Theater Students Go to "Town"

Maguire Auditorium became a “microcosm of human experience” when Canterbury’s theater students brought the play One Stoplight Town to the stage for a two-night run.

Set in a town so small that everyone knows each other, the story shines a light on how change, even when uncomfortable or disruptive, can bring new life to even the most familiar places and people. Each character navigates change differently, at various times fighting it, embracing it, or ignoring it altogether.

“The beauty of this play is in its simplicity, in the recognition that meaningful change often occurs without fanfare in the hearts and minds of those willing to take even the smallest steps forward,” said Language Chair and Co-Director of Theater Keiko Mathewson, who teamed with Theater Co-Director Christopher Rich to direct the production. “The message of change—how it impacts us and how we deal with it—is relevant to everyone in every setting. The show was the perfect fit for our community this fall.”

The artistic team included Canterbury alumnus Kenneth Mard III ’99 as Sound Designer, along with Technical Director and Scenic Designer Leif Smith, Lighting Designer Andrew Patashnik, and Scenic Assistants Carol Haines and Clara Smith. One Spotlight Town was written by Tracy Wells and produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. 

Keiko had high praise for her students. “The cast primarily consisted of young actors; there were no seniors on stage,” she shared. “This show allowed them to showcase themselves in new lights and as more mature actors. I am incredibly proud of the effort and growth shown by the entire cast and crew.”

Hannah Soifersmith ’27, who had multiple roles in the production, was grateful for the experience. “I loved how involved and interactive the audience was and how invested they were in the story,” she said. “One Stoplight Town is such an impactful play, and I am lucky to have been a part of it.” 

These talented students (plus some special guests) deserved every enthusiastic round of applause they received each night from the appreciative audience: 

THE CAST (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)
Tara: Amelia Welsh ’26
Bonney: Marygrace Hussey ’27
Clara: Calista-Carlotta Lilo Bickers ’26
Melvin: Yun “Angel” Lin ’26
Casey: Hannah Soifersmith ’27
Corey Matthews: Zachary Mwanza ’27
Lindsey (Matthews): Victoria Ostrowski ’26
Kid 1: Hadley Mathewson
Kid 2: Adelyn Mathewson
Kid 3: Giada LeClerc
Kid 4: Kennedy Schriver
Girl: Yarrow Pratt
Protesters: Madeline Lavertue ’27, Maeve Prendergast ’27
Prodigal Son: Yichen “Justin” Bai ’27
Runaway: Netanya Dorman ’28
Green Bean Queen: Maeve Prendergast ’27
Drum Major: Hannah Soifersmith ’27
Polly: Maeve Prendergast ’27
Flash: Yichen “Justin” Bai ’27
Teen 1: Paisley Damon ’27
Teen 2: Madeline Lavertue ’27
Teen 3: Maeve Prendergast ’27
Teen 4: Hannah Soifersmith ’27
Teen Girl: Netanya Dorman ’28

STUDENT DESIGNERS/TECHNICAL CREW
Stage Manager: Ella de Marval ’25
Props Manager: Isabella Pilch ’27
Costumer: Isabella Mitchell ’27
Sound Board Operator: Julian Bonasera ’26
Light Board Operator: Stephen Hraska ’25
Deck Crew: Liam Hamlet ’27, Hudson Soifersmith ’27

Bravo to the directors and our fabulous Saints of the theater!

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