William Floyd High School’s musical theatre department’s latest production, “Kodachrome,” will be playing on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the high school theater. Tickets are on sale now for $10.

The production will be the first fall play produced at William Floyd High School in years. “The students were very ready to tackle a play as opposed to our annual musical,” said theater teacher Berkeley Rousseau.

Rousseau said he discovered the play while browsing the shelves at The Strand in New York City and was interested, because it is similar to Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town,” which is one of his favorite plays.

“I bought the script on a whim and fell in love with it,” he said. “I distinctly remember sitting in my backyard this past summer in tears reading the last two scenes That is when I knew I wanted to bring this show to my school. The stories told are complex and relatable, and are sure to make the audience laugh, cry, and reflect on their own lives.”

“Kodachrome” by Adam Szymkowicz takes place in the town of Colchester, Conn. There, the audience meets Suzanne, the town photographer, who introduces the audience to the many inhabitants of Colchester. As the story unfolds, there are a series of relationships at varying stages, which bloom and wilt.

Under the direction of Rousseau, the cast is a mix of all grade levels and varying theater experience.

“They approached this material like professionals,” he said of his cast. “They have a deep understanding of their characters and relationships, which makes for truly touching storytelling.”

COMMENTS FROM THE CAST

“I feel that because of the fact that so many of the stories told in ‘Kodachrome’ are about such ordinary people, it easily allows for not only audience members but cast members as well to live through these characters. ‘Kodachrome’ captures all of the different stories within Colchester in such beautiful ways that I can’t properly explain with words. I believe that the story of ‘Kodachrome’ is such an important one to tell because grief and the journey that comes with it is something that we’ll all eventually have to face at some point within our lives.” - Janelly Bednarek, 11th grade, plays The Photographer

“I believe that the show ‘Kodachrome’ by Adam Szymkowicz has some really amazing beats in the show and has some real comedy mixed in with true tragedy. The play shows real and relatable problems through entertaining and even more relatable characters. The play explores themes such as fear of commitment, hopeless romance, and remembering the past. I do also enjoy the clever set design as well as the beautiful score that really makes the scenes come to life. The cast is also immaculate and perfect choices, as these actors truly define these characters perfectly. Not only that, but the actors of the cast are absolutely amazing. Their sense of humor, humility, and kindness create a family which only could be seen in enormously successful productions. Though, just like the town the play is based on, ‘Kodachrome’ is a little-known play; however, that does not mean that the play is bad. In fact, because ‘Kodachrome’ is seldom known, it allows for this production to be a once-in-a-lifetime possibility.” - Brandon Mott, 11th grade, Townsperson

“I love getting to know the cast and forming relationships with them. I work on sound and love learning the ins and outs of how to run sound for a show. I enjoy this show in particular, because the students fit their character very well.” -Alex Dorost,10th grade, sound engineer trainee

“I love doing tech for shows because I love getting to work with new groups of people for a short period of time. I have noticed that all of the actors have very good chemistry together. I feel like I am watching these real people experience these scenes.” -Gabi Mercado, 12th grade, sound engineer

“I really enjoyed working on ‘Kodachrome.’ It’s a show with so much range, from depressing scenes to scenes where you can have a good chuckle and see the diverse amount of personalities in the characters. While watching the show, you can really see the amount of effort put in by the crew, directing team, and cast. The best part of ‘Kodachrome’ is the people in it.” -Isabella McCreery, 12th grade, plays the Florist

“The play ‘Kodachrome’ is truly an incredible show, and definitely far from an ordinary one. It explores so many different characters, their stories and the bonds created through the photographer’s passion for art and memory. We see just how important it is to appreciate the life we have while it’s here through the eyes of the townspeople in Colchester and I absolutely love being able to watch these stories come to life! It is a beautiful and emotional representation of life and change and everything in between, and I believe it would be a great show to watch and experience for everyone.” -Kaelyn Green, 11th grade, Gravedigger

“This experience has given me a chance to strengthen my most important friendships, and I felt like I was always heard and respected throughout the show’s process. People should come see ‘Kodachrome’ because the show gives a realistic and important view on life and love, and in my opinion, anyone who has loved before can relate to this show.” -Stefania Conte - 10th Grade, Friend/Townsperson

CAST AND CREW

Cast members include: Janelly Bednarek in the role of the Photographer; Kaelyn Green as the Gravedigger; Michael Pedra as the Hardware Store Owner; Gianna DeMuria-Alvero as the Librarian; Kolton Chamberlain as the History Professor; Katelynn Glover as the Mystery Novelist; Gabriel Villacis as the Young Man; Katerina Fantini as the Young Woman; Ashlyn Manion as the Waitress; Ben Zozzaro as the Perfume Maker; Sam Greene as the Policeman; Isabella McCreery as the Florist; Rajana Heron as Marjory; Mia Balcarcel and Jonathan Sheffey as EMTs; Stefania Conte as Friend/Townsperson; Vanessa Garcia Garcia, Keon Guaba, Diana Hubschman, Brandon Mott, Aidan Rodriguez, and Mars Smothergill as Townspeople. 

Crew members include: Giovanna LoDestro, Caitlyn Fioto, Brian Brigandi, Gabriela Mercado, Evan Durish, Holly Burkard, Alexandra Dorost, Joseph McGrady, and crew members include: Giovanna LoDestro, Caitlyn Fioto, Brian Brigandi, Gabriela Mercado, Evan Durish, Holly Burkard, Alexandra Dorost, Lauren Albanese, Joseph McGrady, Kevin Healt Jr., and Autumn Rubino.

FOR TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased online at the following link or in person. https://www.msbtickets.com/williamfloydhighschool/schoolevents

FUTURE SHOWS

If you are unable to join us for Kodachrome, consider joining us for “Guys and Dolls” this March. Follow us at @Williamfloyd.theater on Instagram to stay updated.