Chantilly High School’s production of “As You Like It” was reviewed by Gianna Pacheco of Robinson Secondary School, according to a May 20 statement from Fairfax County Public Schools. The review appears as part of the Critics and Awards Program for High School Theatre, known as the Cappies.
The Cappies program trains high school theater and journalism students as critics who attend performances at other schools and write reviews published in local newspapers. There are fifteen chapters across the United States and Canada, providing students with opportunities to engage in both performance and critical writing.
In her review, Pacheco describes how Chantilly High School reimagined Shakespeare’s classic comedy by setting it in modern-day corporate America. She writes that the adaptation focuses on themes of public image, family ties, and young love while maintaining the humor and misunderstandings characteristic of Shakespeare’s original work. “Elle Galhouse as Rosalind brings the humor and sarcasm, along with a sweet sincerity and charming personality,” Pacheco said. She also noted Isabella Caltagirone’s performance as Orlando for its expressive body language and strong chemistry with Galhouse.
Pacheco highlighted Lorelei Doran’s portrayal of Touchstone for adapting dated jokes through physicality and tone suitable for a contemporary audience. The set team led by Peyton Dunham, Lily Fry, and Polina Radu was recognized for creating distinct environments that separated corporate settings from Arden’s campgrounds using detailed construction techniques. Sound design by Clare Colburn added subtle ambiance to each scene without distracting from the story.
The Cappies initiative continues to offer high school students avenues to develop their talents both on stage and in arts criticism through collaboration between participating schools.