4 A.M.: Stay at Home Edition
at Westfield High School

Reviewed on April 16, 2021

Ivy Ridenhour
Freedom High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

After the witching hour and before the sunrise, at 4 A.M. most of the world is asleep. For those that aren't, it's a time that feels almost unreal, but at the same time, more honest than any hour of daylight. It's strange but sincere, just like Westfield High School's production of 4 A.M.

4 A.M. is a play written by Jonathon Dorf. It tells the story of teenagers who experience different struggles, but are connected by the late hour.

4 A.M. opened and closed with Brian Purtell as Frankie, an amateur host of his own 4 A.M. radio show. With playful gestures and silly voices, Purtell portrayed every joke and bit with the energy of a radio host. Purtell also snuck in little moments of teenage awkwardness and sincerity with every silent pause and "Is anyone out there?".

Frankie's scenes were further enhanced by props, done by Justin Neil. Frankie had a microphone, a "recording" sign, and a sound board with lights that moved in time with his voice. These props made his setting feel real and helped the audience to fall into the story as soon as it began.

Another stand out scene was Monica and Anne's virtual sleepover. Rachel Neil portrayed the bright Anne with loud hilarity. Payton Kuhlman played Monica, who looked so genuinely tired, it felt like she really did film at 4 a.m. Kuhlman's weariness was the perfect contrast to her friend's Anne-tics and endless energy.

Despite their contrast Neil and Kuhlman managed to pull off a cohesive connection that was simply astounding for a completely virtual production

Zoe Brennan played the part of Jane, a girl writing a letter of complaint to a knife company. Her scene was one with many shifts and layers, with everything from Jane writing about her failed suicide attempt, to her finding Frankie's silly 4 A.M. radio show. Brennan met every shift with realistic emotions and each movement was genuinely expressive. It was a simple scene with just one actor and no big movements, but Brennan used that simplicity to make a scene that was truly touching.

In another scene Sleeper Kid interacts with the monsters in her room. One of these was played by Rachel Neil, who was added in post-production as a shadowy figure. Their interactions were almost unnatural, but rather than detracting from the scene it added to its strange atmosphere.

But perhaps the real monster in this production is the insane amount of work editors, Rachel Neil and Krishna Purohit, must have put into making this show. It had everything from simple sound effects like sirens, echoes, and laugh tracks to fully animated monsters that flew around the room.

One element you should be sure not to sleep on was the transitions between scenes. When the show switched scenes it would zoom out, sliding across the wall of an apartment where each window frame was filled with a different vignette. This method of transition was eye-catching and exemplified the themes of the play. It reminded the audience that all the vignettes, while separate and unique, took place in the same world at the same time, and in that way the characters really weren't as alone as they felt.

With actors that just seemed like people, sets that just looked like rooms, and editing that pulled it all together and made it even better, Westfield High School's 4 A.M. didn't feel like a show or a performance. It felt like a genuine glimpse into the lives of each character.

Olivia Elliott
Freedom High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

In the wee hours of the morning, reality seems to be more flexible. It is a time of indescribable loneliness and bottomless contemplation. For many teenagers, it can be a struggle to realize that they're not alone in the world. Westfield High School's 4 A.M. seamlessly intertwined the lives of many young adults, each going through their own private struggles.

This one act production of 4 A.M. is based on the book and full-length musical by Jonathan Dorf, with music and lyrics by Alison Wood, and has been played by many theatre groups over the years. However, Westfield High School's version definitely went above and beyond its predecessors.

The characters' personalities were effectively fleshed out, particularly that of Frankie, a radio show host played by Brian Purtell. The fact that a radio host was using physical props that would be unseen to listeners was indicative of Frankie's innate desire to be noticed by others. This was already apparent by Frankie's repeated question, "Is anyone out there?" but the props added a special layer of depth to his character, particularly that of the sweatshirt being used as a Grim Reaper puppet.

