Saudade; the one where i miss you
at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Reviewed on November 2, 2018

Isabella Walrath
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Letting go is okay whether it be the hand of a lover, the grief of lost mothers, or the remnants of a family. This is the message of Thomas Jefferson High School's production of Saudade; the one where i miss you, where the ingenious design and elegant delivery weave together seamlessly to create a harmonious blend of past and present in a poignantly enticing show.

Written by Andrew Reid, this recently published show first premiered on the Capital Fringe stage in 2016 as directed by Reid's media partner Madison Landis. Reid also operated as TJ Drama's theatrical director for this production, ensuring his intentions when writing the script were clear. The story, separated into eight parts, catalogues the journey of a family unified by loss, love, and life as told through visual representations of memories.

A captivating couple, Elliot (Olympia Hatzilambrou) and Zachary (Joshua Mutterperl) built off each other's energy with a natural and organic chemistry as their relationship blossomed through awkward parties, rainy dates, and unexpected surprises in peanut butter jars. Hatzilambrou's sanguine disposition and Mutterperl's intuitive, authentic expressions and solid control of dynamics developed empathy and compassion vital to the show.

As Zachary's estranged brother, Charlie (Avi Urbach) brought delightful comic relief with his jocular physicality that balanced the weight of the emotional production. On top of this, Urbach's broad emotional range complemented his jovial spirit with a serious approach in Part 6 entitled Lost in Distance in which he is frozen listening to the voicemails of his deceased loved ones on repeat.

Noah (Evan Howard) provided another notable performance; in the midst of ballgowns, break-ups, and bedtime stories, his strong paternal nature functioned as a prime example of the letting go and moving on for which the show sets a precedent.

The set designers landed a major success with the simple, yet definitely not underwhelming, set which is unexpectedly striking in its honesty. Complete with rotating components and Tetris-like intertwining structures, the multi-purpose backdrops of cliffs, town shoppes, and house walls were fundamental in inducing full immersion into the show, and the reversion to the opening orientation in Part 8 which allowed for a full-circle revelation. Smartly designed positioning moreover paved the subtle indication of transitions without detracting from the performance. Again emphasizing the ability and skill held by the set design team was their use of a white picket fence at the forefront of the stage, furthering the sense of intimacy and closing the gap between audience and stage.

Props and sound design were additional commendable features, demonstrating clear vision and purpose in every decision. The use of flowers throughout lent cohesiveness to the show, specifically in Part 8. A beautifully diverse array of forget-me-nots and other buds at the graveyard cultivated the message Saudade strives to send that remembering and cherishing life is important and that letting go is okay. Sound was particularly noteworthy in Part 2 in which the contrasting juxtaposition of somber conversation over top of cheery, upbeat party music served as a sobering reminder that the isolation of mourning and grief can be remedied by shared experiences and open arms.

Smooth, comforting, and heart-warming as a fresh jar of peanut butter, Thomas Jefferson High School's production of Saudade; the one where i miss you functioned effortlessly not only as a touching recollection of love-filled memories but also as a celebration of life and family.

Ari Shenkman
HB Woodlawn Secondary Program
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

How often do we, as humans, have a chance to sit back and reflect on life, relive particularly memorable snapshots in our minds, laugh at the joy, and cry at the pain? In its wonderfully cyclical presentation of life, Thomas Jefferson High School's production of Saudade; the one where i miss you, gives us this very opportunity to be nostalgic.

Written and directed by Andrew Reid, a drama teacher at Thomas Jefferson, Saudade premiered at DC's Capital Fringe Festival in the summer of 2016. After meeting at a party and bonding over a similar experience of loss, Elliot and Zachary fall in love. A simplistic yet poignant script, the play is divided into seven parts, each which recounts an important moment in the relationship of these two principal characters.

Though distance, familial conflict, and other obstacles appear along the way, Elliot and Zach's love remains strong. In her portrayal of the quirky, kind, and peanut-butter-loving Elliot, Olympia Hatzilambrou shines. Every line of hers is delivered with both clarity and a touch of humor, all the while staying true to the realism of the writing. Joshua Mutterperl as Zachary, who wears his heart on his sleeve and speaks his mind, serves as the perfect compliment to Hatzilambrou, with an equally powerful performance. These two actors work in tandem to create an engaging, relatable portrait of two young lovebirds.

