The Poland Seminary High School Players have put on a production of Robin Hood this year, and we are here to tell you everything about it!

The play was around an hour and a half long, filled with action that kept the audience on the edge of their seats! This year’s play was accomplished by the hard work of all of the Poland Players, and especially Mrs. Candy Fonagy, the Poland Players’ beloved director of many years. 

Mrs. Fonagy has been a familiar face in Poland Seminary High School. She spent many years working in the front office for the school, and she’s put on many plays including Clue, Shrek the Musical, Singing in the Rain, Guys and Dolls, The Sound of Music, Emma, 67 Cinderellas, and many, many more. 

The amount of time and effort everyone put into the multiple sets for this year’s play definitely did not go unnoticed. The sets were put together by the Poland Players’ stage crew, Mrs. Fonagy, and Mr. Fonagy.

 We were given the chance to speak with a few of this year’s actors and actresses, such as Olivia Loftus, one of the lead roles. 

 “I love the people, new friends, and the atmosphere of being in the play,” said Loftus, while also emphasizing her love for the theater and aspirations to pursue acting. 

When talking about performing Loftus also explained, “I like being on stage; rehearsal is so stressful. I just love the actual play part.”

Many students play sports, have jobs, and participate in other extracurricular activities outside of the play, so it is not hard to understand why it can be stressful at times. Our actors, actresses, directors, and stage crew deserve to be highly credited for the unrecognized commitment being a part of the play requires. 

With the help of the extras taking part in the play, the stage crew managed to move the sets, change the setting, and move objects around the stage quickly and efficiently. When the lights went out, they got to work. We were very shocked at how quickly the sets were moved and how quietly all their hard work was.

 We were also given the opportunity to speak to a stage manager, Gavin Mathew, was stage crew and is a huge reason the play was as successful and effortless as it was. Although the play seemed to have gone perfectly, it was only because of the stressful rehearsals and preparation that went into it. 

When asked about what it was like to be stage manager, he said, “It’s been enjoyable, but more stressful now that I’m stage manager this year.”

He said it was most stressful because of the impact the prior senior class left, explaining, “It’s been more of a struggle this year because of the graduated senior class making up a majority of our numbers for both stage crew and cast.”

Lastly, we wanted to ask Mathew about the story itself, and he said the play was great because “…it is a common story that everyone knows, an iconic story.”

There were many moments in the play we personally enjoyed, ranging from the amazing dance put on by the extras shortly after intermission, or the funny French comments made by junior Hannah Sharber. Salome, played by Delaney Demetrios, brought joy to the audience any moment she appeared on stage with her energetic and humorous lines and expressions.

Lastly, we were thrilled to see The Seminarian’s Editor in Chief, George Maillis, as one of the lead roles, Robin Hood. Maillis and fellow Poland Players were responsible for the action-packed sword fight scenes.

He participates in theater outside of school and has never failed to entertain us. Great job to all the Poland Players! Maillis and fellow Poland Players were responsible for the action-packed sword fight scenes.

Overall, the play was another hit! It was the perfect time length; it was funny, but also kept the original story of Robin Hood. The execution was a 10/10, and we are very happy we were able to see how amazing the play was! Congratulations to all the Poland Players for putting on this amazing show! If you haven’t already, go watch the Poland Players for their next show!