The production was perfectly cohesive, which lent a lot of credibility towards the scenes in which some of the characters were video calling one another. This was especially noticeable in the sleepover scene with Rachel Neil as the maniacal Anne, and Payton Kuhlman as Monica. The editing in the vignette cut the characters speaking at the appropriate times, which really brought out the contrasting personalities in the characters. This positively affected the comedy in the scene, because Monica's reaction to Anne stealing her cat as a hostage was perfectly timed.

Of course, the amazing animation, impeccable lighting, and well-placed sound effects would not have been possible without Rachel Neil and Krishna Purohit as techs. Their combined efforts yielded impressive animations of shadow monsters in the vignette about the monster under the bed, as well as varying sound effects. Added details like creaking floors and crackling fires made the scene realistic and relatable. In addition, the use of mostly artificial lighting throughout the play combined with blacked-out windows created the sense of being awake in the middle of the night with only the lights of a bedroom on.

While the play discussed some dark topics such as suicide, they did so with a healthy dose of humor and hopefulness. Zoe Brennan played Jane, whose vignette started as a suicide note, but transitioned into a letter that portrayed a gratefulness for life. The genuine sorrowful and thankful facial expressions made for a heartwarming (and breaking) experience.

The cast and crew of 4 A.M. has undeniable talent. From the amazing apartment animation linking the vignettes together to the tactfully contrasting character personalities, 4 A.M. proved itself to be a must see for any teenager who has pondered the mysteries of the universe late at night and wondered, "Is anybody out there?"

Cami DiVenere
Freedom High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Why is the color green not yellow? Was that shadow a person, or just a pile of laundry? If I go to sleep now, how many hours of sleep will I get? Everyone has experienced these types of thoughts in the late hours of the night. But when our brains aren't full of sleepy thoughts and dreams, the loneliness of the night starts to hit us, we're sometimes left to wonder: Is anybody out there?

4 A.M., written by Jonathan Dorf, is a dramedy that showcases the many thoughts different teenagers have at 4 A.M. The characters range from an enthusiastic AM radio host to a girl who has many feelings about a particular set of kitchen knives. Serious at times, but also full of laughs, 4 A.M. was the perfect choice for a Winter One-Act festival, and so, Westfield High School's production of 4 A.M. was born.

With the virtual setting, editing and visual effects are an expected element when tuning into a digital production. However, Westfield's Rachel Neil and Krishna Purohit simply took it to another level. From the atmospheric clicking of a clock to the emotional shift in music for scenes, the sound quality for this performance was unmatched. Looking past the audio, visually the show was impressive as well. Featuring apartment window graphics that smoothly transitioned from one scene to the next, and even real "shadowy figures" that interacted with the set and actors, the editing and visual appeal of the show was off the charts. Neil and Purohit definitely demonstrated the advantages a digital format could have when putting on a show.

One of the more prevalent characters in the show was Frankie. Played by Brian Purtell, Frankie, the AM radio host, appeared multiple times throughout the play, speaking and looking directly at the audience during his scenes. Purtell's charisma and comedic timing created a compelling character that brought a sense of spontaneity and excitement whenever he appeared onscreen. His assortment of props, done by Justin Neil, such as Frankie's neon sign, switchboard, and an assorted array of hats, added an extra touch of realism to his scene. Purtell truly embodied his role as a spunky radio host and kept audiences' spirits up, especially after the more serious moments in the show.

Another recurring character, yet tonally different than Frankie, was Jane. Appearing to write a letter to a knife company about their "crappy knives", Jane's retelling of her suicide attempt and her internal thoughts and feelings during the event were brilliantly played by Zoe Brennan. Her melancholic ramblings and dejected personality made Jane one of the more serious and sympathetic characters in the play. Brennan's emotional performance led to tear-jerking moments in the show, even if you had been laughing seconds before. Brennan pulled off a truly inspiring performance that ranged from depressing to hopeful and established one of the more genuine and grounded performances in the show.

