All in the Timing - February 05 - February 07, 2025

Toms River High School North

 End Notes 

Variations on the Death of Trotsky is a dark comedy by David Ives. It is both Post-Modern and Existentialist. On a literal level, it is realistic only in that its characters are sampled from genuine history and even then, only lightly. This show touches on how life goes by quickly, how it can be taken from you no matter who you are in history or if you're prepared for the next life or not. Its everyday figures of speech coupled with dark comedy and gallows humor make for a reality that the modern American audience can sympathize with. The play spotlights multiple comedic vignettes regarding the Death of Trotsky, who has learned that he is due to die courtesy of an anachronistic encyclopedia. One variation suggests the historically implausible scenario that Ramon, the gardener, who is due to kill Trotsky, and Mrs. Trotsky are in love and that the assassination is instead a crime of passion. The final scene, however, is markedly distinct, peppered only lightly with comedic barbs and observations as Trotsky comes to terms with his death, reaching hauntingly towards the nasturtiums in his garden.

-Lucas Maciel

Director

 

“Sure Thing” is one of the 6 one-act plays in David Ives’ “All in the Timing”. “Sure Thing” brings you into the world of Betty and Bill, two destined lovers who might not get it right in every circumstance. “Sure Thing” touches on the importance of timing, hence the title of the show. What would be a normal conversation, is interrupted by the ringing of a bell, symbolizing a fault in one of the characters actions. The bell takes us back to the beginning of the subject, but shows us a new circumstance. I think this is very important to display because in today’s world, there’s a lot of sensitivity and miscommunication, and “Sure Thing” shows the value of thinking before you speak or your words might not be perceived as you wanted them to I sincerely hope you enjoy “Sure Thing” and the direction we went with it. And remember, love doesn’t always come easy, it’s all in the timing.

-Zachary Menth

Director

 

The Philadelphia is about pocket dimensions based on cities. Set in a diner, Mark has to figure out why his day is going wrong with the help of Al, his friend and with interruptions by a Waitress.

-Faith Moreno

Director

 

In Philip Glass Buys a Loaf of Bread, David Ives uses repetition and rhythms to transform a simple everyday experience into a playful exploration of absurdity. This is a show about love, the human mind, and the unpredictability of life. The people we love and priorities we have can change. It shows what people will do to reach their goals and how dedicated we become when we truly want something. This show is meant to be thought-provoking and ultimately fun. The most mundane things can be extraordinary, you just need to look for it. 

-Darlene Penn

Director

 

When I first read Words, Words, Words I took the show to be a rather goofy telling of what three monkeys trying to type Hamlet in a small box would say to one another. However, when I began to dig further into the meaning of the show, I found it rather philosophical. This one act play tackles ideas of infinity, oppression, appeasement of authority, compliance, extrinsic motivation, and rebellion. Our three monkeys represent the base reactions to an oppressive government/authority, conformity, civil disobedience, or simple ignorance. However, rather than show that one method is right, while the others wrong, it simply provides context behind the thought processes of our monkeys, and lets the audience decide what they believe is right or wrong. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with my tireless, kind, and outgoing cast and crew, all of whom have put tremendous time and effort into this show, and I simply could not tell this story without their dedication and hard work. I hope you all leave the theatre tonight, and write your own Hamlet, however you choose to write it.

-Adam Russo

Director 

 

In The Universal Language, you’ll explore the quirky and often hilarious ways we try to connect with others. The play centers on Dawn, a woman who’s struggling to find meaning in her life, and her new teacher, who introduces her to a completely made-up language called “Unamunda.” Through this new language, Dawn hopes to find a sense of belonging and understanding. But as the characters try to learn and speak Unamunda, things quickly spiral into absurdity, revealing how language—whether real or invented—can both bring people together and create more confusion. The play is a fast-paced, comedic look at our desire to communicate and the sometimes frustrating, often funny, barriers we face when trying to truly understand each other. In directing this piece, I’ve aimed to capture the humor in the language’s absurdity while also highlighting the tenderness of the characters’ search for connection. I hope you enjoy this fun, thoughtful exploration of language, identity, and human connection!

-Bailey Tarrett

Director




 

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