Ellen Lawton

Herndon High School

Blooming with laughter and love is Albert Einstein High School’s brilliantly witty production of Lavender. Though it packed in plenty of laughs, it also offered a gentle message: when wandering through the garden, one must never be afraid to stray off the beaten path.

Albert Einstein High School had the honor of presenting the first-ever production of Lavender, written by recent graduate Langston Muller. The story, set in Renaissance times, borrows a classic outline of star-crossed lovers. It’s reminiscent of Shakespeare, but there’s a twist: the two main characters are gay. They’re both in secret relationships and trying to escape an arranged marriage that neither of them agreed to. Leopold and Daphne may start off sharing awkward silences and scorching arguments, but as their ‘lavender marriage’ progresses, they create a heartwarming connection, eventually devoting themselves to helping each other achieve a happily ever after.

The entire cast and crew brought overwhelming love and enthusiasm to the show- evident in even the littlest of details, like crickets chirping in the nighttime scenes. Each and every character had a history, communicated through silly accents or the scandalous showing of ankles. And at the center of this wild bouquet were the prickly pair of Leopold (Boaz Levone) and Daphne (Caroline Evans).

Levone and Evans’ characters, though as different as duckweed and daisies, were incredibly engaging every time they shared a scene. They brought Muller’s fresh, breezy dialogue to life. It wasn’t just their voices, either- their movements alone indicated their difference in character. Levone, often trembling like a leaf, contrasted well with Evans’ rooted stance. And every night at dinner, the two sat at different places at a very long table: the first night at opposite ends, then a little closer each week as they began to discuss poetry and their pasts. By the time the story drew to a close, Levone and Evans’ characters had built a sweet, sarcastic dynamic.

The two just as easily portrayed the bloom of young love in scenes with their respective partners Armond (Zesun Hossain) and Rosalie (Amelia Beard). Hossain, in the role of the passionate poet, shared many gentle moments with Levone. In one particular scene, they lay on the floor of a portrait gallery, and Hossain reverently recited verses to Levone. Both Hossain and Beard brought an honest, heartfelt side to the show, in affectionate contrast to the comedy of most other scenes.

The ensemble of nobles, servants, and occasional bears offered up charming levity, with everything from catfights to simultaneous soup slurping. Their individual characters peeked through like wildflowers between cobblestones and received just as much detail as the leads. The costume department (Josh McClendon, Lorrilee Soderstrum, AEHS Costumes Crew) stitched lavender accents into the draping sleeves of certain costumes, indicating relationships and tying back to the theme of the show. Levone and Evans’ characters, meanwhile, were dressed in all red and all blue respectively- which, combined, creates the titular color. The lighting department (Kaia Condon, Natalie McMurry, AEHS Lighting Crew) also inserted small touches. The spotlights onstage were often in the shape of two hearts, representing the two relationships driving the show.

Ultimately, Albert Einstein’s students took Muller’s words and put on a play that was by turns teasing, touching, and true. The story of Lavender has its feet rooted in the ground, its heart filled with roses, and a message as bright and free as the sky.

Clare Shacochis

Oakton High School

We are gathered here today not to celebrate the marriage of the Glassman and Geraldo houses, but the world premiere of Lavender at Albert Einstein High School!

Written by Langston Muller, Lavender tells the story of two young adults, Leopold and Daphne, born into nobility and forced into a marriage by their oblivious, oddball parents. However, unbeknownst to each other and the world, Leopold and Daphne are both gay and secretly dating other people. While struggling with hiding their identities, mischief making friends, and a slew of servants stirring the pot, the world premiere of Lavender is a marvelous mix of chaos and compassion.

Boaz Levone, as the well-meaning yet anxious Leopold, was dynamic and droll. Ranging from tumbling through windows to confessing his feelings to his true lover, Levone acted out a broad display of emotions that kept the audience drawn in. Alongside Levone as another closeted noble was Caroline Evans as Daphne. Evans was energetic when feigning make-outs with Levone, and never let that energy drop, even in serious and sentimental scenes.

Portraying Francine, Arwyn Hager’s performance was full of mischief, especially when scooting through rows of the audience in a ridiculously raucous chase scene. In addition to her constant comedy, Hager managed to deliver emotional scenes with just as much heart.

Eitan Amster, playing the absurd butler, Ungale, brought endless energy to the stage. With over exaggerated flexing to flailing across the stage, Amster threw himself into every movement. Along with a haughty and hilarious character voice, Amster’s pompous performance left the audience in stitches after every scene.

And no scene would have been complete without the addition of the dramatic, gossip-loving nobles. From silently brawling in slow motion to forming an absurdly angry mob, the ensemble was filled with energy throughout the show, never falling out of their distinct characters.

The set pieces, created by Ben Freund, Luke Willis, and Mads Maarbjerg, allowed for several different settings to take place onstage. Some of the most impressive creations were the two bedroom sets, complete with matching wide windows, perfect for characters to climb through to a romantic rendezvous. The bed used in Daphne’s room was built with enough room for multiple characters to hide underneath it. Whether it was the comically long dining table, which showcased the emotional space between Leopold and Daphne, or the throne topped with a mounted bear head, the set was masterfully composed.

Led by Josh McClendon and Lorrilee Soderstrum, the costume crew put together Renaissance-era looks that added details to each and every character, especially through the use of colors. Daphne’s dress had a blue hue, while Leopold’s sleeves were a deep red, but when those colors are mixed, they form purple. This color was once again used in accents in the costumes of Leopold and Daphne’s secret lovers. In addition to these colorfully thoughtful details, the tree costumes, made up of full body trunks and branch crowns, created three hilariously human-like plants. The costume crew’s creativity shone through every outfit.

The company of Lavender at Albert Einstein High School brings this hilarious and heartwarming show to life, reminding the audience that it’s time to choose love.