Christendom Players Amaze Audience with The Winslow Boy

The Christendom Players performed The Winslow Boy on March 7-9 at the E. Wilson Morrison School auditorium. The Players received standing ovations for their rendition of this compelling and award-winning play by Terence Rattigan.

Based on a true story, The Winslow Boy is set in 1912 England and deals with the expulsion of a 14 year-old student from a naval prep school for stealing.  Convinced of the child’s innocence, the family hired the most famous attorney in England and brought the case to court.  Newspapers at the time called it the trial of the century.

The production was directed by College alumnus Mike Powell and produced by English Professor Dr. Patrick Keats. A seasoned cast matched the talent and vision of Powell and Keats.

Senior Sam Phillips dominated the stage with a professional presence, playing the role of the shrewd and famous attorney Sir Robert Morton.  Sophomore Bridget Randolph executed the role of Cate Winslow, brilliantly capturing both her femininity and strength. Senior Peter Smith played the challenging role of Arthur Winslow. Smith convinced all that he truly was an aging man suffering from arthritis.

Freshman Mary Harrington skillfully persuaded the audience that she was a small boy caught up in something beyond his understanding as the Winslow boy, Ronnie. The role of Mrs. Winslow was brought to life by Junior Hilary Schafer.  Both she and Sophomore Cyrus Artz, as Dickie Winslow, enlivened the stage with dramatic color.

Sophomore Olivia Bushey, Freshman Steven Curtin, and Senior Katie Fitzpatrick gave memorable performances as well.

The cast and the production team prepared the production in one month.

“Due to several complications at the beginning of the semester, in two days we discovered that we didn’t have a play, director, or theater,” Professor Dr. Keats said the evening of the dress rehearsal. “I immediately contacted Mike Powell and we finally agreed on a play to produce and began work immediately. I am very proud of these students.”

“These students are incredible,” History Professor Anthony Sheehan said. “They aren’t just actors. They’re full-time students. It is truly impressive what they have done.”

Every year The Christendom Players produce two plays: one in the fall, usually a musical, and one in the spring.  And because Christendom does not have a drama department, students from across all disciplines are welcome to audition for the performances.