The Fall Play: The Crocodile
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By Lisa O'Fiesh '19
This fall, the Water Street Players presented The Crocodile. Adapted by Tom Basden, The Crocodile was based on an 1865 short story of the same name by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The show takes place in St. Petersburg, Russia, during the year 1865. |
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During this time, zoos are the popular place to go in town for entertainment. Ivan (Jared Reily), a struggling actor, is “angry in general” at the world around him, specifically because the animals in the zoo are more famous than he is. While visiting the zoo, Ivan stumbles across a crocodile, which appears to be dead. In the process of trying to prove that the crocodile is, in fact, not alive, Ivan is swallowed by the crocodile. He becomes “lodged” in the crocodile, but somehow manages to survive the attack. After being swallowed, Ivan finds himself in public eye, which causes conflict between him and his best friend Zack. Along with Ivan’s “sheer being inside a crocodile factor,” the show also follows the love triangle between Ivan, Zack, and Anya (Emma Miller). Anya and Ivan were together for four years, but she is now with Zack and has given up her acting lifestyle. The show follows the characters' journey through this bizarre series of events. The Crocodile is truly a special show, unlike any I have seen in my years at Severn.
Interview with the Actors!
I sat down with Matthew Beagan ‘20, Jared Reilly ‘19, and Annie Bennett ‘19 to get their take on this very unique show.
Matthew Beagan
Character: Zack
How would you describe this character?
I play the character Zack in the crocodile and he is a basic law clerk who never likes to be the bearer of bad news; however, it seems that he is always, unfortunately, the one to give it. Zack truly cares for his friends but understands that hard news may sometimes be the only solution.
What would you like the audience to know before coming to see The Crocodile?
Before seeing the show, make sure you come in with an open mind because this play “can be a little intense at times.” Make sure you keep a close listen to every line; they all matter to the whole story!
Jared Reilly
Character: Ivan
How would you describe the show?
The show is a parody of the reality of modern politics in America; it is an absurdist piece that means more than it says and demands more of the audience than passive viewing.
How did you prepare for your role as Ivan?
I prepared by memorizing vast masses of lines over too short of a timespan.
Tell me about what your role entails?
My role entails being very arrogant and being eaten by a crocodile several times.
What are you most excited about in the show?
The thing I’m most excited for is the snappy dialogue— the show is very line-heavy, so the comedy will very much be down to the dialogue.
Annie Bennett
Character: Mr. Popov
Describe your character, Mr. Popov.
My character is a crocodile wrangler who really just wants people to pay for his crocodile exhibit.
I think he represents a lot about capitalism and the animal display industry.
If you could describe the show in one word what would it be?
If I could describe the show in one word. it would be "ridiculous," because the whole thing is just crazy funny and it has a lot of good one-liners. The plot is wild.
What is your favorite part of the show?
My favorite part of the show, like all the shows I've done, is the people. Being part of theater has been such a good experience for me throughout high school, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
How has your experience being in this shown been different than others?
My experience in the show is a little bit different than others because this show is a lot more politically satirical and my character is quite different than some of the other ones I've played.
Matthew Beagan
Character: Zack
How would you describe this character?
I play the character Zack in the crocodile and he is a basic law clerk who never likes to be the bearer of bad news; however, it seems that he is always, unfortunately, the one to give it. Zack truly cares for his friends but understands that hard news may sometimes be the only solution.
What would you like the audience to know before coming to see The Crocodile?
Before seeing the show, make sure you come in with an open mind because this play “can be a little intense at times.” Make sure you keep a close listen to every line; they all matter to the whole story!
Jared Reilly
Character: Ivan
How would you describe the show?
The show is a parody of the reality of modern politics in America; it is an absurdist piece that means more than it says and demands more of the audience than passive viewing.
How did you prepare for your role as Ivan?
I prepared by memorizing vast masses of lines over too short of a timespan.
Tell me about what your role entails?
My role entails being very arrogant and being eaten by a crocodile several times.
What are you most excited about in the show?
The thing I’m most excited for is the snappy dialogue— the show is very line-heavy, so the comedy will very much be down to the dialogue.
Annie Bennett
Character: Mr. Popov
Describe your character, Mr. Popov.
My character is a crocodile wrangler who really just wants people to pay for his crocodile exhibit.
I think he represents a lot about capitalism and the animal display industry.
If you could describe the show in one word what would it be?
If I could describe the show in one word. it would be "ridiculous," because the whole thing is just crazy funny and it has a lot of good one-liners. The plot is wild.
What is your favorite part of the show?
My favorite part of the show, like all the shows I've done, is the people. Being part of theater has been such a good experience for me throughout high school, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
How has your experience being in this shown been different than others?
My experience in the show is a little bit different than others because this show is a lot more politically satirical and my character is quite different than some of the other ones I've played.
Thank you to Matthew, Jared and Annie for taking the time to talk with me. You all were amazing in the show! The Crocodile is a show unlike any other performed at Severn. It is not very often you see a play where the main character is inside of an animal the majority of the show. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the Crocodile was only able to perform on two of its three performance nights. Although the actors missed their opening night performance, the show came together for its Friday and Saturday performances. It was a pleasure to work with this cast, many of whom were freshmen and sophomores. Thank you to all of the actors, Ms. Mork, Mr. Giddings, the tech crew, and Mr. Redei for making this show possible. We hope you all enjoyed the show, and if you are interested, don’t forget to try out for the musical! The theater family is always looking for new members. Thank you to all who came out, and we hope we could make you laugh!