Up the Down Staircase

Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing the Poly Drama Department’s Sunday matinee performance of Up the Down Staircase in the Poly Playhouse.
The story opens with Ms. Sylvia Barrett (played by senior Emma Gressett), a new teacher starting her first day at Calvin Coolidge High School. Although her students are rough around the edges — such as the insecure José Rodriguez (junior Justin Jacildo), the rowdy Lennie Neumark (senior Adan Gonzalez), the boy crazy Linda Rosen (sophomore Isabella Garcia), and the juvenile Joe Ferone (junior Donte Owens) —Ms. Barrett learns that the needs of the children aren’t being met by strict principle J.J. McHabe (senior Patrice Berry), who believes that colorful posters are the answer to every problem. Her encounters at Coolidge create both hilarity and intense emotion as she strives to improve the school.
While each actor gave a spectacular performance, Emma Gressett should be especially noted for the number of lines she memorized as the main character. Her part seemed to have taken up 3/4 of the show, which is extremely impressive. She delivered each line with emotion and passion.
Playing the role of Mr. Barringer, senior Donge Tucker should also be commended for his believable act as the flirty and charming, yet insensitive teacher and school heartthrob. Senior Jasmine Sim should be applauded as well for her performance as the lovesick Alice Blake, hopelessly in love and completely devoted to Mr. Barringer. In addition, she played a dual role, transitioning seamlessly from the role of naive, girly Alice to the tough, hardcore Carol Blanc.
All cast members portrayed their characters with sincerity and heart. They clearly conveyed their understanding of the story’s themes of patience, love, and perseverance. Mrs. Hubbard has given us yet another wonderful production, and her gifted students continue to wow us with this play. Up the Down Staircase will have an extended run of limited showings the week of Jan. 5 of next year.