Following previous productions such as The Rimers of Eldritch and Bye Bye Birdie, the Middletown South Theatre Arts Club does not disappoint with the 2012 Fall Play, The Marriage of Bette and Boo. Starring a cast of critically acclaimed actors and actresses, including (but not limited to) Kelly Lozo as Bette Brennan and CJ Marsini as her son Matt, the “Bette and Boo” cast put on three consecutive shows of impressive acting, sophisticated yet understandable humor, and admirable commitment to entertaining their audience members.
Thursday, December 6th proved to be an incredibly successful opening night for the dark comedy, with a large audience that filled the Southside Theater. From an audience member’s perspective, the general consensus was that everyone was confused by the plot, yet the audience was entertained and impressed. The only noticeable quandary was a considerably smaller audience on closing night due to Middletown South’s football team’s championship game which occurred at Rutgers that night, Saturday, December 8th.
Along with the Bette and Boo cast, the production would not have been as successful without its backstage crew and brilliant leadership. Bette and Boo was under the direction of Theatre Arts teacher Alexis Kozak and assistant director, junior Maria Brucato.
When asked about her opinion on Bette and Boo, Brucato had nothing but appreciation for director Mr. Kozak and also of the cast and crew. “It takes a really amazing director like Kozak to realize that even though we are high school students, doing a show as mature and complex as Bette and Boo can be a success,” said Brucato, “We are blessed with such talented actors, and this was a great experience for everyone involved.”
Credit must also be given to costume managers Jacqueline Mazza and Laura Mazza, stage manager Kristen West, student lighting designer Cory Golusinski, and the building, sound, light, and running crews. The Marriage of Bette and Boo was a triumph for sophisticated comedy in high school theatrics and also has left many people more excited than ever for the spring musical, Cabaret.