In the article, the principal of the school surmised that this had resulted from an agreement between the girls to become pregnant. It caused quite a stir, even after the notion that a pregnancy pact existed was proven untrue.
Weston Playhouse Theatre Company ends its season on its main stage with the world premiere of "Pregnancy Pact," a musical that relates an entirely fictional account of several teenagers who together decide to become pregnant.
Its vibrant pop-rock score by Julia Meinwald and arresting book and lyrics by Gordon Leary, performed by a talented ensemble of young actors, left
There were no adult characters. The play began in a bathroom at the high school. In one of the stalls, Brynn was taking a home pregnancy test while her three friends, Kaylee, Maddie and Jeanelle, stood guard. Their language was profane, but given the venue and the relationship among the girls, did not shock. What did shock was how each needs - unconditional love or something else - shaped and skewed their decision-making.
In the second act, much of the optimism of the first act was tempered by the realities of morning sickness, boyfriends, and outside pressures. The play ended abruptly, and the audience was left to wonder what was to become of these young lives.
All of the characters in the show, albeit taken from real life, were nevertheless types." Katrina Rose Dideriksen as Kaylee was believable as the tough one in the crowd.
Kaylee pushed others but also succumbed to peer pressure. Dana Steingold was the jock's girlfriend, Jeanelle. She was defiant when the pact begins to unravel with the solo: "I'm Done." Kaitlyn Kinnunen's turn as Maddie, the bookish girl from an affluent broken home, revealed someone who desperately needed to belong. Her character, drawn in more detail than the others, sang to an absent father that although he may love her, he could "love me better." Kinnunen's unmannered portrayal centered the show as Maddie evolved into someone who had a chance to pursue a loving relationship.
Margo Seibert was the fragile but determined Brynn, who first brokered the idea of becoming pregnant to the others. Seibert was particularly moving when, after delivery, Brynn attempted to dissuade Maddie from going to term with "I Got This Instead. Jed Resnick played all of the male characters. He was memorable as the nerdish Cory, who did not understand why his new sex partner, Maddie, dismissed his awkward attempts to show affection.
Krystina Alabado and Lauren Marcus were both fine as the snobbish girls who initially show disdain for the other four. Their conversion to the cause struck the play's only false note and appeared superfluous.
Performances of "Pregnancy Pact" continue through Sept. 8. For ticket information, call the box office at (802) 824-5288 or visit online at www.westonplayhouse.org.
Fittingly, each performance will be followed by an opportunity for the audience to review what they witnessed with the writers and cast.
Although not appropriate material for youngsters, it should be a must for teens and parents who care for them.
"Pregnancy Pact" is a provoking piece that should elicit meaningful discussion.
Font Resize