From the emotional acting performances, the immersive atmosphere, and outstanding visual effects, Westfield High School's 4 A.M. provided a relatable demonstration of what goes on in our heads in the early hours of the morning, and a hopeful message that collectively inspired characters and audience members alike. Reminding us that, no matter how alone we may feel, there's most definitely someone else out there who's just like you.

David Sun
Langley High School
Submitted for publication to Patch (Fairfax/Alexandria)

According to folklore and urban legend, 3 AM, "The Witching Hour", is an hour of demonic activity where nothing good ever happens. It's bizarre, crazy, frightening, and ultimately a fun time with friends if one dares to stay up till three. Westfield High School's production of "4 A.M." offers that same energy, mixing together elements from teen sitcoms to "The Twilight Zone" that kept viewers on their toes for the entire show.

"4 A.M.", written by Jonathan Dorf, is a wacky adventure from the get-go, providing a good balance between playful and dramatic vignettes. Scenes jump between relatable existential questions, amusing scenarios about catnapping, and touching stories about trauma and suicide. Though the original script is meant for a live audience, Westfield adapted the show into a virtual setting, using pristine editing techniques to stitch the entire show together.

Brian Purtell as Frankie gave an impeccable performance as a radio host. He fell right into place being a radio broadcaster as he announced his lines with a booming voice and flipped switches on his prop soundboard with ease and comfort. Zoe Brennan as Jane also performed a showstopping role as a girl contemplating suicide. Her voice wavered and shook as she scribbled aggressively in her notebook in the dim light which established a nice contrast between the more lighthearted scenes in the show.

Other notable performers included Monica (Payton Kuhlman) and Anne (Rachel Neil), two girls having a sleepover. Rachel brought an infectious peppiness to her tone which served as a great juxtaposition to the monotone and dreary sound of Payton's character, who just wanted to go to sleep. Another factor worth commending is given the small cast, it is astounding how many characters were introduced in the show and how vastly different each actor's performance was for each character.

The editing done by Rachel Neil and Krishna Purohit made transitions and scenes flawless. Every time a new scene or character was introduced, the shot zoomed out and moved to another apartment window in which it zoomed back in again which was a fun transition tactic. Additionally, the opening credits with all the different sizes and font texts of 4 A.M.s that popped up all across the screen, set a nice tone for the entire show and were well put together. One other factor to note was the color and lighting contrast as we moved between scenes, from dim yellow lights to an ominous blue hue coming out of the screen. It made each scene seem different and unique, which made it more exciting and engaging to watch.

Another noteworthy feature was the sound production. In some scenes, a soft clock ticking sound set the mood as the cast struggles to fall asleep, tossing and turning. In more somber scenes a string ensemble is added, providing a nice ambiance and was not overdone to overshadow the heart wrenching monologues performed by the actors. One other thing that made the show engaging to watch was the offset camera angles that made each scene feel unique as some people were directly glancing at the camera while others were lying down, unaware.

"4 A.M." is a wild ride that kept people engaged with its fast pace and humorous plotlines. It's relatable but also unhinged in a way that made no one want to ever wake up at 4 A.M. again. In short, Westfield's 4 A.M. is giving "The Witching Hour" a run for its money, as it is not only the most terrifying hour but also the most honest, raw, and compassionate.

Keya Umesh
Langley High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Things seem different at 4 A.M., don't they? Some have the motivation to exercise whilst others have philosophical thoughts. The nighttime silence brings out the best, and worst, in people, and their inner monologues shine through the darkness. The play "4 A.M.," written by Jonathan Dorf, emphasizes these themes and highlights the nuances of this magical hour.

Westfield High School's production of this play represented the unspoken stories realized in the midst of the night. Frankie, a radio DJ with an audience of close to none, would dedicate his early hours of the day to his radio show that just so happened to save Jane's life. At the same time, literally, two friends, Monica and Anne encountered tests to their friendship during their virtual sleepover. A modern day Romeo and Juliet pondered the question "to call or not to call", while Sleeper Kid finally confronted the monsters under her bed. Among several other teenagers, this play focused on the questions and answers sought while the world was silent.

