The talented cast of the Huntington drama club's production of Humbug. (Darin Reed & Rachel Learned photo.)
The talented cast of the Huntington drama club's production of Humbug. (Darin Reed & Rachel Learned photo.)

Huntington Drama Club’s Humbug a Hit with Audiences

December 11, 2023

Everyone loves a hit show and Huntington High School drama club members and stagehands took a collective bow late Saturday night after three performances of “Humbug” that left audiences on their feet applauding.

“The show went amazing,” Lily Wasoski said. “This is my first time doing the play at the high school and I have no regrets. It was so much fun. I couldn’t have asked for a better cast. Everyone really put in their best and it was such a great show.”

“Humbug” by John Wooten is essentially “A Christmas Carol’ with a modern day twist. The curtain went up on Friday night and twice on Saturday. The 29-member cast and director Michael Schwendemann and his assistants were thrilled with audience reactions to the play.

“The show went beyond amazing,” Kyra Scott said. “Everyone worked so hard and it really paid off.”

The cast included Sofia Rodriguez in the lead role of Eleanor Scrooge along with Lily Tierney, Lily Wasoski, Deveren Flynn, Michael DiVencenzo, Maggie O’Toole, Kyra Scott, Layna Abraham, Landry Flynn, Walter Lopez, Sam Soric, Alex Tine, Kayla Murillo, Jack Semelsberger, Alexa Schirripa, Will Berry, Josephine Sullivan, Isabella Cruz Ponce, Sophia Tine, Daniel Simon, Isabelle Gregorio, Michaela Dopico, James Stensland, Maya Ackerman, Jasmine Adcock, Lauren Dopico, Mason Gomez, Victoria Hart and Caleb Palermo.

“The play went so well,” Josie Sullivan said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the cast and crew. Everyone really put their all into it and we put on an amazing show.”

Assisting Mr. Schwendemann was technical director Michael Zigon and Carrie Semelsberger, who handled costumes and set dressings. The backdrop was provided by Grosh Backdrops & Drapery.

‘Humbug’ follows the story of Eleanor Scrooge, a ruthlessly ambitious Wall Street executive who has an aversion to Christmas and an insatiable appetite for power. “Locked in her office on a snowy Christmas Eve, Eleanor is determined to finish a corporate-takeover proposal until three ‘advisors’ provide her with an eye-opening new appreciation for the holidays and the spirit of Christmas.” Mr. Schwendemann said.

“The show was spectacular,” Kayla Murillo said. “I could not be more proud of our cast and everyone who supported us behind the scenes. Being in the cast only made me more excited to see what’s to come for the musical on March 22-23.”

The stage crew included Ethan Ambrosio, Ailish Arenth, Gianna Brady, David Cruz Ponce, Chelsea Drummings, Mia Einemann, Anya Goleski, Veda Gross, Greyson Henderson, Heather Herman, Matthew Jimenez, Eli Levi, Cole Lima, Emma Mortensen, Ethan Mortensen, Norah Moskowitz, Alejandro Orjuela, Christina Ray, Toni Reyes-Sorto, Eva Richter, Netanya Shazner, Audrey Sherwood, Benjamin Soric, Charles Stanforth, Rebecca Stone and Joanna Villalta Vilorio.

“‘Humbug’ was an amazing show,” Jack Semelsberger said. “It really felt like a wonderful experience to end my time with the plays at Huntington. I think the show was sweet, funny and had so much heart in it, all thanks to our amazing cast and crew.”

The play was set on Christmas Eve in the present on the 16th floor of a Wall Street, New York City office suite.

“The show was amazing,” Alexa Schirripa said. “I felt that over time, our cast bonded and worked together to create an unforgettable experience. Everyone is so talented, whether you were on stage or behind the scenes.”

Audiences numbering in the hundreds turned out for each of the three shows, which included a Saturday afternoon matinee at which senior citizens were admitted for free.

“I feel that the show was a huge success,” Sophia Tine said. “Everyone was amazing. I’m thankful I got to be part of it.”