BLACKFRIARS AT MHS
'Blackfriars' has stood for 'the MHS class of performing arts and drama club' since 2018, when we began attempting musical theatre as a combined effort. It is a deliberate homage to Shakespeare's less famous second venue, and indicates the depth of our ambition. In the past four years, we have replaced our sound equipment, invented mobile set-structures, mapped the auditorium, and established a digital presence. This year we submit our second original work, and seek its licensing for other ensembles. Along with our community's vibrant culture of local theatre, we are committed to Moscow's well-earned reputation as a Heart of the Arts.
THIS YEAR'S PRINCIPAL CAST
MALACHI MCMILLAN has performed in every show since his arrival at MHS four years ago. His voice, grace, and collaborative instinct earned him the lead roles of Berowne in Love's Labour's Lost and Steve in What Happens In Vegas. He appears this year as Oliver in Impossible. It will be bittersweet wishing him success in his collegiate acting career: wherever he goes will be very fortunate.
VICTORIA FIELDS stars for the first time as Vanessa Bourbon. Though relatively new to performance, her practical versatility in set-design and construction, gymnastic skill, and adamant refusal to admit defeat make her a treasured member of our team.
MARIA DEAHN has worked for four years in many capacities backstage, this year nobly herding cats to rehearsal as Assistant Director -- in addition to playing Abigail. Few people rival her reliability and humorous attention to detail.
JASON TODD, also graduating this year, demonstrates an emotional vulnerability which is as precious on stage as it is charming in real life. He played Eli in What Happens In Vegas, and plays Elijah this year in Impossible. (The correspondence of names is utterly coincidental.)
SHAY GODFREY is quietly (or not so quietly) climbing the ranks to pop-stardom. Having played Jenny in What Happens In Vegas, she stars as Madi this year.
TAMREN RILEY looks forward to a theatre-career, having only auditioned successfully last September and glimpsed what extended effort a musical demands. I hope I can pay back that kind of transparent, unalloyed dedication. With a solid voice and authentic stage-presence he plays Sam in this year's show.
BYERLY MICHENER can find pitch anywhere--both musically and metaphorically. Her first real role, she approached auditions cautiously in September, though immediately issuing a flurry of helpful opinions on everything from choreography to lights. In Impossible she plays Brittney, another conflicted autodidact.
Our Ensemble cast numbers fourteen additional players together with a ten-piece instrumental pit. For more information about music-performances featuring these talented instrumentalists please consult the link at the foot of the 'Home'-tab.