'High-Schooler's Guide' Provides Humorous Vignettes, Frightening Reality

By Audrey Smith, Nerinx Hall

The High-Schooler's Guide to the Galaxy begins with a spotlight on four terrified freshmen, all dreading the first day of their high school career.

One by one, the freshmen express concerns about class schedules, dealing with bullies, the questionable edibility of the cafeteria food, and worst of all, gym class, when suddenly, the "author" and "editor" of a book titled The High-Schooler's Guide to the Galaxy appears, claiming their book is the answer to all of their questions and more. So begins a series of humorous vignettes that are mere glimpses into the frightening reality that is high school.

The High-Schooler’s Guide to the Galaxy is a relatively new play written by Brian Starchman. It verbalizes the questions and concerns freshmen have when facing high school and adds humor to the cringe-inducing situations that take place in the halls. It pokes fun at the stereotypical adults that students will most likely encounter in their four years—for example, an overzealous gym teacher whose answer to every predicament is a resounding, “walk it off!”

Nate Camden, who played various roles including Chuck, Harold, Ralph, Ethan, Nate, and Timmy, appeared on stage frequently with a high energy level and always produced many laughs from the audience. Camden’s comedic ability was front and center throughout the show, and he often stole the spotlight with his ability to be both subtle and blatant with his delivery.

The show allowed many secondary characters to shine through. Julie Creath was outstanding in the role of the wearily enthusiastic assistant principal and Stephanie Folks was frighteningly good playing the aggressive field hockey captain and the president of the Anti-Club Club.

The set was simple but used well. Props were smartly used to distinguish and clarify the setting for the audience. Costumes were also relatively simple due to the subject of the play, but the costumes for the authority figures—a gym coach, teacher, and cafeteria lady—were the clear standouts.

The energy in the second half of the show faltered somewhat, but nonetheless the talented ensemble of actors preformed the material quite well. Although at times relying too heavily on clichés and stereotypes, The High-Schooler’s Guide to the Galaxy was a treat about the scared little freshman in all of us.

About The Cappies, from its website: The Cappies is a program through which high school theater and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in local news outlets. At the end of the year, student critics vote for awards that are presented at a formal Cappies Gala.