26 Pebbles
at South Plantation High School

Reviewed on November 22, 2019

Levi Cole
NSU University School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Tragedy and hope typically are not associated with one another, but from the darkness of tragedy emerges the light of hope. This concept is displayed beautifully in South Plantation High School's production of "26 Pebbles".

Written by Eric Ulloa, "26 Pebbles" debuted at the Human Race Theatre in 2017, focusing on the surrounding events of the heinous Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The play is an agglomeration of interviews with residents of Newtown, strung together into an ensemble-based production exploring the lives of individuals and the community affected by this tragedy.

Each actor in this performance was tasked with playing multiple roles, a challenge accomplished exquisitely by the cast. Additionally, paired with each actor was a shadow interpreter, who not only translated every line into American Sign Language, but was incorporated into the production as an actor. As a collective, the ensemble established a conversational tone, allowing for a unique and effective method of bringing the audience into the show. The ensemble worked excellently together, portraying the preexisting relationships of the citizens of Newtown brilliantly. Despite minimal microphone issues, the cast remained in character, and gave a believable and impassioned performance.

Kierstin Rose's rendition of her characters in her role of Actor 1 was superb. Rose effectively portrayed multiple citizens of Newtown and clearly distinguished between them with changes in physicality, voice, and tone. Rose expressed a vast array of emotions and was responsible for many powerful moments in the show. Jermaine Jenkins (Actor 2) depicted his various characters with amazing skill. Displaying tremendous emotional commitment and dramatic timing, Jenkins brought an unforgettable performance to the stage. As Actor 4, Kayla Smith expertly exhibited praiseworthy delivery for her characters. Furthermore, Smith demonstrated her estimable acting proficiency, leading to many of the most remarkable moments of the play. Kamala Ramsey's genuine acting and emotional commitment allowed her to create numerous believable characters in her role of Actor 5. Ramsey's distinct and effective physicality and mannerisms helped to differentiate between her truly convincing characters.

The tech components of this production assisted in telling this powerful story. The special effects and technology by Reis Novaro successfully integrated a projector into the show, allowing for real footage and photographs from Newtown to be projected onto the stage. The lighting team and stage management must be commended, for there were over 100 light cues, all executed with no obvious glitches.

Shifting focus away from the violence and devastation, South Plantation High School's "26 Pebbles" tells the moving story of recovery, community, and, most importantly, hope.

Jennifer Holz
NSU University School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

With great loss comes the need to grieve and rebuild. South Plantation High School explores the questions of how a community can move past unthinkable horror, pain, and heartbreak, all of which occurred in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012, with its performance of "26 Pebbles".



Written by Eric Ulloa, "26 Pebbles" tells the true stories of a town going through the process of regaining its identity and reclaiming its narrative after a horrifying massacre that put Newtown on the map. The play premiered at the Human Race Theatre in Dayton, OH in February 2017 and was featured in American Theatre Magazine and the New York Times. Its impactful message of hope and community won it the Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Award in 2017.



The entire cast worked together beautifully to explore the results of the suffering that the community was forced to endure. The connection that the actors had with each other was genuine and honest. Each principal actor wonderfully transformed their mannerisms and nuances to distinguish each character they were playing. Kierstin Rose's subtle changes gave each of her characters their uniqueness and were executed superbly. The relationship she created with Victoria Kmiec, her interpreter, was so natural that it was as if they were moving and reacting as one. Jermaine Jenkins's ability to project and work through the microphone difficulties that resulted in his microphone being turned off was commendable.



The performers were able to elegantly create the heartbeat of the close-knit community going through an indescribable tragedy. The interpreters of Newtown both enhanced the performance of their respective speakers and aided the community as a whole. The bonds that they formed with each other and the speakers molded the town and the experience of the audience. They amplified the impact of what the people were bound to endure and the emotions of the characters.



