This June, the students of Cardozo are stepping into the spotlight with a play that promises whimsy, wonder, and a whole lot of heart. The upcoming production isn’t just a school play, it’s a revival of the school’s growing theater culture, bursting with energy, dedication, and talent.
The play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is a Shakespeare classic. However, it’s been adapted by the school’s own theater team and is a fairytale-inspired journey filled with romance and action, showcasing bold characters embarking on emotionally charged quests.
The cast features a range of key roles, each with their own secrets and storylines. Senior Ava Geliga described the show as “light-hearted and full of so much whimsy.” She plays one of the leads, adding, “It may not be Broadway, but it sure has a lot of heart.”
On Thursday, June 12, the students lit up the stage with true talent, filling the audience with awe.
Summer Hernandez Cordova, a sophomore with a deep love for acting, said she joined because she wants to be, “A part of any piece I can get.” She described the show’s environment as “wonderful” thanks to the amazing crew who was involved.
Alessandro Levy, a junior, was brought in spontaneously to fill a role but now finds himself deeply invested. “I feel very confident,” he said. “Everybody has been performing so well…I’m so impressed by the progress of my peers.”
Behind the Curtain, Cardozo’s theater department is experiencing a true rebirth. After Covid-19 left the school’s stage quiet for too long, students and faculty have worked tirelessly to reignite the program. Mrs. Depalo, an English teacher and dean, has hand a huge hand in this rebirth. From building sets from scratch to lighting design and tech. rehearsals, the school auditorium has been working hard with creativity.
Riya Huq, a senior, has seen this growth firsthand. “We started from complete scratch for last year’s play,” she said. “Knowing we’d have the auditorium this year really motivated me.” For her, the show is more than just a performance, it’s a symbol of resilience and revival.
The department has captured the interest of students across grades by creating a space that’s welcoming, exciting, and full of possibility. “If you want to feel the energy of running into the woods to go to a hideaway party, this play is for you,” said Geliga. “Our happiness shall seep right to you, this is a promise!”
Senior Michelle Reives puts it simply: “I love this show and the cast. All of them are such amazing people…We put in hard work, and it’s pretty good!”
What do students hope to achieve with this production? For many, it’s about more than applause or stage time. It’s about building something meaningful. “It’s restarting the drama and theater program in our school,” explained Huq. “Even though there were hiccups, we persevered.”
The energy surrounding the play is undeniably fun and performative, but it’s also heartfelt. It’s a reflection of the joy, passion, and dedication Cardozo students bring to the arts. As Levy stated, “People should come to support our amazing community and have fun watching our performance.”
So whether you’re a parent, a student, or a curious local, the real question, as Huq asks, is: “Why wouldn’t you come?”
