With clever staging, committed performances, and a refreshingly imaginative vision, Wellington’s upper school delivered a charming interpretation of “A Wrinkle in Time.”
What to expect in this blog:
- How the cast and crew brought Director of Performing Arts Dakota Elder-Thorn’s imaginative vision to life through resourceful, student-driven design
- Standout performances that balanced sincerity, humor, and the spirit of L’Engle’s story
- How the production reflects Wellington’s belief that students should find a home academically, athletically, and artistically
Wellington’s upper school production of “A Wrinkle in Time” invited the audience into a world shaped by imagination, community, and the spirit of exploration. The performance offered a thoughtful interpretation of Madeleine L’Engle’s story, and it showcased the many ways Wellington students bring their curiosity and creativity to the stage.
This production was the first under our new director of performing arts and theatre, Dakota Elder-Thorn. Rather than lean on spectacle, Ms. Elder-Thorn encouraged the cast and crew to create wonder from familiar materials. The result was a “junkyard treehouse” aesthetic that felt both whimsical and purposeful. The props and set, guided by shop head Jackson Remley ’28 and head of props Anna Spicer ’26, became a character in their own right. Everyday objects transformed into portals, planets, and cosmic pathways with an ingenuity that kept the audience fully engaged.
The cast delivered heartfelt and often charming performances. Elizabeth Cooke ’27 brought a thoughtful sincerity to Meg Murry, capturing both her uncertainty and her bravery. Leo Gross ’29 infused Charles Wallace with a blend of humor and earnestness that delighted the audience. Ethan Miller ’26 offered an easy warmth as Calvin, grounding the trio throughout their interplanetary journey. The three Mrs. Ws, played by Jude Morton ’28, Zoey Scott ’26, and Sofia Correa-Saliceti ’28, balanced mystery and levity with a light touch that suited the play’s tone.
One of the great strengths of Wellington’s upper school is the encouragement students receive to explore many interests at once. Many members of this cast and crew are also athletes, leaders, scholars, musicians, and innovators. The performance reminded us why the arts matter in that mix. Theatre gives students a space to take creative risks, to support one another, and to discover strengths they may not yet see in themselves. We hope every student finds a home academically, athletically, and artistically, and this production reflected that belief beautifully.
What stood out most was the sense of trust and connection among the students. They built this world piece by piece, supported one another through every scene change and lighting cue, and clearly took pride in the shared experience. Student theatre asks young people to be courageous in a uniquely public way, and this cast and crew met that challenge with heart.
The result was a performance that felt imaginative, warm, and distinctly Wellington. It opened a promising new chapter for our performing arts program and offered a joyful reminder of what students can create when they are encouraged to bring their whole selves to the stage. Bravo!