2024 Senior Play Rumors:

A Talk with the Cast, the Crew, and Professor Cecilia Liu

Author: Ian Chow

Every year, the English Department presents the Senior Play, a cherished tradition that showcases the creativity, dedication, and teamwork of its students. The 2024 Senior Play, Neil Simon’s Rumors, is a farcical comedy that blends wit, chaos, and humor to bring audiences an unforgettable experience. With students taking charge of everything - from directing and acting to technical operations and promotion, the production reflects months of hard work. To delve deeper into the journey behind the play, we spoke with key contributors: cast members Remi Lin and Peggy Lee, Executive Team Leader Christine Tan, and faculty advisor Professor Cecilia Liu.

Balancing Standards and Fun

For actress Remi Lin, being part of Rumors has been both rewarding and challenging. “I was worried I wouldn’t meet the director’s standards or the audience’s expectations,” she admitted, reflecting on the pressure of performing in such a pivotal production. Despite these initial doubts, she found the experience enriching, especially as it allowed her to bond with classmates she rarely interacts with. “It’s tiring, but it’s worth it,” she said with a smile.

Remi also shared her concerns about staging a dialogue-heavy play like Rumors. “At first, I was worried it might not resonate with the audience,” she explained. However, her perspective shifted as she witnessed how dynamic stage movements and well-timed comedic elements brought the script to life. “It’s very funny, and I think the audience will love it,” she said confidently.

Actress Remi Lin

Actress Peggy Lee

Actress Peggy Lee echoed similar sentiments about the production. “The play’s vibe and my character suit me so well,” she remarked, expressing her satisfaction with the casting choices. For Peggy, the Senior Play offers a uniquely creative environment compared to the Annual Play. “The Senior Play allows for more discussion and collaboration. It feels more comfortable to express my thoughts and ideas,” she explained.

Peggy also emphasized the importance of the play’s comedic nature. “A comedy like Rumors is perfect for engaging the audience. I hope future students remain excited about the Senior Play—it’s such a fantastic opportunity to showcase talent and creativity.”

Shifting Dynamics in Leadership

Christine Tan, the Executive Team Leader, offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on this year’s production, noting significant changes in its management compared to previous years. “ This year, executives have taken on a much heavier workload, partly because we don’t have an Executive Producer. Responsibilities that were previously centralized had to be redistributed among the team,” she explained.

Christine acknowledged that some of these changes to the production process have been beneficial. For instance, the publicity team no longer oversees financial matters, allowing them to focus solely on their primary tasks. However, she emphasized the need for a more balanced and detailed division of labor to avoid overburdening any single team. “We’re learning as we go, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing —it just requires better communication and planning,” she said.

Drawing on her previous experience in technical roles, Christine credited her background with helping her navigate her current responsibilities “Understanding the technical aspects of production work has made it easier to coordinate with both internal and external collaborators. It’s a smoother process when you know how all the pieces fit together,” she added.

Faculty Advisor - Prof. Cecilia Liu

Guidance from the Faculty

Faculty advisor Professor Cecilia Liu commended the students for their dedication and talent. “The cast is incredibly expressive and energetic,” she said while encouraging them to amplify their performances. “Larger facial expressions and more pronounced movements could further enhance the comedic elements of the play.”

Professor Cecilia also reflected on the English Department’s long-standing tradition of outstanding Senior Plays. “Our productions are always on another level. They’re refreshing, impressive, and showcase the unique skills of our students,” she said.

Describing Rumors as a “hilarious farce,” Professor Cecilia highlighted its universal appeal. “It’s about a dinner party where everything that can go wrong does. The characters’ desperate attempts to maintain appearances amidst the chaos are both relatable and absurdly funny. By the end, audiences will be gasping for breath from laughter.”

The Value of Collaboration

From actors perfecting their comedic timing to crew members managing intricate technical details, Rumors exemplifies the power of collaboration. Both Remi Lin and Peggy Lee emphasized how the production fostered connections among students. “It’s a great opportunity to bond with people you wouldn’t normally work with,” Remi shared.

Christine Tan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of teamwork in overcoming the challenges of such a large-scale production. “No one can do it alone. Every team—whether it’s the actors, stage crew, or publicity—has to communicate and cooperate to make this work.”

A Tradition Worth Celebrating

The Senior Play remains a highlight of the academic year, offering students the chance to immerse themselves in theater while building valuable skills. Whether through acting, directing, or supporting roles behind the scenes, the production fosters creativity, teamwork, and resilience.

Promotional Poster of the Cast of Rumors

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