Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre company in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize John Wilkes Booth High School for the Performing Arts Presents... as a Semi-Finalist in the 2025 Premiere Play Festival. The play rose through a competitive process conducted by Premiere staff and an external panel to become distinguished among 805 submissions. The panel was impressed by the humor and casting choices within the play. Our congratulations and thanks to Stephen.

I had the pleasure of seeing the premiere of this satire vibrating with joyous wacky energy, which (as a previous recommender suggested) is indeed reminiscent of the energy emanating from Louis Sachar's "Wayside School" series. However, beneath that hilarious energy lies serious contemplation of the nature of censorship in the arts and our schools. The play-within-a-play (or, to be more accurate, feelsical-within-a play) is definitely a highlight!

When I saw this title, I thought to myself, 'I bet that play's funny.' And, you guys, it IS. It's very funny. The theater program at the John Wilkes Booth High School for the Performing Arts (which only does math-related shows) is at risk of being dissolved because theater is offensive (and because they're running out of math-related shows.) Can the drama kids save the program and prevent the drama teacher from being forced to teach only driver's ed (something she's very good at, but not passionate for)? This play is a delightful ride.