On March 12, March 13 and March 14, the GN Theatre Department performed the one-act play The Layover by Tracy Wells. According to the synopsis written by Dramatic Publishing, this play is about a young girl named Dana who is a so-called “bad girl”. As Dana waits for her flight in an airport she runs into two oddly nosy passengers, a baffling elderly pair, first-time parents and a noisy household with a troublesome kid. As Dana engages with these other passengers in the waiting area, she gradually comes to realize that in order to truly get where she is going (both literally and emotionally) she must confront who she really is by examining her identity and choices.
The Layover includes a lot of themes and morals that resonate with many people today. Dana’s journey gives central importance to discovering one’s true self. Throughout the play, Dana interacts with many travelers that give her valuable life lessons, which forces her to reflect back on her choices, behaviors, and values. This play also emphasizes the importance of human connection. As Dana engages with those around her she learns the diversity of human experience. She learns that understanding others’ hardships and perspectives can help herself learn who she is. Tiny moments of interactions can be huge catalysts for personal growth. The Layover also highlights the idea that everyone has a choice in their lives. This play frames life as a series of small, cumulative choices. Every interaction, reaction or decision contributes to the person we become. Dana’s journey is a constant reminder in every moment of our lives, good or bad, we hold the power to choose our attitude, actions and identity.
Overall, this play was amazing! I left the theater feeling speechless due to the great performances and the story’s emotional depth. All of the actors/actresses delivered powerful performances, which captured my attention and emotion. I especially liked the performances of Megan Lamendola, ’27, who played Dana and Kylie Stadler, ’27, who played Edith. They were able to develop and portray their characters exceptionally well, which really helped me understand the narrative and their characters.
The lighting and the costumes were also marvelous. The lighting resonated with what was happening in the play at the moment and the costumes reflected each character perfectly. Additionally, the minimalist set created a focused and versatile environment that prioritized narrative and character over spectacle. The Layover is a great play to watch and I would recommend that anyone who enjoys thought-provoking dramas and strong performances keep an eye open for an opportunity to see this.
Considering how fantastic The Layover turned out, don’t miss Peter and the Starcatcher. It’s bound to be just as impressive!