The theater department held the closing night of their first production of the year, “Ghost”, on Nov. 15.
The story of “Ghost” follows Sam Wheat and Molly Jensen, played by senior Noah Watson and sophomore Ella Kate Freeman, respectively. When Sam dies, he becomes a ghost trapped between life and the afterlife, and he finds out that Molly is in danger of being murdered. He tries to save her by communicating with her through a psychic, Oda Mae Brown, played by Niala McBride.
In the span of the first few starting scenes, the actors emanate a range of emotions: hope for Sam and Molly’s new life, tension because of what Sam doesn’t say, and heartbreak when Molly realizes Sam is dead.
Act I ends with three heartbreaking yet hopeful songs sung together by Watson, Freeman, Seth Blanck (who plays Carl Bruner), and Ensemble members. The most captivating melody was ‘Suspend My Disbelief’, sung wonderfully by Freeman. Her voice rings throughout the entire theater and no doubt manages to puncture every single person’s heart with the emotion and determination behind the notes.
Act II begins with an upbeat performance with the large ensemble that brings the audience back in and excited to see the rest of the story play out. The tension in the story builds as more secrets are revealed, particularly those of Sam’s friend Carl. His involvement in Sam’s death reassures the apprehension of the audience toward Carl once he tries to get closer to Molly.
A story with ample tension and emotional turmoil needs comedic relief, and for “Ghost”, this is done through the previously charlatan psychic. McBride portrays Oda Mae’s character radiantly and hilariously, making the audience laugh out loud numerous times with her rollicking outbursts.
The story climaxes once Sam and Oda Mae conspire to stop Carl’s endeavors that endanger Molly. The bristling anger portrayed by Blanck and Watson raised even the sleepiest of audience members’ eyebrows and opened their eyes wide, hypnotised by the energy and action.
The resolution and the rest of the show is unhurried.. Throughout the story, Sam’s rendition of ‘Unchained Melody’ by the Righteous Brothers haunts Molly, along with the audience, through her grief and confusion. Watson’s striking singing and performance during these moments amass in a tear-jerking final belt of the love song as the couple is finally reunited.
Tragically, or perhaps bittersweetly, the reunion can’t last forever. Sam, having fulfilled his obligations tying him to the earth, had to leave Molly and go to the afterlife.
At the curtain call, the actors, director and all those working behind the scenes received a standing ovation for their production.
Guyer Theater’s next production will be ‘Frozen’, with its opening night on Jan. 23 and its closing night on Jan. 26.
