victim to the climax.

The ensemble members of McLean High School's Lord of the Flies not only drove the show forward but also danced and chanted their way into the minds of the audience. Moving and pounding their spears in perfect unison, the posse of savage hunters roared and whirled around the stage, mesmerizing the audience with their ecstatic synchronicity. Each member of the ensemble functioned both cohesively with the rest of the group and individually as a unique voice; especially noteworthy for this were the performances of Ruby Larimer (Simon) and Alexandra Lagos (Maurice).

From the 3500 pounds of sand that covered the floor to the authentic tree branches that decorated the platforms, the stage echoed William Golding's vision of the island as a fiercely wild and rustic locale. Lighting and sound only further strengthened the untamed nature of the island by casting the stage in mysterious glows with the din of nature following in lockstep. The show also featured a convincing rainstorm with real water, the bloody carcass of a slaughtered pig, and gradually more bloodstained clothes that only enhanced the audience's immersion in the show itself.

The skillful cast of McLean High School bared the depths of their souls to the audience and masterfully brought their sinister performance of Lord of the Flies to life.

Julianne Cuevo
Flint Hill School
Submitted for publication to Falls Church News Press

Deep in the forest, under the darkness of night, a pig cries out. Let the feast begin! With their bloody faces illuminated only by the blazing fire, the hunters dance and chant on the beach. What is a group of British schoolboys to do when their plane crashes and leaves them stranded on an uninhabited island? Descend into savagery, of course. In their production of Lord of the Flies, McLean High School students confronted the innate cruelty of human nature in a classic case of things taken too far.

Published in 1954, William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies is typical fare for high school English classes because of its dark themes and pessimistic assertions about humanity. The stage adaptation was written by Nigel Williams, and first premiered in 1996. The plot follows an assemblage of British boys, sent away from England in order to be protected from the horrors of war. This backfires though, as the boys instead resort to the same type of violence and bloodshed while losing sight of potential rescue.

McLean's all-female cast portrayed the group of boys admirably. Each actress showed engagement with the scene, even when not in the spotlight, and connected well with the other cast members, creating an impressive group dynamic. As an ensemble, they demonstrated the group's gradual fall into disorder and the deterioration of their relationships both through their expressive voices in moments of loud chaos and their focus during intense stretches of silence. The actresses formed a strong unit, while each retained individual characteristics that stood out.

Notable performances included that of Kristen Waagner, who played the power-hungry Jack. Waagner's consistent energy and formidable stage presence made her a force to be reckoned with. She masterfully portrayed Jack's character arc, demonstrating how his eagerness to be leader gave rise to his paranoia, tyrannical fear mongering, and embracing violent chaos. The chants of "Kill the pig! Spill its blood!" were entirely believable coming out of her mouth, and thoroughly unnerved the audience. Her character's dramatic power struggle with rightfully-voted chief Ralph (Syd Kirk) was fascinating to watch.

Another talented performer was Jordan Prather, who played the intelligent yet insufferable Piggy. Prather captured Piggy's character, trying to be the voice of reason while being continually shot down by other members in the group. She also showed much development throughout the show, culminating in Piggy's poignant desire to hold onto order and civility with his very last breath.

The technical crew made great contributions to the show's success with their many feats of creativity. The student-made costumes were individualized for the different characters and got increasingly ragged as the show continued, showing the characters' growing distance from society. The Makeup Crew, headed by Cassi Creason and Gabi Norton, outdid themselves with realistic injuries and blood. In an outstanding show of attention to detail, the props crew obtained an actual dead pig after which to model their fake pig carcass.

The students of McLean High School skillfully created their chilling production of Lord of the Flies, reminding audiences that sometimes, the true beasts are inside of us all along.

Joshua Mutterperl
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

Traditions and social norms can almost always be trusted to dictate behavior, but how do we act when society is no longer present? McLean High School's production of Lord of the Flies tackles this question with unique insight and powerful imagery, forcing the audience to consider what it really means to be "civil".

Lord of the Flies, adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams, is based on William Golding's 1954 novel of the same name, and tells the story of a group of school boys whose plane crashes on a deserted island. While the boys at first marvel at their personal paradise, a rift soon develops between supporters of Ralph, a natural leader intent on clinging to his humanity, and Jack, a forceful and power-hungry instigator intent on proving his strength. Tensions rise as Jack continues to lead the boys down a path towards savagery, a path intertwined with a mysterious beast that lurks in the woods.

In this production, the boys were played by an all-female cast, extending the messages of the show from mankind to all of humankind.

Ralph, played by Syd Kirk, brought excellent energy and charisma to the stage as the leader of the boys. Her initial spirit and take-charge attitude made the moments of weakness and helplessness she exhibited all the more impact. Kirk established meaningful and well-developed relationships with those around her, particularly Piggy and Jack.

Piggy, portrayed by Jordan Prather, possessed remarkable stage presence and dramatic timing. From enduring the other boys' taunting to delivering powerful monologues about society, Piggy proved himself to be one of the smartest people in the room, and Prather proved herself one of the most dynamic.

Kristen Waagner brought intensity, ferocity, and wit to the role of Jack, gradually transforming from an attention-hogging schoolboy to a sinister leader of ruthless hunters. Waagner's boisterous and riling persona in the first two acts was matched only by her stoic, terrifying presence in the third; her presentation of character perfectly reflected and spurred on the boys' descent into savagery.

What made the play were the strong, unified performances by the ensemble of boys. While there were certainly standouts such as Laura Grobman and Amanda Flores as the adorable and entertaining Sam and Eric, each member of the cast brought thoughtful and unique characterization that blended together to convey the larger story. Especially remarkable was the ability of the ensemble to give and take focus throughout the show. Loud, chaotic children would become silent observers as one character spoke without any confusion as to where the audience's attention should be placed, which kept the play moving smoothly throughout.