Another easily enjoyable performance comes from Avi Urbach, who plays Charlie, the estranged brother of Zach. Urbach's impeccable use of timing and physical comedy provides laughs and smiles, even when the plot takes a darker turn.

The passage of time is creatively indicated to the audience through a cast of multiple Elliot's and Zachary's, all who appear in different scenes to show growth throughout the various stages of life. One standout utilization of actors in this way is in "Part 3: Rainy Walks," displaying three landmark moments in Elliot and Zach's romance, all which take place during rainstorms. Each anecdote is represented by a different pair of actors, clearly demonstrating the development of their relationship.

The seamless technical aspects of this production ease any possibility for confusion. Elegant lighting shifts, sharp sound effects, and a gorgeous acoustic soundtrack all lock smoothly into the show and add to the tender emotion of the production. The set, comprised of hexagonal structures that rotate to reveal different settings, is creatively designed and effectively used. Props, everything from a ring hidden in a jar of peanut butter to bright bouquets of flowers, were colorful and symbolic.

Sweet, touching, delicate, and well-thought-out, Reid's Saudade leaves viewers with a feeling comparable to a warm hug, and not a dry eye in the house.

Emma Shacochis
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

The sheer normality of a white picket fence is juxtaposed by the whimsical fairy lights and forget-me-nots that weave through it: an image of a realistic yet slightly surreal world. Such is the universe inhabited by the play "Saudade; the one where i miss you" at Thomas Jefferson High School's remarkable celebration of coping after loss and the bonds that remain even after we let go.

This play, written by Andrew Reid, is a non-linear story of love and loss and it premiered at the Eastman Studio Theatre during D.C.'s Fringe Festival in 2016. For those unfamiliar with the Portuguese noun saudade (pronounced "sow-da-che") is a feeling of nostalgia or longing for something you love that's left your life, likely to never return. Over three generations, each character in the play deals with this feeling, whether for their parents, their siblings, or one another.

Despite its melancholy themes, the play never feels hopeless, thanks to its exceptionally charismatic leads. From their awkward first meeting outside a party, Zachary and Elliot (Joshua Mutterperl and Olympia Hatzilambrou, respectively) bond over mutual maternal loss, and their relationship quickly captivated the audience.

Mutterperl played Zachary with alternating confidence and insecurity: spouting smooth pick-up lines to Elliot, then immediately apologizing for doing so. Mutterperl's range also extended to fury in Part 4 where he tells off his long-absent brother with mounting intensity. As Elliot, Hatzilambrou magnificently develops her character through her relationship with Zachary, as she grows from closed-off and deadpan to open and enthusiastic.

No matter their distance - texting from across a library or Skyping from across the globe - physical distance doesn't stop the connection between Zachary and Elliot. Through sharing rainy walks and the nickname Goober, Mutterperl and Hatzilambrou's endearing, lived-in chemistry and banter culminated in a heartwarming, gasp-inducing proposal involving a slightly excessive amount of peanut butter.

Adding comedic levity to Zachary and Elliot's lives was Avi Urbach as Charlie, Zachary's immature older half-brother. While Urbach hilariously executed Charlie's penchant for magic, meddling, and manic dancing, he was equally strong in Part 6 in which he replayed voicemails left by his brother and sister-in-law, trying to regain their presence in his life. Also powerful was Evan Howard as Elliot's caring father, forced to soldier on for his daughter after the loss of his wife. Howard's years of devotion to his daughter brought the audience to stifled sobs in Part 6 entitled, Here's Your Crown.

The unfolding, multi-surfaced set opened up as the characters learned to do so, bringing them from perilous cliff sides to comforting childhood homes. Each new part of the play was cleverly announced via chalk titles etched on the set, whose pieces fit together like the lead couples. The transitions were scored by soft, dreamlike music (arranged by Kelly Mao) that emphasized the semi-psychedelic atmosphere of the play's world.

At once authentic and ethereal, the hardworking cast at Thomas Jefferson High School makes the play "Saudade; the one where i miss you" soar high as a balloon.

Kara Murri
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

"Tell me a story." Tell me a story saturated with wistfulness, its rivers of remorse weaving throughout time, drenching the audience as the floodgates of memory are unleashed. Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology's production of "Saudade; the one where i miss you" unfolded this very story of family, love, and loss.

