![Freshman Milan Earl and sophomore Lucy Kaplan sit with their grandparents at Archer’s annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day Friday, March 15. The event took place over three 75-minute sessions. “[I hope my grandparents] gain an understanding about what I do, Kaplan said, because I know they ask a lot of questions and can sort of see what I do in school and what the experience is like to be here.](https://archeroracle.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/grandparents-day-option-2-1200x800.jpg)
Blackbox’s final show, ‘The Mysterious Journey of Edward Tulane,’ closes
Photo credit: Grace Dieveney
Nellie, played by Gwyneth Williams ’22, and her daughter Lolly, played by Mia Ronn ’23, argue over Nellie’s new doll named Edward. Edward finds himself in many households throughout the show, learning lessons of love and loyalty in each.
A brick train station with a solitary bench and old-fashioned suitcases transformed the purple lit Blackbox. It was the last show that the space would ever host.
The middle school play “The Mysterious Journey of Edward Tulane” ran from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. It is the last production in the space before it will be closed in anticipation of Archer Forward construction over winter break.
The play tells the story of a stuffed-rabbit named Edward, who goes on a journey through many households. Along the way, he learns lessons of love and friendship. He begins with a young girl named Abilene as his owner and eventually finds his way back to her.
The cast and crew said the show was bittersweet.
Abilene, played by Letti Oetker ’23, and Edward, played by Paola Hoffman ’22, act out a scene where Abilene accidentally drops Edward into the sea. The two characters meet again at the end of the show.
The blackbox has been used for Archer productions for 18 years. Play Director Tracy Poverstein described the final show there as “the end of an era.”
However, Poverstein said that the new performing arts center included in the construction plan will provide great opportunities for students.
Paola Hoffman ’22 played the title role of Edward Tulane, and Letizia Oetker ’23 played his first owner — a young girl named Abilene.
“The play is always something fun to be a part of,” Hoffman said. “I think this one was really special because it was the last play in the Archer Blackbox.”
Grace Dieveney became a member of the Oracle in 2017. She enjoys cooking, reading, writing, swimming, and volunteering at the Wallis Annenberg Pet Space....