The lighting design by Hadrian Schrag and Daley Eisenmann nicely reflected the mood and atmosphere of the show. The use of props designed by Shaylen Deyo, such as the teddy bears, accurately reflected the events that occurred. The projections were impactful, especially in the scenes where they were displaying the picture of the children lost in the shooting.



Now more than ever, it is important to address the impacts that these tragedies have on individuals and communities throughout our country. South Plantation High School greatly explored how these pebbles ripple through society.

Leah Tomas
J.P. Taravella High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

"Twenty-six pebbles. That's exactly what happened. Each one of those a drop in a pond, and you know, it just emanates out. The ripples, the vibrations...It's life. This stuff spreads." When tragedy strikes, finding beauty in a bleak world ravaged by horrific cruelty can seem nearly impossible, but there is always a light in the darkness. South Plantation High School's uplifting production of "26 Pebbles" is a true embodiment of the hope and kindness that ripples out from the core of even the most unspeakable sorrow.

"26 Pebbles" is a one-act drama written by Eric Ulloa following the citizens of Newtown, Connecticut during the aftermath of the tragic violence that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, resulting in the loss of 26 lives. The story is a depiction of the ways in which the Newtown community overcame the grief, frustration, and anger that ripples through monumental loss of this degree, and channeled their energy and emotion into social activism and motivation not only to heal the citizens of their hometown, but to heal the world. "26 Pebbles" premiered in February 2017 in Dayton, Ohio with the Human Race Theatre Company, and won the Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Award for 2017.

Kierstin Rose (Actor 1) delivered a captivating performance. Rose smoothly transitioned between playing two distinct characters, and expertly manipulated her physicality and vocal placement as a means to thoroughly distinguish between both roles. Jermaine Jenkins (Actor 2) did an excellent job creating complex emotional arcs for each of his characters. Kayla Smith (Actor 4) expertly emphasized the importance of each of her lines, and maintained an energetic and engaged presence throughout the performance.

The Interpreters demonstrated a vast range of expression throughout the production. Each interpreter did a phenomenal job conveying the emotions of their corresponding actor through both striking facial storytelling and physical movements. Each interpreter was easily distinguishable from the rest of the ensemble and added an additional layer of complexity to the performance

The ensemble of this production worked well together to form a cohesive unit. The actors did a fantastic job playing real people, and delivered an honest and authentic performance with strong focus on maintaining the original intent of the dialogue.. Though lacking emotional levels toward the beginning of the production, the group became largely more dynamic as the story progressed smoothly over time.

The technical elements of this production were overall very well executed. Intricate sound and lighting designs emphasized the emotional content of each scene, although sound clips appeared to cut off abruptly at times and draw attention away from the actors. Throughout the production, creative staging and special effects created an interesting foundation for storytelling.

South Plantation High School's production of "26 Pebbles" is a heartwarming depiction of the power of community and creativity over anger in the face of adversity. "It's all about how you ripple out, and what these vibrations can be. We are love. We are Newtown. That message says it all."

Nick Vela
J.P. Taravella High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

With a glimmering and stagnant body of water follows the everlasting and comforting feeling of consistency, security, and safety. However, this sense of familiarity and protection is fragile, allowing a pebble to cause the utmost disruption and destruction. South Plantation High School's meaningful production of "26 Pebbles" is the story of the "ripples and vibrations" large enough to change the world

Written by Eric Ulloa and making its 2017 world premiere at The Human Race Theatre Company in Dayton, Ohio, "26 Pebbles" was awarded the 2017 Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Award. Compiled and composed of real-world interviews of those who were personally affected, "26 Pebbles" truthfully tells the transformative tale the citizens of Newtown, Connecticut experienced after the devastating Sandy Hook incident. The play's authenticity and emphasis on the uplifting and positive changes a community undergoes after a heartbreaking tragedy, such as developing a newfound strength, compassion, and unity, allowed the piece to connect with audiences from all over.

