By Aidan O’Hara
The Wayland High School Theatre Ensemble (WHSTE) recently presented its fall musical, “Head Over Heels”.
The title combines the music of the 1980s band, The Go-Go’s with a story from 1590. It adapts the plot of “The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia, “the 16th-century prose romance by Sir Philip Sidney. The story plot-line follows the royal family of Arcadia on their journey to keep their famous “Beat”. This Elizabethan adventure of love, identity, and self-discovery had the audience dancing in their seats and grinning from ear to ear. New to high schools and colleges, “Head Over Heels” was a Broadway hit in 2018-19.
WHSTE’s production featured over 60 performers, musicians, technicians, and designers, and culminated with a sold-out performance on Saturday, Nov. 22, in the high school auditorium.
WHSTE students will act as the staff for a musical featuring fifth-graders from the three elementary schools. In its fourth year, Wayland Junior Broadway will present “Seussical, Jr.” on Jan. 23-24. Ticket information will be posted at WHSTE.com in mid-December.
Senior Kaileigh Walker playing Dametas who is holding the four flags of Pythio’s prophecy.
Junior Wyeth Heilman plays the shepherd, Musidorus, who is singing the Go-Go’s hit, “Mad About You”, surrounded by his ensemble of Sheep.
Junior Maereg Million plays Queen Gynecia; here trying to get the attention of her husband, King Basilius, played by Senior Marley Eggers.
Mopsa, played by Junior Maggie Agyeman, grabs the audience’s attention during the opening number – The Go-Go’s “We Got The Beat”.
Philoclea, Pamela, and Mopsa (played by Junior Lexi Greeley, Senior Syl Haley, and Junior Maggie Agyeman, respectively) consider what’s possible for the kingdom. The handmaidens, played by Senior Ellen Reardon, Junior Callie Zedower, and Sophomore Eloise Coppola, look on in the background.
Senior Jules Eggers, plays the oracle named Pythio, here surrounded by the Snaklette Ensemble.
All photos submitted by Aidan O’Hara