"Saudade" is a new, contemporary piece written by Andrew Reid, and had its first performance at the Capital Fringe Festival in 2016. The show is episodic, following thoughts and memories rather than the usual tempo of time. Beginning with Noah and Bailey, the loving parents of Elliot, the story moves on to various members of the family, and each goes through similar experiences, feeling a certain longing for someone or something gone, or saudade. Much of the cast was comprised of variations on the major characters during different stages of life. Individual cast members embodied the same character with their own flair, showing the reality of change in a character over time. As a whole, the troupe, in combination with various technical elements, fashioned a believable and palpably distinct atmosphere.

Standout performances included Joshua Mutterperl as Zachary and Olympia Hatzilambrou as Elliot. Mutterperls' deliberate voice cracks and playful physicality added lightness to the show, and he consistently carried a charming aura. Hatzilambrou lived in the quirkiness of peanut-butter addict Elliot's role. She deliberately altered her body language and vocal tone to show her character's arc from guarded to audacious, and further impressed the audience with her animated facial expressions. The progression of the leading duo's relationship captivated the audience with its realness.

Especially memorable was Avi Urbach as Charlie, from his hilarious slapstick antics to his eccentric persona. Charlie and Zachary cleverly played off of each other's energy during brotherly banter, and when Elliot joined in, the trio elicited giggles and guffaws with mere gestures. During particularly poignant moments, however, the threesome coaxed some sniffles from the audience. The dramatic and tragic final scene was tear-jerking and thought-provoking, and the cast handled it with skillful emotional range.

The impressive technical components of "Saudade" sustained the dreamlike ambience of the play. Costuming was simple yet detail-oriented, even taking care to add touches of paint on Zachary's clothing. Laudable props and a sizable set transformed the narrative into something both authentic and whimsical. Deliberate lighting choices with spotlights, colors, and the use of the cyclorama clarified a complex storyline, and the sound team managed the operation of numerous microphones successfully. Since "Saudade" is a new and therein relatively unknown play, it was no small task for the student-led publicity team to get the word out. With the help of a Hall of Fame Linebacker and an extensive social media campaign, the marketing team captured the interest of students and the community.

Thomas Jefferson High School's production of Saudade is not easily forgotten, imprinting the simple message of love amid sorrow like a handprint on each audience member's heart.

Mary Kate Ganley
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

Nothing seems more memorable than sound. One sound can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, like thunder or music, yet it can conjure up fond but forgotten memories of balloons and umbrellas. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology's performance of "Saudade: the one where i miss you" creates a surreal look at the hardships and triumphs of both life and love.

"Saudade: the one where i miss you" builds up an pure and uplifting exploration of loss, life, and letting go. Building over 3 generations, "Saudade" focuses on Elliot, a girl who loves peanut butter, and Zachary, a painter who loves to love, and their touching journey. Like the release of a balloon, they find relief in letting go of their pasts in exchange for holding onto each other through waterlogged walks and knock-knock jokes. Alongside them is Charlie, a ne'er do well magician who suddenly reenters Zachary's life to rebuild their broken brotherhood. Written by Andrew Reid and first performed at the Capital Fringe Festival, "Saudade" presents the reality of mortality. Life is strange, unfair and ultimately short; treat each moment as if it's your last, because ultimately, it might be.

With an appealing, awkward charisma, Joshua Mutterperl's performance as Zachary brought genuine emotions to the, at times, tumultuous character. Through love and social missteps, Mutterperl's acute ability to bring the truth of emotions to life added a new layer to the production. As is the nature of soulmates, Elliot, played by Olympia Hatzilambrou, and Zachary effortlessly gravitate to each other nearly immediately. Throughout the performance, the magnetism of the duo created a wholesome image of pure, authentic, and unabashed romance.

As if by magic, Avi Urbach's performance of Charlie made any tension on stage disappear. Instead, Urbach creates a realistic illusion of a more lighthearted life. As he finds himself alone with jars of peanut butter and an engagement ring, Urbach's panic is clear and his frantic fumbling stirs a sense of familiarity with Charlie. Accentuating the idea of family bonds is Noah, Elliot's widower father, played by Evan Howard. Howard's optimistic portrayal of a single parent with so much loss created an atmosphere of longing, but above all, of hope for Elliot.

