The curtain of Rezac Auditorium closed one last time this year at the conclusion of Manhattan High theater’s spring play “Proof.” But before the curtain closed, seniors got one last bow May 1-3.
“It’s a really strange feeling,” senior Julianna da Silva said. “I’ve been a part of seven shows now and knowing every year I’d be coming back, now I’m not.”
The show had enough student interest that the theater department created two different casts to play the roles. Catherine, the main character, was played by seniors Julianna da Silva and Emmaly Hagemeister. Robert, her mentally ill, math-obsessed father, was played by seniors Silas Mire and Wyatt Adams. Hal, a mathematician and her love interest, was played by junior Bryce Hutchinson and sophomore Michael King. Claire, Catherine’s sister, was played by senior Alex Ruhl and junior Alexis Toews. The casts are listed respectively in order.
“This was the only show I’ve ever acted in, but I’ve done lighting design for every show since ‘Mary Poppins’ [Spring Musical 2025],” Hagemeister said.
“Proof” features a plot full of mystery and a bit of confusion which centers around a protagonist named Catherine and her family who try to find the missing piece of a math equation left by her father.
“I really enjoyed getting to put more emotion into my acting,” junior Bryce Hutchinson said. “We do a lot of comedies at MHS and they’re very fun but I also love getting to explore the more emotional aspects of theater.”
Having one last chance to perform in a school play brought some seniors to the stage. This was the case for both Hagemeister and senior Wyatt Adams who made debuts in the show. With “Proof” marking the end of a full school year of performances, juniors are preparing to take the step up to seniors.
“Next year I’m excited to do my senior shows here at the high school and be the cheesy senior who’s super sappy with my friends,” Hutchinson said.
Graduating seniors, on the other hand, have been taking time to just enjoy their last bits of high school theater and reminiscing on past memories.
“It’s a really strange feeling,” da Silva said. “I’ve been a part of seven shows now and knowing every year I’d be coming back, now I’m not.”
Seniors have thought hard on what they might have done differently, but they leave parting advice for underclassmen.
“Challenge yourself,” Hagemeister said. “If you think something might be fun but you’re worried it’s going to be too difficult, try it anyway. The world won’t end if you screw up in high school, but if you succeed you’ll be so glad you put yourself out there.”
Catherine was played by Julianna da Silva and Emmaly Hagemeister
Robert was played by Silas Mire and Wyatt Adams
Hal was played by Bryce Hutchinson and Michael King
Claire was played by Alex Ruhl and Alexis Toaws
