Get ready to be reminded of the magic of your favorite childhood duo–but with a new twist! Waiting for Godot’s existentialism blends with the evocation of two of the most beloved pals from Sesame Street in the first Poly Arts production of the 2024-25 school year. Join us in the Richard Perry Theatre for Upper School’s Grade 9 and 10 fall play, Bart & Arnie on Friday, October 25 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 PM, directed by Keith McDonald.

A buddy story at its core, the pair’s adventures together put the value of unwavering friendship on display as they navigate the highs and lows of life and seek connection in a big city. In this brand-new play by Adam Szymkowicz, the small but mighty cast of six student-actors play the characters Bart and Arnie with wit, passion, and ingenuity. Syzmkowicz’s plays have been produced internationally throughout the U.S., Canada, The Netherlands, New Zealand, among others. His work has been heralded as “perceptive, sharp, and brilliant.” Experience a full spectrum of emotions—from wonder, excitement, to existential dread—as Grade 9 and 10 students light up the stage.

Each actor has a unique connection to their respective character–Bart or Arnie–and has shared what they are looking forward to as they take to the stage.

Grade 9 student Lucy Fleishhacker ‘28 describes her admiration for the character she plays, Arnie. A caring and generous friend, Arnie’s love for his friend, Bart, gives his character depth. “I play the character of Arnie–this cluster of energy and life who’s always looking for things to do and ways to make his friend Bart happy,” said Lucy. “Most everything he does revolves around his care for his friend and helps me to connect with his character.” She also shared that the play will show the audience the evolution of a strong friendship, saying “the play demonstrates the way that friendships evolve and can be beat down and built up by many aspects of life, through hardships and happiness. I enjoy trying to show this progress with Arnie and how he interacts with the world throughout the play.”

Lucy is excited to be participating again in theater productions. “I have performed at Poly before and enjoy getting to create new bonds and experiences with the cast and crew, and working with others on what we all love to do. It’s pretty terrifying to get up and perform, but it’s so worth it to work with such amazing people and get to have this experience of learning and having fun with others.”

Isaac Wise ‘28, who plays one of the roles of Bart shares how he identifies personally with his character. “I think in many ways, this character has fit my own personality, one that’s sometimes pretty pessimistic. I have loved the arts ever since I was very little, and since this is my first Poly Arts production, I’ve truly discovered what’s possible on the stage here. I’ve always loved singing, acting, and rehearsing. While the show may seem weird [at first], stick with it, because by the end, it truly does tell an important story.”

A veteran of Poly performing arts productions, Mick Waldman ‘28 is excited to be back on stage this year. In his many performances, he shared what he most enjoys about the experience of participating in shows which is a balance of intensity, relaxation, and elation that comes with being in a production. “I play Arnie, who I find to be somewhat neurotic and always active. I connect with his constant distractions during his conversations with Bart.” One of the most appealing parts of acting he describes are the roles that he takes on allow him to become “someone completely different from myself.” Stepping on stage before an audience is also a thrill. “I have performed six times at Poly,” he said. “Being on stage is exhilarating but also motivating to give your best performance to the many people watching you.”

Reserve Your Tickets!

Families are asked to register to attend our Upper School play, Bart & Arnie, on Friday, October 25 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 PM in the Richard Perry Theatre.

Tickets are $5 for adults and free for students and children.