AHS students present 'All in the Timing'

For the first time in more than a year Arlington High School drama students return to the stage when they present “All in the Timing.”

The first shows for the fall production were held Nov. 5 and 6 and more showings will be held on Nov. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m.

“'All in the Timing’ is a collection of five short one-act plays by David Ives. They focus on the concept of comedic timing,” said Arlington High School drama student Jenna Estep.

The plays’ characters are unrelated to each other but they do have a common thematic underpinning of actor timing.

The production was chosen in part because it’s something in which drama students could show the interactions between themselves, which was much more difficult to do online.

“You can’t do timing over Zoom, you just can’t,” said Arlington High School drama student William Litton.

“All in the Timing” was also chosen to bring some comedy to the stage.

“One thing that [drama director Scott] Moberly did when he chose these plays, he was really focused on something with a comedic aspect. He wanted to bring something with a lighthearted aspect to Arlington,” said Arlington High School drama student Emily Colombo.

Students were glad to be back at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center after the pandemic prevented them from putting on any shows.

“I started my sophomore year and I remember after my first show I thought I would have all these shows to do,” said Arlington High School drama student Ivan Barraza. “Now in my senior year I’m finally back and it’s super exciting to be back."

Students said it felt like a long time since the last time they had been on the school’s stage.

“When I stepped in the BPAC [Byrnes Performing Arts Center] for the first time in two years it was absolute nostalgia. Just all the memories of doing all the shows, the nerves and the excitement, and being able to work with people,” said Litton.

“It’s a little surreal being able to be back here, especially for our senior year,” said Estep.

She said it was different because of the COVID-19 protocols they have to do now, but she was glad to be back.

“It’s comforting to step back to the place we started in freshman year,” said Estep.

Students were also glad to be back with other drama club members to put together a new production.

“It’s the special connections you make with your castmates. You don’t really get anything else like it in life. You’re told for the next four months you’re going to work with these people and being very involved in this thing both of you love,” said Litton. “Just seeing the improvement of you and your castmates is really satisfying to see."

Colombo also wanted to thank Byrnes Performing Arts Center staff, parent volunteers and stage crew who help create the show.

“It’s the community of people. Everyone in the drama department is absolutely amazing,” she said.

Tickets for the Nov. 12 and 13 showing are sold only online at byrnesperformingarts.org. Tickets are $8 for students and seniors and $10 for all other adults. Capacity is limited due to COVID-19 protocols.