The actors of the production showcased an ensemble connected by a touching, honest, and natural chemistry. Their conversational line delivery and fully developed relationships provided an intimate environment, and therefore, established a sense of openness and vulnerability. Besides minor issues in the pacing and energy levels of the performance, the entire cast stayed true to the story and offered subtle, yet distinct character differentiation. Notably, Kierstin Rose (Actor 1) and Kamala Ramsey (Actor 5) demonstrated a commendable physicality and remarkable characterization in their many roles, as well as Jermaine Jenkins (Actor 2) and Kayla Smith (Actor 4), who displayed a captivating and appealing portrayal of their multiple characters.

The incorporation of American Sign Language illustrated a unique approach to live theatre and heightened the storytelling factor of the production tremendously. Making the performance accessible to an even broader audience, the interpreters of the production brilliantly and consistently mirrored their speaking counterparts. They displayed profound and genuine facial expressions, along with passionate and expressive movements, ultimately adding to the overall quality of the performance.

Demonstrating a true sense of collaboration, the technical elements of the production all beautifully blended together as a whole and raised the caliber of the piece significantly. The costumes effectively displayed the numerous characters through simplistic and quick onstage changes. The sound of the production, although at times faltering, completely immersed the audience in the story. The lighting design aided in conveying the present mood of each scene through its variety of hues, as well as added to the impact of the story through its inclusion of projections that offered visually enticing stimuli without being distracting.

South Plantation High School's impactful production of "26 Pebbles" exquisitely expressed the importance of "resilience," "faith," "community," and "family."

Gabriela Phillips
Cooper City High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

December 14th, 2012, the day that shattered the lives of many in the town of Newtown, Connecticut. Join South Plantation High School in its performance of "26 Pebbles" as it reflects on the tragedy at Sandy Hook and works to gain the strength to put the pieces back together in memory of the 26 lives lost.

Written by Eric Ulloa, "26 Pebbles" recounts the story of a close-knit community affected by the shooting at Sandy Hook. Ulloa utilized verbatim theatre, in which he conducted various interviews throughout the community of Newtown to piece together the dialogue of the play. It premiered at the Human Race Theatre in 2017 and won the Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Award. This play doesn't simply focus on the tragedy itself, but on how the community worked together to move forward from this event.

Portraying 19 different characters, the ensemble of 6 speaking actors, along with their interpreter counterparts, seamlessly transitioned between various residents of Newtown. With an incredible emotional dedication to her role, Kierstin Rose (Actor 1) gave a strong, yet genuine performance, most notable in her monologue about a boy who gave his life to save his classmates. Her ability to distinguish between her two characters was executed excellently, her shift in vocal inflection and physicality aided in making the show all the more understandable.

Another notable performance was that of Kayla Smith (Actor 4), who played three different characters. Evident in her portrayal of the characters was her ability to remain natural, best highlighted in her emotional lines when she would take the time to collect herself onstage and then deliver the line effectively. Her seemingly simple character choices helped maintain the realism of the show, also evident in her touching performance of "Amazing Grace." Jermaine Jenkins (Actor 2) maintained a powerful performance while effectively distinguishing between four characters, a difficult task.

Alongside each speaking actor was an American Sign Language interpreter. Each interpreter did an admirable job of matching the character choices of their speaking counterparts, making the show easy to follow. As a whole, the ensemble did a great job of giving the show a conversational feeling representative of a small town. The mature themes in the show were handled with care, and they excellently showcased the town's development from feeling angry and lost to hopeful.

The technical aspects of the show worked well to fully immerse the audience into the world of Newtown. The attention to detail when it came down to props (Shaylen Deyo) was remarkable. They accurately represented what was used in real life. Another technical element that aided in making the show flow more effectively was the costume design (Adam Leneberg). With quick and simple costume changes throughout the show, they played a major role in differentiating between characters.

Tackling the intense themes within the show, South Plantation High School showcases the true strength, resilience, and transformation of Newtown, Connecticut in its emotional production of "26 Pebbles."