All actors in this production gave extremely authentic performances that made it seem as if one was recording their actual thoughts at 4 in the morning. Though filmed virtually, the chemistry displayed by all actors created the illusion of watching a genuine FaceTime call or viewing an actual conversation between two people. The technical elements, from the lighting to the editing, created a cohesive and engaging play, and the passion poured into this production from the cast and crew was clearly evident.

Even through a screen, Frankie's (Brian Purtell) excitement towards his radio show was apparent while Jane's (Zoe Brennan) more somber yet grateful approach to his show displayed the intricate depths and dark sides to her character. Monica and Anne, played by Payton Kuhlman and Rachel Neil respectively, had extremely contrasting characters that utilized their history together to create discernable chemistry. Monica's exhausted energy complimented Anne's hyper personality to create a yin and yang duo.

The editing, sets, and lighting, executed by Rachel Neil and Krishna Purohit, enabled a well-balanced narrative with no dead air. FaceTime calls looked like FaceTime calls. The clean editing between scenes pulled the story together, through the use of zooming in and out of windows to view separate scenes and monologues. The sound effects and music scores that were used complimented the drama unraveling onscreen. When a character had an epiphany, the music would reflect that tone. The lighting made each room look as though the time was actually 4 A.M., and the visual editing utilized clipart images, animation, and the work of Neil to create the illusion of paranormal beings flying around Sleeper Kid's room.

Although the world may seem distant and far away these days, tales like "4 A.M." remind us that the world is more connected than we think. From strangers to close friends, someone is always out there. Maybe stay up past your bedtime to find out who.

Pranav Choudhary
Langley High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Night terrors, open wounds, and new beginnings: in the dark of night, our deepest secrets linger in the shadows. However, as dusk turns to dawn and the sun begins to rise, it comes time to see the light in the darkness. Westfield High School's production of 4 A.M. was a window to the raw, unfiltered view of teens' late-night thoughts.

Written by Jonathan Dorf, 4 A.M. is a series of vignettes depicting the stories of a band of struggling teenagers, all awake at 4 a.m. As the night moves into morning, each character explores a powerful, personal journey of moving forward and facing the strife of the night.

Grounded in abject sorrow, Zoe Brennan's Jane was the living emblem of a teen who had faced extreme struggle. Amid a late-night suicide attempt gone wrong, Brennan brought about a rivetingly somber and jaw-dropping performance as her character penned her final thoughts.

During the sleepover scene, Payton Kuhlman and Rachel Neil were hilarious as the dynamic duo of Monica and Anne. During their FaceTime sleepover, Kuhlman deftly embodied the casual collectedness of a tired teen. Simultaneously, Neil perfectly embodied her character's over-the-top mannerisms and personality, utilizing impassioned gestures as Anne's never-ending torment of Monica escalated.

Justin Neil and Piper Anderson, as the modern Romeo and Juliet, respectively, had superb commitment to their roles, working with one another to build a realistic love-filled dynamic. Neil demonstrated Romeo's from his past, while Anderson directly embodied Juliet's yearning for a better future.

As the bodacious radio announcer Frankie, Brian Purtell emanated a sharp level of personality and charm. Aided by varied gesticulation and facial expression, Purtell captured the rush of energy late nights can bring with extraordinary poise.

4 A.M. was brought to life by technical powerhouses Rachel Neil and Krishna Purohit. Neil and Purohit both completed painstaking editing work, crafting smooth apartment window transitions to show that, while alone with their thoughts, the characters were ultimately unified in both location and emotion. Additionally, the mixing of animation and sound effects, including police sirens and radios and the well-crafted ebullience of nighttime spirits floating in the air, palpably brought the world of 4 A.M. to life. Lastly, meticulous properties work from Justin Neil brought vivacity and character to each individual actor's screen, ranging from a sound mixer to an air horn and odes of stuffed animals.

Poignant and powerful, Westfield's production of 4 A.M. maturely grappled a set of mature themes and truly illustrated that, while there may be darkness, the light will never be far.