The Flint Hill community is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for its annual fall production “The Good Doctor.” Contrary to initial assumptions, this is not a rendition of the popular TV drama, but a musical comedy based on Anton Chekhov’s stories. To gain a better understanding of how Flint Hill is bringing this unique production to life, I asked some of the cast members and its director a few questions.

Interview with the Director:

Mr. Bowman is Flint Hill’s new Director of Theater Arts Productions this year. He also teaches Theater Arts in the Upper School and Middle School. With the hectic rush of teaching and directing the play, he managed to take the time out of his schedule to kindly answer these questions.

1. What led you to The Good Doctor as a production?

“I had it on a short list of plays that I was considering as I came to Flint Hill. As “the new guy,” I was adapting to a new space, new actors, new culture, etc. So for my first show, I chose several plays that I felt could be tackled by a group of actors and technicians without any super specific requirements. For example, none of the lead actors must know how to tap dance, or there is no need for a helicopter to descend to the stage at the end of act one. Plus, I think it is a very funny and touching script.”

2. What makes Flint Hill’s production of The Good Doctor unique?

“Well I have done the show before (over a decade ago), so I had a rough idea of things I wanted to try coming in. But what makes theater so different from film is each new cast brings their own personalities and skills to the show. You can see Hamlet all over the country and each cast will make it theirs, make it unique. Our students are bringing their ideas, their senses of humor, their comic timing to the show, and that makes it something new and fresh.”

3. What are some challenges with directing this play? What are some of your favorite things?

“Some challenges include capturing some of the physicality and cadence of a period piece– as The Good Doctor is set at the turn of the 19th century– without making it stuffy. As for favorites, I think combining the comedy genius of Neil Simon (the adaptor) with the humanity of Chekhov, the original author, makes this a very funny script that also can deliver a few emotional gut punches.”

Interview with Cast members:

Ariana Blake, Audrey Hines, and Cillian Gray are all sophomores at Flint Hill. While interviewing and getting to know these three, I found that it was truly inspiring to see the theater program energized with such ambitious and motivated cast members.

1. If you had to describe being a part of Flint Hill’s The Good Doctor, what 5 words would you use?

“Chaotic but lots of fun.” – Ariana Blake

“Exciting, challenging, rewarding, engaging, memorable.” – Audrey Hines

“Interesting, fun, community building, enjoyable.” – Cillian Gray

2. What is unique about Flint Hill’s production process? Why did you want to be involved in this production?

“The director is really good at accommodating people’s schedules, only calling us when he needs us. I wanted to be involved in this production because I think that acting is a lot of fun and I love to perform.” – Ariana Blake

“Flint Hill’s theater program is very good at involving students and allowing them to step out of their comfort zones. From the very beginning, students are encouraged to try new things and experiment with different ideas. Some students have a hard time putting themselves out there, and the productions are a great way to become more comfortable with this. I wanted to be involved in this production because of my love for collaboration with others. I’m very lucky that I’m able to work together with so many talented individuals and bring a story to life.” – Audrey Hines

“Obviously, since we have a new director this year, our process is different. The play is basically a bunch of scenes loosely tied together so I enjoy we only are called when rehearsing our scenes as opposed to being called everyday and not rehearsing. I decided to do this play because I love theater and this will be my 8th show at Flint Hill. I also wanted to meet some new people and the new director.” – Cillian Gray

3. Who are you going to play? Describe your character in your own words.

“I am going to be playing Nina, an aspiring actress. She is willing to do whatever it takes to get the role, even wait for nine months to get an audition and push through sickness.” – Ariana Blake

“I’m playing a character called ‘The Drowned Woman.’ She is a character who makes money by putting on shows for people where she pretends to drown herself. She is very persistent and serious about her work, and she does not take “no” for an answer.” – Audrey Hines

“I’m playing Antosha. Antosha starts out as a dim and ditzy innocent child constantly seeking approval from his father. Towards the end, however, he loses some innocence and learns to be independent.” – Cillian Gray

4. What is the biggest challenge with taking on this role? What do you enjoy about the role?

“I have to act as someone who is acting, which is a challenge. I’ve also had to become knowledgeable about The Three Sisters, the play that my character reads from. I love that this role lets me play four roles in one, both that of a sick and nervous but determined aspiring actress from Odessa and all of the three sisters in the play she’s auditioning from.” – Ariana Blake

“The biggest challenge about my character is definitely her personality. Her personality is similar to a carnival barker, and it’s definitely difficult to adapt into playing that considering I’ve never played a character as eccentric as her. This requires hard work on my part. I definitely enjoy getting to play her because, personality wise, she is a little ridiculous. But that’s what makes her so exciting to play!” – Audrey Hines

“The most difficult part of playing Antosha will be the context with the scene. Without spoiling the plot, it takes place in a kinda awkward situation and doing the scene without laughing or cringing a bit will be difficult. I enjoy this role because I can relate to the character. Just like Antosha I’m kinda ditzy and look for approval.” – Cillian Gray

5. What sort of person is going to love this show?

“Anyone who loves comedy or is interested in Russian History.” – Ariana Blake

I think anyone could like this show. All of the characters are so diverse in how they act, and I believe that they can all captivate an audience. Every scene offers something new, and that’s what makes it so thrilling. – Audrey Hines

“I feel like someone who enjoys literature will like this show. The play is based on the works of Anton Chekhov and I think anyone who has read his works will enjoy the stage adaptation.” – Cillian Gray

Performances are scheduled for November 8th at 7:00 PM and November 9th at 2:00 PM at Olson Theater, Hazel Lower School. This fall, witness the dedication and creativity of Flint Hill’s talented team!