With a lesser known masterpiece like Saudade, publicity means originality. The students of Thomas Jefferson High School rose to the occassion. they used social media platforms, interest meetings, bake sales, posters, trivia and of course, pure word-of-mouth, to pull together a staggering wave of enthusiasm for a brilliant show. Lights, set and sound all pulled out new and unique takes on classic ideas. The cyclorama remained lit during set changes, capturing moments frozen in time. The set crews minimalistic and interlocking set pieces provided new scenery as well as subtle numbers and titles for each part of the show, as if pulling the audience into the memory. Through each set change, music brought on emotion in thick waves, combining with all technical aspects to submerge the audience into the sea of stories.

All we have in life is the ability to find solace in the past, and the ability to create everlasting memories from fleeting moments. "Saudade: the one where i miss you" creates a charming glimpse at just a few of these moments. This lighthearted drama, performed by Thomas Jefferson High School, draws from the deepest parts of mortality, from the finality of death and the never ending love. Memories like these are the ones you'll always hold onto, and perhaps one day, a simple sound will remind you of "Saudade."

Syd Kirk
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Alexandria Times

Lights come up on a gate lined with forget me not flowers and acoustic music fills the auditorium. A couple grips each other for life or death as the audience holds a collective breath of anticipation. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology exhibited love, loss, family, and tragedy in their spectacular production of Saudade; the one where i miss you.

Saudade; the one where i miss you originally appeared at the 2016 Capital Fringe Festival, a non-profit organization in Washington D.C. that supports independent theater, art, music, and dance. With a heartwarming and clever script by Andrew Reid, the show follows a family as they deal with overcoming loss and learn what it means to let go. The story is told in 8 parts, interweaving the memories of all of the characters though flashbacks.

Playing Zach was Joshua Mutterperl, who charmed the audience with his sweet, and at times hilariously awkward, affection for Elliot (Olympia Hatzilambrou). Mutterperl handled his character's wit and endearing nature with maturity, providing for a realistic portrayal of the complex relationships between family members. Hatzilambrou blossomed onstage, transforming from a reserved girl to a relatable, frank humored adult in a way that completely captivated the audience. Elliot experiences many emotional hardships, which Hatzilambrou rendered with dexterity far beyond her years.

A host of talented supporting and featured actors gave Saudade a sense of roundness and sincerity, but one rose above the rest. Zach's older brother Charlie was played by Avi Urbach. Urbach stood out with intricate facial expressions and comedic presence. His expressive performance expertly communicated Charlie's internal feelings to the audience. Charlie's struggle to become accepted by his estranged brother and find worth in his career were emotions successfully portrayed by Urbach.

Numerous impressive technical elements complemented the show's genius concept. Simplistic costumes matched the modern, casual style of the writing, and color schemes helped differentiate between the multitude of characters during memories. The costumes attention to detail was notably shown by paint on Zach's clothes. Elaborate sets were a great aspect of the show. Large portions of the set were moved slowly but deliberately to create precise stage pictures and fit together like puzzle pieces, mirroring how the script put the story together piece by piece. Lighting did a phenomenal job adding to the surreal elements of the show. Pastel colors on the cyclorama gave tragic moments a feeling of optimism and hope. Noteworthy was the execution of spotlights, particularly during Part 6 as told through a series of phone calls, skypes, and texts.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology's production of Saudade, meaning a feeling of longing, melancholy, or nostalgia for someone who is no longer physically here, will leave you longing for more.

Kristen Waagner
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Saudade: that's what that feeling is. It's a longing for the things that are no longer physically there. It's the ache in your chest when you can't help but wonder how things would be if only they were still here. A touching original work by director Andrew Reid, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology's "Saudade; the one where i miss you" explores love, loss, and letting go in a world of magical realism.

"Saudade," pronounced (so-da-ché), first premiered at the Capital Fringe Festival in 2016, receiving critical acclaim for its moving story and relatable characters. The story follows Elliot, a peanut butter loving girl raised by her father after her mother dies in a tragic accident. Her life changes when she falls in love with Zachary, a goofy painter who carries his own emotional baggage. Told through a non-chronological series of memories, Elliot and Zachary move through the phases of life in eight parts, learning to cope with their losses together.

