Fall Play Highlights Creativity!

Over Halloween weekend, our high school students delivered a delightful rendition of “Around the World in 80 Days,” co-directed by Elizabeth Eby and Liz Marin ’10. This comedy-drama, originally penned by Jules

Verne and adapted for the stage by Laura Eason, was a great success, showcasing our students’ creativity.

“At one point in the rehearsal process a student asked what was the point of this story. With a discussion, we concluded that the journey was the experience worth noting rather than just the destination. Having the opportunity to work with such talented students made the directing experience so enjoyable. Directing a show with such a gifted co-director especially made all the difference and made the journey worthwhile”  – Liz Marin ’10, co-director

The plot follows Phileas Fogg ( Jackson Comfort ’26) on his whirlwind journey around the globe, utilizing various modes of transport—by train, elephant, and ship. A standout moment in the production was the students’ portrayal of being aboard a ship, rhythmically swaying in perfect harmony as they mimicked the ocean’s waves, accompanied by a lively sea tune played also by our students. The production also featured impressive sound and lighting effects, skillfully managed by Samuel Aponte ’28, enhancing the overall experience.

“One favorite moment was blocking the bandit scene in act two when Passepartout gets kidnapped. It’s such an absurd moment. There’s a fake horse, masks, cowboy hats, and the bandits names are John, Johnson, Son, and I believe Johnsonson. To make sure we had it and nobody would accidentally got elbowed, we ran it in slow motion with everyone hilariously falling to ground and exclaiming ‘Johnson!!!’ at a turtle’s pace.  It’s been so fun working with the students and Liz to allow the students to find those moments of absurdity and fun choices whether we end up doing them in the show or not.” – Elizabeth Eby, co-director

While We’re At It, Thank You.

This past spring, we participated in the annual Great Community Give initiative with the campaign: Light the Way for the Arts at EMS! The Eastern Mennonite School Auditorium continues to serve as the heart of our artistic and spiritual community—a space where students excel, creativity flourishes, and the community comes together. From outside groups like churches who use our space to musicals and plays to choir concerts and chapel services, this auditorium is where inspiration takes center stage.

Investing In Our Collective Future

The investment of our supporters, financial and otherwise, benefits every student, audience member, and community group that continues to gather in this space for events such as recent chapels, dessert theater, the homecoming concert, and the fall play! We are excited to see what the future holds! Thank you for coming to our plays and concerts, supporting our students and helping us light the way!

Special Thanks

 Lauren Barker with the help of other EMS theater parents put on a candlelit period appropriate feast for the cast, showing her commitment to helping them imagine their character in a social setting as well which likely helped them in their performance.

And thank you to Gaines Group Architects for being our fall play sponsor!

Fall Play Sponsor