Behind every story lies a secret. This fall, the wings will tell it. The Secret in the Wings by Mary Zimmerman is in its final stages of preparation, and the School’s cast and crew have been working hard to bring the story to life, both on-stage and off.
Director Andy Spear has been in contact with Zimmerman for a couple of years now, and a while back, Spear asked her if it would be possible to put it on at the School. Spear says she was excited by the idea: “She was like, oh, by all means do it. Here’s the script.”
The play feathers a unique frame story of a young girl who is left in the hands of a mysterious babysitter who begins to tell her a series of dark, lesser-known folk tales. As each story is told, a new, peculiar world is built. Between the stories, the girl and the babysitter return, and the frame narrative grows more intense as fantasy and reality begin to blur.
The play is set in a basement that transforms into a different world for each story. From humor to grief, and birds to snakes, the show is filled with crazy twists and turns. “I think the play will leave you feeling a little uncomfortable,” says Spear. “I don’t think it’s meant to leave you with a sweet, happily ever after feeling; it’s not that kind of fairy tale.”
Spear adds that the show marks an exciting change of pace compared to recent productions. He explains, “I think it’s different than the things we’ve done in the last several years, and I think that’s cool.” In the past, the School’s fall plays have leaned more toward comedies and lighthearted stories, but this year’s show takes a deep dive into a mysterious and thought-provoking realm, exploring the beauty and darkness that coexist in human imagination.
The tech team has worked creatively to make the world of The Secret in the Wings come to life. The production will be performed “in the round,” with seating on three sides of the stage, creating a more intimate and engaging atmosphere than the traditional single-sided setup. Since the show takes place in a basement, the set will also include a ceiling for the first time in the School’s history, making the experience all the more immersive.
“Stylistically, it’s different, and it’s been really fun to work with that style,” Spear remarks. Between visual and lighting design, the layered storytelling, the emotions of the cast, and the shift in tone, this year’s play promises to be an unforgettable experience. The performances will be on November 13th, 14th, and 15th, don’t miss your chance to discover the secret in the wings. Get your tickets now!