Lucy Thurber‘s play Monstrosity, featuring “singing teenage fascists, magic, war, and love”, is one of the most ambitious theater productions I have ever experienced. With a cast of over forty people, three acts, and cold tangy lemonade during intermissions, Monstrosity was basically two hours of intensity and fun.

Did I mention I was in it?

With no experience in theater, singing, or acting, I went to the Connelly Theater not knowing what to expect when High 5 put out a call for volunteers to be a part of the play — to join the “teen army.” I went and joined. I’m happy I took the risk and ended up having one of the coolest summer experiences I could ask for. Instead of just seeing and reviewing a play, I was in one!

It was interesting to be on the other side of the curtain. I saw how producing a play was a never-ending process involving run-throughs and editing that takes weeks of hard work, persistence, and cooperation. Getting together with the Monstrosity teen army to practice a couple of times a week was a fantastic experience. I met people who had a lot of experience with theater and I also met some people who were just like me. Together, we cheered for our leader Michael, listened to his speech intently, and sang our anthem with pride. We stood on the balcony and surrounded the audience, producing what I imagine to be an intimidating surround-sound effect; it showed just how crazy and powerful youth can be.

The best part of being in the army was that I got to see my favorite scene, which happened to be the scene after mine, after every performance. Two clowns on a bicycle circled the stage and told the audience about the story to come. It was haunting and oddly catchy writing and images, like “a brother and a sister with identical eyes.” The eerie lighting and music made this scene, along with the perfect harmony of the voices. It also contained my favorite line of the show:, when the clowns warn ominously, “it’s coming dear audience, and we’ve chosen you.”

It was such a treat to be chosen and spend my summer off with Monstrosity.