It is a bittersweet time for those in the Theatre Company. While many members are anticipating the writer’s workshop event, several seniors are feeling nostalgic because it is their last show they will ever perform at the high school. Many of them have been participating in the Company since freshman year.

Mandy Rosengren, a senior, has been involved in the club since her freshman year. Rosengren was inspired by her sister, Nikki Rosengren, a former student, who was an active member of the Theatre Company. Mandy has participated in every high school production. She contributed towards costumes, acting, or both. During her freshman year, she played the role of Ismene in the production of Antigone and Betsy Wong in the production of Get Smart. For the productions Get Smart, Great Expectations, and Beauty and the Beast, Rosengren acted and worked on costumes.

“I really liked playing Betsy Wong in Get Smart because my mom’s name is Betsy, so I thought that was fun. I have also always loved the TV show for Get Smart. It was fun to play a wacky villain character,” Rosengren said.

In addition to acting, Rosengren holds the position of costume manager in the Theatre Company Board. Outside of the Theatre Company, she also worked as a costume designer for the Saddle River Youth Theatre. Although Rosengren is excited to continue her journey in college, she is going to miss working with everyone.

“I am going to miss the people because I have really connected with the actors and crew. Even though I know they’re going to do a great job when I’m gone, I’m really going to miss them and working with them,” Rosengren said.

After she graduates, Rosengren will be attending Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts.

“While I am not planning to major in theatre, I look forward to working with Tuft’s costume department on future shows, and maybe auditioning for a show or two,” Rosengren said.

Harrison Gale, a senior, will also be making her final debut in the Theatre Company. Previously, Gale had been involved with shows in middle school, and wanted to continue developing her passion for theatre in high school.

She has participated in several productions over the years, starting in 2013 when she was a freshman, with Theatre Through the Ages, which is a compilation of scenes from famous plays. Gale played a character named Heidi Holland.

“I saw so much of myself in the character, and the role convinced me that Miss McKinley really trusted me as a student and a performer, which gave me a tremendous amount of confidence in performing,” Gale said.

Her most recent performance was in 2015’s William Shakespeare’s Star Wars – Episode IV: Verily, a New Hope. She is on the Theatre Company’s Executive Board and serves as treasurer and co-manager of Publicity and Promotion with Jake Aboyoun, a senior and long-time member of the Theatre Company. Although Gale is planning continue doing theatre at Barnard College of Columbia next year, she will never forget the unique family she had been a part of at GRHS.

“I have had a privilege of working with such a talented, thoughtful, and kind group of people that are irreplaceable. The cast, crew, and our incredible director, Miss McKinley, have made my experience absolutely amazing and unforgettable,” Gale said.

Miss McKinley, adviser of the Company, is very grateful to work with all of the seniors, who have been a part of the productions since freshman year.

“All of them have become better versions of who they were as freshmen.  They’ve retained their enthusiasm and passion, and matured in their approach to each role or assignment.  They’ve always been responsible and lovely students to work with”, McKinley said.