By Oluwadamilola Oshewa ’16, Staff Writer

As the hustle and bustle of the new academic school year takes over the lives of Newark Academy students, some theatric students have been hard at work since September preparing for the fall drama. This year, students will be performing in The Government Inspector based on a Russian play by Nikolai Gogol. The play takes place in a small Russian town where its inhabitants are lethargic. When a rumor that a government inspector is coming into town, all the townspeople try to bribe and convince a man who they believe is the inspector but is not.  The Government Inspector explores many powerful issues including hypocrisy, greed, and stupidity in the context of a small Russian town.

This case of mistaken identity is centered around one man: Hlestakov, who is played by Ben Bollinger ’17. Drama arises when a mother performed by Lily Brackett ’17 and daughter played by Elizabeth Cornman ‘16 both have eyes for Hlestakov. The town mayor, portrayed by James Marcucci ’16, is another humorous main character from the town, along with a set of identical fat twins: Dobchinsky played by Laura Boyman ’16 and Bobchinsky performed by Noah Schewd ’17. This year’s play truly features the talent of all grade levels at Newark Academy.

After last year’s more serious play, Mr. Jacoby felt it was time for a change of pace, stating that Newark Academy has not done a “big broad comedy” in about four years. The Government Inspector provides opportunities for non-gender specific roles and roles for students of all grades. This play challenges its actors and actresses with stylistic choices that are unfamiliar to many of the students. Laura Boyman ’16 says that her involvement in the play is almost educational because she is learning so much about a new style.

Spectators can expect a clever and witty play with a lot of laughing, silliness, topical humor, and bawdy situations. The play is rated PG-13, so it may not be appropriate for younger viewers. It features plenty of double entendre and even a kiss! This year’s fall drama will be showing November 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box. All the hard work and effort put forth by these actors deserves to be seen and supported by everyone in the Newark Academy community, especially because for most of its actors the fall drama is their first major role in an Academy Production. As we begin to settle into our school routine and sports begin to finish off their seasons, the fall drama is the perfect time for us to come together as a community and support the Newark Academy Arts Program. The play promises to fill your night with laughter and to be an event that you will not forget. The fall drama is not an event you want to miss!