“Don’t live in regret”: Watching CCHS’ “Bubble Boy” is a must

BY ALEXANDRA SANSONE

The CCHS theater department has had a rough few years. From having gone through three directors in the past four years, to having to produce complex shows like “The Frogs” to putting on performances with limited access to the auditorium beforehand, it was a miracle that they have made it this far. And though they faced numerous obstacles in getting to the stage for the spring musical, they without a doubt overcame them to put on a fabulous performance. 

Following Reese Abrahamoff in the role of Jimmy Livingston, “Bubble Boy” stays true to its name and tells the story of an immunocompromised boy who lives in a bubble. His mother, Mrs. Livingston (Marley Meany) has effectively sheltered him from everything until his dream girl Chloe Molinski (Emily Kaufman) comes along and coaxes him out of his shell. 

The choreography was student done, but you wouldn’t know it from the original and multifaceted numbers choreographed by Reese Abrahamoff and Donna Nesselroth.

Abrahamoff embodied the essence of Jimmy perfectly. From his childlike innocence to his anxious movements, he perfectly portrayed the socially awkward but incredibly caring nature of his character. Abrahamoff did well in exaggerating funnier moments and carried out each joke with good comedic timing and delivery. 

He delivered a praiseworthy vocal performance alongside Kaufman, as they graced the audience with their melodic voices. The pair worked well together, not just vocally, as they harmonized but their chemistry was palpable. 

Also deserving of endless praise was the ensemble. Moving smoothly across the stage, with no traffic accidents, they provided the perfect backdrop for the show. Everyone on stage seemed to always be in touch with their characters, never breaking even when the focus was not on them. Their execution of the complex dance numbers while singing was impressive. Movements were strong and precise as they weaved across the stage both on foot and on wheels. 

It should also be noted that the group also gathered some TikTok fame during the promotional process, producing two videos that each has over 50,000 likes. 

The choreography was student done, but you wouldn’t know it from the original and multifaceted numbers choreographed by Reese Abrahamoff and Donna Nesselroth. The set reflected the tone of the show and worked well to complement whatever was occurring onstage. 

The great lengths the troupe went to in order to publicize the show was also impressive. Advertising across multiple platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, they made the most of each of the features of the platform. 

Creating interactive content on Instagram, they used the hashtag “I’ve Got a Bubble” to promote the message that we all have a metaphorical bubble that keeps us from doing everything we may want to. This, while providing a good message, also encouraged student involvement and a level of investment in the show. It should also be noted that the group also gathered some TikTok fame during the promotional process, producing two videos that each has over 50,000 likes. 

When Reese Abrahamoff emerged onstage in his elaborate bubble contraption, I knew it was going to be a good show. And I can safely say that any doubts were popped in the best way possible.

Photo by Alexandra Sansone