The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentThe LatestTheater

All The World’s A Stage – Theatre Row

By Karen Snyder

by Staff April 29, 2025
by Staff April 29, 2025 0 comments
506

All The World’s A Stage is a musical written by Adam Gwon. The narrative details the experiences of a high school teacher in a small Pennsylvania town. The production consists of a barebones set. A quartet of Wiley Deweese, Beth Callen, Buffi Jacobs, and Mike Hunter provides the music, complementing the songs without overwhelming the lyrics. This is not a typical musical. The songs develop the characters and move the action forward.

Matt Rodin is Ricky Alleman. He portrays a man who is torn. He must hide his homosexuality to teach in a small-town high school. Rodin clearly shows the inner conflicts as he moves through a hostile world.

Photo: All The World’s A Stage
A Musical by Adam Gwon
Directed by Jonathan Silverstein
Produced in Association with Michelle Noh
Orchestrations by Michael Starobin
Music Direction by Andrea Grody
Movement by Patrick McCollum
Dress rehearsal photographed: Monday, March 24, 2025; 7:00 PM -Theater Five in Theatre Row
410 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Between 9th & 10th Ave
Photograph: © 2025 Richard Termine.
PHOTO CREDIT – Richard Termine

Photo: All The World’s A Stage
A Musical by Adam Gwon
Directed by Jonathan Silverstein
Produced in Association with Michelle Noh
Orchestrations by Michael Starobin
Music Direction by Andrea Grody
Movement by Patrick McCollum
Dress rehearsal photographed: Monday, March 24, 2025; 7:00 PM -Theater Five in Theatre Row
410 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Between 9th & 10th Ave
Photograph: © 2025 Richard Termine.
PHOTO CREDIT – Richard Termine

New York City should extend a welcome to Eliza Pagelle to our theaters as she portrays Sam Bucknam. Sam is a determined adolescent committed to transforming her circumstances. She views a statewide monologue contest with a full scholarship as an opportunity to escape. She asks Ricky Alleman, who is a “theater nerd,” to be her advisor and coach. Pagelle gracefully fills this role.

Elizabeth Stanley is Dede Rozenel – the school secretary who is the power behind the throne. She mentors Ricky and protects him. Stanley realistically portrays a woman who uses her unwritten power to help others.

Jon-Michael Reese is Michael Hallan. He is a flamboyantly gay man who is who is not under the same pressure as Ricky because owns a bookstore. Thus, he is financially independent. He becomes Ricky’s lover. Reese portrays this role without making it a parody.

Although the principal never appears on stage Reese, Pagelle, and Stanley’s words create a clear image of a bureaucrat willing to sacrifice a student (by suspending Sam) and academic freedom to keep a community happy and protect his job. The actors’ voice blend together to carry the story forward.

Ricky selects a safe Shakespearean sonnet for the monologue. While rehearsing, their conversations revolve around Angels in America. Ricky sees Tony Kusher a second Shakespeare. Sam acts out a scene from Angels in the hallway of the school. Ricky’ job is threatened if there is any more connection with Angels. Dede tries to protect Ricky. She even invites Ricky and his girlfriend to dinner. Ricky and Sam plan to toss Shakespeare and use a monologue from Angels.

All The World’s A Stage is not your typical musical. When their plan about the monologue is printed in an out-of-town newspaper things collapse. Michael has a brick thrown through a window of his bookstore since he was identified as Ricky’s lover. Dede draws back in horror when she realizes that Ricky is gay. Sam doesn’t win. She is offered a job with the church that dominates the town. This would trap her in the town she so desperately wants to escape through the theater. The play ends when each person finds his or her role in life. It is true that “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” During this musical we can see the players finding roles that make them happier, even if it is not what they planned.

All The World’s A Stage is far more pertinent than it seems at first glance. Adam Gwon depicts characters seeking their place in a hostile world. Pennsylvania in 1996 resembles the US in 2025. This is not a musical where the audience will walk out singing the tunes. This musical inspires reflection and changes perspective. All The World’s A Stage entertains and provokes at the same time.

All The World’s A Stage
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Staff

previous post
Inside ‘YOU’ Season 5’s Red Carpet Premiere — and Joe Goldberg’s Final Chapter
next post
Netflix’s “You” Mooney’s Bookstore Pop Up in New York!

Related Posts

Bun B on 20 Years of Trill, Working...

October 31, 2025

Meet GOOD JUJU, the label that could redefine...

October 31, 2025

Mango Cart Mas is Stronger Than Yesterday

October 31, 2025

Port Sa’id: Restaurant Review

October 30, 2025

Unruly Agency Held 6th Annual Halloween Party Hosted...

October 30, 2025

Earn Your Leisure Talks Foundation Forward & Financial...

October 29, 2025

Hedda Is The Truth

October 29, 2025

Hello Sunshine’s Third Annual Shine Away

October 29, 2025

The Pink Agenda’s Annual Gala at Tribeca Rooftop

October 28, 2025

PB Brasserie: Where French Elegance Meets African Soul...

October 28, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

We spoke with @truewhitaker last night at the prem We spoke with @truewhitaker last night at the premiere of @hbomax’s I Love LA!
We spoke with @holtlauren last night at the premie We spoke with @holtlauren last night at the premiere of @hbomax’s I Love LA!
We attended @hellosunshine’s 3rd annual Shine Aw We attended @hellosunshine’s 3rd annual Shine Away event, held at @universalstudioslot in Los Angeles! 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/hello-sunshines-third-annual-shine-away/

✍️: Katherine Wright

-
#HelloSunshine #Universal #LosAngeles
We spoke with @treaclychild last night at the prem We spoke with @treaclychild last night at the premiere of her brand-new show, I Love LA!
Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch