Waiting on Trains
at James Madison High School

Reviewed on May 15, 2021

Justin Pokrant
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

3, 2, 1… Happy New Year! At the turn of the millennium, it was as if time had stopped. For the assembly of misfits confined within a small-town train station, all they could do was wait: wait for hope, wait for change, wait for trains. James Madison High School's dynamic production of Waiting on Trains will certainly leave you eagerly waiting for more.

Waiting on Trains is a one-act play written by D.M. Larson. Illustrated through the integration of dialogue, movement, and technical enhancements, the piece tells the story of how five walks of life converge in the "magnet of the lowest life forms": a train station. From an arrogant businesswoman chasing her father's approval to a homeless man simply searching for a quiet place to sleep, the characters learn to reassess what constitutes life's most impactful moments.

Thoughtfully selected, cast, and directed by student director Talissa Uman, the cast and crew opted to film an in-person, onstage performance adhering to all COVID-19 and VHSL guidelines. Under Uman's leadership, the students of James Madison effortlessly overcame the limitations of transparent masks and social distancing, even without the use of microphones or editing. The entire cast's commitment to conveying their characters was apparent, and the dialogue was always audible and supported by a combination of verbal and non-verbal storytelling techniques.

Frantically racing onto the stage, Elenora Fiel immediately established her character's conceited nature through her invigorated portrayal of Sue, the pompous businesswoman. From her moments of sheer pessimism to revealing the motives behind her determined facade, Fiel maintained Sue's quick-tempered persona throughout the show. Kirk, played by Ashton Rauch, exhibited an energy that matched his female business counterpart; amid their frustrations, Kirk and Sue became bound by their shared realities, and together the pair commanded the stage (or, more fittingly, the train station). In contrast, the three small-town natives were equally important figures. Stella Monner embraced Verna with an unwavering presence as the train ticket saleswoman who fell victim to Sue's arrogance; William Bush exhibited his wits through his charismatic portrayal of Jean the janitor; and Benjamin Eggleston fully embodied Rut, the hysterically delusional drifter whose banter with Sue provided comic relief.

Throughout the show, various technical elements supported the actors; to ensure that attention was not diverted away from the plot, the crew took a minimalistic yet comprehensive approach. Since the performance was unedited, stage manager Susan Weinhardt played an integral role in creating a seamless flow. Paired with the thoughtfully constructed prop and set designs of Denali Greer and Nic Crews, every technical choice reflected and reinforced the setting and various characterizations. Additionally, clever stage choreography and blocking displayed an authenticity that brought the story to life. In one climactic moment towards the end of the production, rather than simply running off stage, Kirk and Sue race down the stairs into the auditorium; this seemingly small detail allowed the train station to transcend the stage limits as the pair began their journey back to Seattle.

Just as all hope of leaving the cavernous abyss seemed lost, Kirk and Sue discovered light at the end of the tunnel. The midnight train to Seattle arrived, and the couple were whisked away from their inconvenient plight. While the troublesome pair managed to escape their predicament, some were not as fortunate. For those left waiting endlessly for their trains to arrive, James Madison High School's intriguing performance of Waiting on Trains suggests "maybe you've been looking for the wrong thing."

Beverly D'Andrea
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Two business execs wait as fast as they can, a bored ticket woman toys with them, and the shrill tones of God are heard briefly at Madison High School's revelatory train station. What significance does a computer really hold in relation to a self-awakening? The cast of "Waiting on Trains" experienced the shuffling progress of the new millennium as they simultaneously turned a page within themselves in a sweet and truthful piece of theatre.

The play was written by D.M. Larson, an active playwright. The play takes place in a train station on New Year's Eve 1999 as five people are waiting for a train: two businesspeople, a ticket-taker, a janitor, and a homeless man. The businesspeople are anxious for the train to come and the employees are anxious to leave, but as the night goes on all of them learn what parts of life really matter.

As high-strung businesswoman Sue, was Elenora Fiel. With her slightly crazed and indefatigable zeal, Fiel charged on set and her energy never faltered. Fiel showed her character's harried demeanor through her snappy encounter with the ticketer Verna. Her mounting annoyance at Verna's unhelpfulness was shown through more agitated physicality and line delivery, which set the tone for the rest of Sue's indomitable character. Working as a foil to Sue's impatient fierceness was the ticket taker Verna, played with the right combination of boredom and flirtation by Stella Monner. Monner showed Verna's dissatisfaction with her job through her complete indifference to whether the prophesied train ever showed up or not. She also rounded her character out by adding more energy when Verna was flirting with businessman Kirk. Monner's physicality was very relaxed and casual, which emphasized Verna's very different approach to waiting for the train from Sue, whose rigid, proper physicality showed tension and impatience.

The tipsy homeless man, Rut, was played by Benjamin Eggleston. With his lolling movements and intermittent cries, Eggleston's Rut provided comedic relief and a funny addition to many scenarios, for example, when he mistook Sue's angry exhortations for the words of God. The interchange between a frustrated, pants-suited woman and a drink-addled disciple calling out in confusion was a moment Eggleston hammed up to the max, utilizing his full body to bring the humor home. In the role of the hyper-focused businessman Kirk was Ashton Rauch. Whether sharing his fears, asking for a power cord, or typing furiously, Rauch retained Kirk's frenetic air. His laser-focus on his computer and his quick movements helped Rauch create a distinct aura for Kirk.

The whole production had to be (and was) physically distanced, but the blocking was cleverly created, by student-director Talissa Uman, to make the distancing seem normal and unnoticeable. The props, by Denali Greer and Nic Crews, also played a key role in the production. Since everything was minimalist, what props there were, were strategic and effortful, with the suitcases looking period appropriate and the broom adding to the janitor's (William Bush) physical comedy.

It's time to leave the station and catch the train, wherever it goes. Madison High School's production showed that it's not where you go but what you value that matters in life.

Spoorthi Nadkarni
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

"Train stations are the magnets of the lowest life forms." That may be true, but it was also the magnet that led to some of the greatest realizations about life, as shown in James Madison High School's inspiring production of Waiting on Trains. Completely student created, from the directing to the tech, this show was a heartwarming blend of philosophy, self-realization, and sly humor.

Written by D.M. Larson, Waiting on Trains followed five strangers from varying social and monetary statuses at a train station on December 31st, 1999. Through various conversations during the 30-minute wait to take a train to Seattle, the people there ponder over what is truly necessary to live a good life, and what gets in the way.

Despite strict guidelines imposed on the execution of this production by FCPS and VHSL, the cast and crew created a cohesive piece. The actors utilized projection that transcended the uncomfortable barrier of a mask, the distance of the camera from the stage, and the no-microphone rule of VHSL. They also displayed skillful physicality that reflected the mannerisms and descriptions of each actor's respective character. The creative blocking made all the movement in the show feel natural, even though the cast was actively social distancing the whole time.

Ashton Rauch, who played Kirk, made his character's intentions and words clear through his expressive movement while interacting with others, especially during his eccentric banter with Elenora Fiel's character, Sue. Fiel's expert articulation helped the audience better understand the storyline.

Stella Monner (who played Verna) established the theme of the show through her snarky delivery of lines, and was complimented by the choices of William Bush, the actor who played Jean. Both provided an ambiance that reinforced the setting and tone of the play. This was supplemented by the staccato bursts of humor that Benjamin Eggleston provided in his animated movement while portraying Rut.

This show featured a simple, yet thoughtful set design. The props, scenery, and lighting all worked in harmony to establish the mood, time, and location of the piece (all elements created by Denali Greer and Nic Crews).

"Come on, everyone has dreams. Where would the human race be without dreams?" To be honest, life without dreams would suck. Missing a train and having to wait 30 minutes for the next one also sucks. However, this particular missed train is what prompted the storyline that James Madison High School's comforting rendition of Waiting on Trains brought to life. Witty, yet touching, this production presented the audience with impactful messages about what it means to live, and how expectations can determine everything.

Maryn Brown
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

December 31, 1999: The world is about to enter a new age. As grand as that event was, the interaction between five people waiting for their train to arrive provides an insight into life's many wonders. An intellectually comedic play written by D.M. Larson and performed by James Madison High School, Waiting on Trains is a triumph of unconventional and minimalistic theatre.

Two businesspeople, a ticket receptionist, the janitor, and a homeless man, speak with each other to uncover the most meaningful moments of life and what it truly means to be successful. In a beautiful analogy of what matters in life and what doesn't, the files on the computer that were so crucial to what one of the businessmen interpreted as success were deleted after being left behind at the train station.

The play was student-directed by Talissa Uman, who is going on to study theatre education in college. This added a refreshed sense of staging, interpretation, and characterization to the play. Talissa was also responsible for casting the production. Her decisions were reflected in the strong characterization and obvious understanding the actors had for their roles. This production was entered into VHSL, so there were requirements for its submission. Actors had to wear clear plastic masks that made speaking clearly difficult and actors could not wear mics. This is a daunting task for anyone, but with careful enunciation and projection, the actors were heard easily.

Elenora Fiel, who portrayed Sue, a businesswoman, had an energetic performance. In her first interaction with Verna, the ticket receptionist, played by Stella Monner, she established herself as proper and superior to the others. She developed into a more relatable character, reflected in Elenora's mannerisms. Stella was also quick to establish Verna as carefree and slightly rude. This first scene set the stage for more interactions between this unique set of characters. Interactions between Elenora and Ashton Rauch, who played Kirk, the businessman, were also strong. This was supported by the fact that their characters' personalities seemed to be paired similarly to those of Verna and the janitors.

William Bush, who played Jean, the janitor, and Benjamin Eggleston, who played Rut, the homeless man who periodically entered their conversations, would be considered the comic relief of the play. Rut often stumbled into the scene to mess with those waiting for the train. Benjamin had to speak as though he was a drunken man, with a mask on, and no microphone; not the easiest circumstances! He did it all with impeccable comedic timing. Jean could be found wandering the set and talking with Verna. He was often seen with a push-broom or spray bottle listening in on the conversation. It was as though he lived in his own little bubble which made his subtle physicality even better.

Another requirement for VHSL submissions is that the filming must be done at only one angle. Director Talissa Uman and stage manager Susan Weinhardt chose an angle that optimized the audience's view of the stage. The set and props, done by Denali Greer and Nic Crews, were spaced well without sacrificing the natural interactions of the actors. The props were also period accurate.

The important moments in life are to be savored while the ones that are just taking up storage need to be deleted to make room for new experiences.

Katie Wood
Centreville High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

New Year's Eve, 1999. Everyone on the verge of a new millennium running to escape their past lives in boring towns for a chance of reinvention all lead to one place, a train station. D. M. Larson's Waiting on Trains, performed by James Madison High School, was a humorous one-act filled with irony about what the important things really are in life and unexpected interactions.

Relationships between strangers are arguably one of the most fascinating occurrences to be observed in everyday life. Waiting on Trains extensively explores the many results of relationships that can occur when a group of five assorted strangers are thrown together by fate while some are waiting for a train to escape the boring reality of a small town.

Within the total comedy of the show, the main source of bickering came from the polar opposite duo of Verna (Stella Monner) and Sue (Elenora Fiel). Sue, a businesswoman hungry to fulfill her biggest aspirations, and Verna, a ticketing woman whose boredom with her place in life has caused her to develop a carefree attitude, clashed with their differing perspectives. Fiel portrayed Sue in a posh and highly expressive manner where she always got her opinion out, which tag teamed well with Monner's portrayal of Verna's easygoing and sarcastic persona.

Throughout the entire production, several characters remained continuously on stage while others travelled on and off stage. Those in the eye of the camera for almost its entirety, including Ashton Rauch as Kirk and Stella Monner as Verna, never faltered from their character, creating deep identities. William Bush as Jean, a janitor, and Benjamin Eggleston as Rut, a homeless man, paired well in their roles that appeared at the most comedic moments. Even with less stage time than others, they created lasting impressions as onlookers who were connected to the train customers through Verna's interactions.

With requirements that had to be met from the VHSL one-act competition, the tech elements were simplistic and consistent. Although these requirements presented challenges, the cast and crew dealt with them gracefully. Soft lighting and the choice of a wide angle encompassing the entire stage made sure all actors were visible and facial expressions were able to be clearly read. Actors projected and articulated their lines without strain and with an abundance of energy that was infectious. However, those were not the only challenges overcome in this production due to pandemic regulations. An impressive triumph, the cast's distancing in the show's blocking never hindered their ability to tell the story, and only enhanced the environment of tension that comes with being strangers at a train station.

Talissa Uman, a senior at James Madison High School, took the lead in this production as the director. She was innovative in her direction of the actors and crew to create a cohesive and laugh pulling production. Uman will be studying Theatre Education in college, and this show certainly showcased her qualifications and dedication to the craft. Her work alongside stage manager Susan Weinhardt contributed to the final product of a smooth and engaging show.

Finally getting on that train they came for, the cast of James Madison High School's Waiting on Trains concluded their production with a memorable exit into the audience, signifying the characters finally being able to move towards their new lives.