Elliot, played by Olympia Hatzilambrou, was the center of the story, blossoming from a nervous teenager into a vivacious adult. Hatzilambrou excelled at playing the different ages of her character, with maturity levels shifting with each situation. Her relationship with Zachary (Joshua Mutterperl) was intensely believable, with all the awkwardness of a first date, the excitement of a proposal, and the comfort of married life. Mutterperl's Zachary was utterly natural onstage, with a charming, yet flawed presence that made him incredibly relatable. Mutterperl's expressive face and endearing mannerisms brought to life his character's quirky personality with ease.

A comedic standout of the show was Avi Urbach as Charlie, Zachary's estranged half-brother, a career magician. Though designated the family failure, Urbach revealed Charlie's inner good-heartedness in Part 4: Home is Smooth, Home is Magical, while simultaneously executing one of the most hilarious sequences in the show: accidentally hiding an engagement ring in a jar of peanut butter. Urbach also showed admirable maturity in his scenes with Jaye (Valerie Nayak), whose innocent demeanor brought tears to the eyes of the audience. Nayak excelled in constructing a father-daughter dynamic with Noah (Evan Howard), Elliot's loving father.

A large ensemble made up the memories of the characters; despite, in some cases, more than five people playing the same character, the ensemble managed to stay cohesive without confusing the audience. During each meaningful scene transition, the cast's subtle movements added to the show instead of prolonging it.

Technical elements of "Saudade" adhered to a lovely pastel blue aesthetic; from lighting on the cyclorama to balloons adorning a picket fence, the collaboration and attention to detail of the technical crews was notable. Sound was especially precise, with microphones that never faltered and an abundance of perfectly placed effects that created everything from a distant party to a digital landscape. With minimalist set design that incorporated colorful titles of different scenes, "Saudade" felt like it took place in a whimsical and peaceful alternate universe.

We all wish for just a little more time with those we've lost. But through our stories, they can live on. Thomas Jefferson High School's beautiful play is a reminder that our memories can help ease that feeling of saudade, just for a little while.

Bella Fisken
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Every language has words and phrases that elude easy translation. In Portuguese, "saudade" (pronounced by Brazilians as "saw-DAH-ché") is defined as"a longing for something or someone that is lost." ‘Saudade; the one where i miss you‘ is a heartwarming play that deals with not only personal loss, but complex family relationships. It underscores the need for family ties and the bonds we feel to our relatives both here and gone.

Saudade; the one where i miss you, written by Andrew Reid, first premiered at the Capital Fringe Festival in July of 2016. The story, divided into eight poetically titled parts, catalogs the moments in a family's life as they learn what it means to let go, move on, and find the best way to come home. The actors take turns playing a kaleidoscope of overlapping characters. Each generation has echoes of the one before, as happy accidents become family tradition, and history invariably repeats itself. The bobbing and weaving of actors through characters has a clear message: this timeless story could be about anyone, anywhere. Multiple actors play the same role over different time periods.These stories are filled with magic, angels, family, peanut butter and love in every sense of the word.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology's production of Saudade; the one where i miss you, was anchored by an extremely dedicated cast and crew that successfully executed such a mature and complex play.

Zachary (Joshua Mutterperl) is a quirky and awkward boy who recently lost his mother. This tragic event leads him to meet the independent and wise Elliot (Olympia Hatzilambrou). Both actors handle the adult scenes with frankness and maturity that cause the audience to fall in love with their romance.

Avi Urbach cleverly portrays Charlie, the ‘ne'er do well' brother of Zachary. Urbach captures his charm and his love for his brother and soon to be wife, Elliot. In addition, Evan Howard plays Noah, the father of Elliot, and allows us to see a man who must deal with terrible adversity and yet, meet all the challenges of life. Miranda Khoury is Bailey who is the ephemeral wife and mother.

The set led by Ryan McFarlane was stunning. The backdrop is a projection screen where various "scenery," is displayed. It starts at the top of the mountain, goes to the front of a house, then to an interior of a home, and finally to a field of flowers. Also, Ellen Rowe and Macy Wright's costumes were shades of blue and neutrals. Small details like paint splatter or flannel shirts were added to simple ensembles to distinguish between characters.

‘Saudade' means longing for people and love no longer here. This production will have you longing for TJ's next show and loving your family a little more.