By Shoshanna Schechter. Images by Brett Harwood
As debate swirls around the future of the Woodward High School building, where Northwood High School students are temporarily attending classes, something extraordinary is happening behind those much-discussed walls.
While social media threads and boundary study meetings fill with frustration from Walter Johnson cluster parents worried about zoning, commutes, and property values, the students inside the Woodward building are thriving. Their recent production of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors proved that excellence doesn’t depend on a ZIP code or a permanent auditorium. It depends on heart, creativity, and leadership, all of which were on full display.
Directed by the incomparable Mr. Brett Harwood, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors became the first sold-out show in Northwood theatre history. The laughter, energy, and standing ovation on Saturday night weren’t just a celebration of a comedy; they were a declaration that this community is alive and thriving.
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The acting was truly incredible. Every performer delivered sharp timing, clever humor, and physical comedy worthy of a professional stage. Under Mr. Harwood’s direction, the show balanced campy absurdity with genuine ensemble artistry, a clear reminder that Northwood’s students are doing more than adapting to change; they’re owning it.
Much of the public conversation surrounding Woodward has focused on boundaries, funding, and logistics. But step inside the Black Box Theatre and the story changes entirely. The space is intimate, modern, and perfectly designed for student creativity. The lighting, sound, and stagecraft were seamless, and the overall experience was nothing short of phenomenal.
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Yes, the debates continue about boundaries, budgets, and bus routes. But while some adults argue over maps, the students are busy making magic. They’re collaborating, problem solving, performing, and creating something that reminds us all why schools exist in the first place.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors wasn’t just another high school play. It was proof that resilience, talent, and joy thrive even amid controversy. The show left the audience laughing, applauding, and maybe even rethinking what really matters, because sometimes, while the grown ups are arguing, the kids are quietly building something extraordinary.
