Thursday, March 5, 2026: the day the curtain rose.
Actors, dressed in colorful finery, pinching fabric between their fingers, waited in the wings, counting their breaths.
Technicians, a headset as their crown, fiddling with a pencil, perched in a booth, lights off.
The music sang, the lights shone, the set was a perfect picture of New York City, circa 1905. And the audience was given the chance to dream with breathless hilarity.
The LOHS Drama Department produced “Three Bags Full” the first weekend of March, a French Farce set in turn-of-the-century New York. The play follows Bascom Barlow as he crumbles into delirium, delusion, and hope for a jackpot, competing in a complex shell game, chasing the chance of a glorious future.
This comedy was definitely one for the ages, as crowds from all walks of life gasped with laughter as they watched Bascom’s perils unfold.
The cast had so much fun, experimenting with character, timing, and stunts, entertaining the story of a lifetime. And as rehearsals passed, and months flew by, their bond only grew stronger. The Drama Department at Osos is something to adore, something to admire, as people invest themselves in a passion that provides life, art, and escape.
Technicians dipped their toes in another world, their clothes dusted with wood shavings, skin covered with paint. Colors, designs, and laughter flooded the classroom every day sixth period, as they worked tirelessly on another production.
The set ruled the stage, with several practical doors, complex props (like rollerskates and identical bags), and it was dressed in luscious vegetation.
Actors spent a majority of their time working on character development. Given the almost satirical nature of the farce, they were allowed to delve into bigger-than-life personalities, allowing little quirks and caricatures to shine through.
“I’m really excited to finish bringing this character together and making him complete and believable,” said Senior Giuseppe Galioto, who played Bascom Barlow. It has been a treat watching him add flair to this character in print, experimenting with different techniques, backstories, and movement to bring him to life.
Sophomore Lexi Marqueses said, “The most satisfying moment in the rehearsal process for me is probably running through a scene without missing any beats or having a moment mid-scene where someone else or myself figures out how to interpret a character: ‘so and so just jumped out of the script and came to life.’” Comedic timing is essential when performing a farce. And “Three Bags Full” required a lot of attention to beats, strategic pauses, and intense reactions.
These characters are not normal people. They require the breath of an electric energy, always running from place to place, expressions taut and bright. This is Marqueses’ debut production at LOHS, and it has been such a pleasure watching her grow in her acting, timing, and performance every day. She played Jeanette, the alleged daughter of Bascom Barlow.
The LOHS Drama Department is a safe space for many people on campus. Both technicians and actors are allowed to by themselves, unapologetically. Senior Charlie Gomez, who was Assistant Director, agrees. They said, “The theater community is the most tight knit community I’ve ever been involved in. It’s a great way to put yourself out there without feeling like you don’t belong while also having fun with everyone.”
For me, Shorts’ program was a saving grace, a support system I still wrap my entire being around. Gomez is one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met, and their dedication to this production was both comforting and gratifying.
“Three Bags Full” became a spectacle, one to lose yourself in, the second Richard Foyle came skating out onstage. The magic, the deception, the story was one hand-crafted by actors and technicians, a true gift for every single audience member.
Congratulations to Mr. Shorts and Mr. Ansara for another successful, enthralling production. As always, the acting and tech were breathtaking.
To my fellow actors, keep dancing on that stage. I’m so proud of you and all the work you’ve done.
To my fellow technicians, keep creating. You deserve all the standing ovations in the world.
And to my audience, thank you for your endless support.