The Harlequin Club’s Ranked

What It’s About

Ranked, a musical by David Taylor Gomes that was based on the book by Kyle Holmes, takes place in a high school where a student’s worth is determined by their grades and overall rank. Students who are above the average rank receive better treatment and maintain an air of superiority. However, those who fall below are cast aside and mistreated. The environment that forms as a result is one where students must make studying their biggest priority. Throughout the show, this creates conflicts that manifest themselves in the characters’ relationships and attitudes.

The Cast

The musical’s opening night took place only three weeks after the club’s production of Macbeth. But you would never know. The show was flawless, filled with beautiful vocals, compelling acting, and powerful high notes. The acting was particularly impressive, as each cast member went all in. The below average students timidly interacted with the above average students. Fight scenes were perfectly choreographed, bringing convincing chaos to the stage. The cast’s facial expressions made their characters seem so real. Humor through these expressions was also used throughout the musical, with each funny moment leading to a bright burst of laughter from the audience. And from screams to tears, the characters’ displays of emotion were always fully committed to by the cast. This commitment made the show so much fun to watch. Additionally, the perfection of this production, especially considering how quickly it came together, reveals the cast’s dedication and love for theater. It is clear how much hard work they put in and how truly talented they are.

The Songs

The actors’ captivating and skillful vocals brought to life the characters and their emotions, seamlessly weaving together the multiple storylines that were taking place. Throughout the production, the cast displayed a professional level of talent and skill that consistently made the auditorium burst into applause. Each voice was so powerful, truly conveying the weight of each scene and its importance to the characters. My favorite song of the night was “Come Up for Air”. Sung by three pairs of siblings, this song provided a deeper look into the consequences of the ranking system and its infiltration into every part of the characters’ lives. Each actor sang with such emotion, perfectly showing the transition from despair to hope.

The Stage

The stage design was beautifully done and consisted of two levels: one suspended by scaffolding and one on the main floor of the stage. The set itself revealed the difference in how those above and below the average rank were treated. Sydney Summers, the haughty student ranked number one, and her squad literally looked down on the other students from the upper level, providing a visual of the divide. Looming behind them was a constant display of the ranks, serving as a reminder of its endless pressure on the characters.

The cast will be performing this show again at the Pennsylvanian Thespian Conference in January. I wish them the best of luck, and I know they are going to do absolutely amazing!