Top row, from left: Olivia’s Dad -- Aaron Sulkin, Ned -- Zachary Wilcox, Mac -- Adam Lemos, Olivia’s Mom -- Alaina Talley, Veronica -- Katie Brunberg, Jane -- Maggie Marie Rodgers, Peyton Understudy. Bottom row, from left: Katie -- Kira Omans, Devon -- Dylan Hares, Peyton -- Brittany Martz, Olivia -- Tess Higgins, Stacey -- Chelsea Townsend, Lewis -- Keenan Gibson, Ray -- Matt Succi. Photo contributed
A production created and produced by George Mason alumni makes its debut in July at the 2016 Capitol Fringe Festival. “Dark Times at Grimesville High” takes a dark and biting look at high school through the eyes of the senior class resident mean girl and her two best friends as they prepare for the prom, final exams and graduation. Written by Mason theatre alumnus Conor Kyle and directed by fellow alumnus Rebecca Wahls, the musical features a cast of Mason alumni and current students.
“Dark Times at Grimesville High” follows senior Olivia Hope, a high school journalist, class valedictorian and everyone’s best friend, whose life is perfect until she meets Peyton Hillridge, resident “mean girl.” Hillridge comes to Grimesville High with one goal -- to take down Olivia Hope just in time for prom and graduation.
The cast includes Tess Higgins as Olivia and George Mason Alumni Brittany Martz, and Chelsea Townsend, along with fellow GMU classmates Adam Lemos, Dylan Hares, Maggie Rodgers, Katie Brunberg, Zachary Wilcox, Keenan Gibson, Matt Succi, Kira Omans, Alaina Talley and Aaron Sulkin.
Dark Times at Grimesville High opens at 9:30 p.m. on July 9 at Gallaudet University’s Elstad Auditorium, 800 Florida Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. Additional show times are July 13 at 8:15 p.m.; July 17 at 3:45 p.m.; July 20 at 6:15 p.m. and July 23 at 9:45 p.m. Tickets are on sale at www.capitalfringe.org or by calling 866-811-4111.