A number of truly impressive technical elements bolstered the show. The set, designed by Piper Phillips, was vast and gorgeous, spanning nearly the entire length of the intimate theater. Soft lighting shifts throughout a scene would gently and naturally guide the audience's focus to the new action. The hair and makeup crews, as well as the costumers are all to be commended for their excellent work demonstrating the progression of time throughout the show. As the boys' behavior became more wild, so too did their hair, and their clothes became ripped and shredded as their humanity was torn from them, sleeve by sleeve. The props department put a great deal of effort into creating a dead pig for the boys to carry around, and the result was incredibly realistic and a little gross.

Fascinating group dynamics and numerous effective technical elements brought McLean High School's Lord of the Flies to life, and left the audience with a great deal to ponder.

Zander Kuebler
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Connection

"Kill the pig! Spill its blood! Kill the Pig! Spill its blood!" chant a circle of girls, covered in mud and gashes, as they bang their spears against the ground. The audience looks around. A canopy of trees surrounds them, and as the audience takes their seats, they notice sand underfoot. Soon the show starts, and it all becomes clear. The audience is not just watching McLean High School's The Lord of the Flies, they are immersed in it.

The Lord of the Flies, a thrillingly theatrical battle between civilization and savagery, was first adapted for theatre by Nigel Williams, from William Golding's infamously disturbing piece of literature by the same name. Originally staged by The Royal Shakespeare Company in 1996, The Lord of the Flies proceeded to tour across the United Kingdom and ultimately progressed to be performed worldwide. It was first rendered for cinema in 1963, and was reproduced again in 1975 and 1990, with a new adaptation set for 2020. The story takes place on a deserted island, following a group of stranded British boys as they try to function as a society without adults.

The role of Jack Merridew, head choir boy and leader of the savages, is often said to be a physical representation of masculine rudeness and malice. Kristen Waagner does phenomenally in portraying Jack as both of these, never faltering in moments of pure cruelty, while still fully engaging in Jack's childish yet malignant responses to other characters. Her transition from head choir boy to head barbarian is clear in her expressions and movements, as each gets increasingly brash and inhumane as the show progresses. Waagner undoubtedly takes on the role of Jack with the same primal intensity Jack ultimately inspires in the other characters.

The savagery present in many of the boys would be nothing, if not rivaled against a civilized intellectual. Jordan Prather as Piggy easily fills these shoes with her off-British "ass-mar" accent, and overall emotional chaos, as she spends more and more time on the island. Her pinnacle moment is met with sheer determination, and the tableau of her at the edge of the mountain, with the conch heroically outstretched, will forever remain incised in the audience members' minds.

In addition to the remarkably jungle-esque set, (Piper Phillips, Alicia Dziedzic, Rebecca Blackstein, and Maximilien Engel), the technicians managed to further convince the audience of the authenticity of the island. As the show progressed, the British schoolboy style outfits, made from scratch by Shea Killoran, Marguerite Godwin, and Katherine Kelly, deteriorated further and further. By the final act, the shirts were ripped, muddy, and bloody, the pant legs cut and torn, and the ties dirtied and fixed around the girls' arms, showing a clear progression of time. This would have all been for naught, however, if it weren't for the diligent work of the makeup crew, (McLean Hair Crew, Cassi Creason, and Gabbi Norton), who ensured each character had more and more bits of earth and blood appearing on their skin throughout the production. These gashes and carefully crafted bruises verified not only the progression of time, but the progression of the girls' emotion and attitude.

Ultimately, the raw intensity of McLean High School's The Lord of the Flies, along with the impressively bona fide technical elements, left the audience on the edges of their seats, as they watched the savage tale unfold before them.

Avi Urbach
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

The conch calls with the sound of a trumpet. The boys assemble. It is time for a meeting, a civilized meeting, but not for long: the beast is afoot. McLean High School's production of Lord of the Flies brought the audience into a world where chaos slowly defeats order.

Lord of the Flies, based on the book of the same name by William Golding and adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams, tells the story of a group of boys stranded on an island. It chronicles their failed attempts at maintaining order and highlights the savagery of human nature.

What really brought the show together was the cast's remarkable ability to work together and play off each other. The play requires a strong ensemble, through both all the boys interacting together and each of the two groups acting as their own unit. The cast more than lived up to the challenge.

Leading actresses Syd Kirk as Ralph and Kristen Waagner as Jack brought an amazing energy to the show. As the leaders of the two groups, they created a palpable tension onstage. Waagner particularly showed Jack's range of emotion and character arc, from the upstanding prefect to the hunter and finally to the savage.

The supporting cast also played a necessary role in the feeling of ensemble. Particular standouts include Lauren Grobman as Sam and Amanda Flores as Eric. These two seniors did a fantastic job portraying younger characters, and they played off each other brilliantly in both their occasional comedic moments and in the more frequent dramatic moments. Also worth mentioning is Jordan Prather as Piggy, who worked well with Kirk and Waagner to build the tension onstage.

McLean also displayed thoroughly impressive technical elements across the board. The set was not only large and useful in providing levels, it also set the scene with sticks and vines and underbrush, not to mention the fact that the floor was covered in sand, making the beach scenes even more real. Hair, makeup, and costumes did a phenomenal job showing the progression of the boys as time passes on the island, from chaotic hair to realistic bruises and face paint to clothes ripped and dirtied. The show also featured original music composed by student Helen Ganley, which aided greatly in setting the mood and fit very naturally into the play.

McLean High School's Lord of the Flies pulled together a production full of strong acting and tech to create an intense and moving show that left a profound impact on the audience.