More than 130 Barrington High School students have been hard at work preparing for their Unified Theater production, “Twisted Timeline," which will take the stage on Friday at 6 p.m. in the John R. Gray Auditorium at the high school.
Unified Theater, in its fourth year at BHS, pairs students of all abilities in a collaborative effort from start to finish and is almost entirely student-led.
This year’s play features nine scenes, all written and starring the students.
Special education teacher and Unified Theater advisor Elaine Verone said the play is a collaboration of the entire cast and crew.

“We have many returning students and everyone has been wonderful. We pair students who participate in a life skills program and students who receive support services with other students. The result is a special evening celebrating all their hard work,” Ms. Verone said.
Seniors Ethan Ames and Lizzy Iserson have taken leadership roles as producer and director, respectively, and senior Matt Child is the stage manager.
Inclusion specialists Izzy Portugali and Megan Mahoney make sure the groups are working together and everyone has an equal participation value. Underclassmen Alexy Carolyn and Perry LaBelle are shadowing their older peers and will step up to the role of director and producer next year.

One group came up with a story line, which is about 10 minutes in length, dealing with a volcanic eruption and features a lesson for people from the past and the future working together and overcoming adversity.
This is the second year senior Jack DeLuca has participated in Unified Theater.
“I find there is a sense of community in Unified Theater, It’s a good life lesson to work with people of all skill levels. It's great to work together for a common goal,” he said.
Jake Coleman, a student in the life skills program at BHS, said he participates for the fun of it.
“I’ve done it all four years and I like to hang out with my friends,” he said.
The students have been working on the play since Oct. 31 and have met twice a week leading up to Friday’s big event. The entire cast and crew come together about half way through the production to sing an original song about inclusion.

Play details

• What: Unified Theater production, “Twisted Timeline”

• Where: John R. Gray Auditorium, Barrington High School, 220 Lincoln Ave.

• When: Friday, February 9th, 6 pm

• Cost: Donations accepted (proceeds will be put towards next year’s play)