The theater program at the school is one of its most successful departments, with many dedicated students. Some of these students have been devoted to the department since their freshman year, such as senior Loic Razanakoto. Razanakoto’s first play was “The Election” by Don Zolidas, and his first musical was “The Prom.”
“For ‘The Election,’ I was part of the ensemble and didn’t realize that to get featured bits, you had to show up to rehearsal even when you weren’t called, so I didn’t show up until the last two weeks of rehearsal,” Razanakoto said. “Even though I showed up late, I still had a lot of fun doing the show because I got to be a part of it, make new friends and gain new experiences.”
Razanakoto played Hermes in “Hadestown,” the spring musical last season, and Aaron Fox in “Curtains” in this season’s spring musical. These were two of the program’s largest shows, with large set designs, casts and audience turnout.
“My favorite show that we did here is ‘Hadestown’ or ‘Curtains.’ They’re two very different shows, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. ‘Hadestown’ left an impact on me because it’s one of those shows that leaves you thinking about it afterward, while ‘Curtains’ was a fun comedy that featured one of my favorite songs to sing on stage,” Razanakoto said.
Razanakoto has participated in 17 shows altogether, including roles in cast, crew and publicity. His work in the publicity department included advertising shows on Instagram, publishing playbills and hanging posters around the community to spread the word.
“Without our contribution, no one would know about the show, so being able to post fun videos and get the whole community excited about the theater we’re putting on is special,” Razanakoto said.
Razanakoto plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater and study education. He plans to become an educator in music, arts or theater.
“I knew I wanted to keep music and theater in my life in some way, but performing isn’t the only way to do that, so I’m leaning more toward the education side to help others gain the same sense of community and passion I have,” Razanakoto said.
During his time in W-L theater, he has participated in many productions and met many new people. His legacy will continue as both an actor and head of the publicity department. He has left a lasting imprint on the theater community and will be missed as he moves on to the next chapter of his education. His favorite moments, however, will stay with him.
“The opening and ending of ‘Hadestown,’ my homecoming and prom proposal and any laughs shared with the people closest to me were my favorite memories,” Razanakoto said.
Senior Wilbur Nardone has also been involved in the department since freshman year. They have participated in more than 10 shows at the school. Their first show was “The Election,” alongside Razanakoto.
“It was a cheesy comedy, and it was a lot of fun. It was my first real introduction to the theater community at W-L and how tight-knit it was. I immediately felt like a little cousin in a big extended family, just in awe of all the older kids,” Nardone said.
Nardone played Fate 3 in “Hadestown,” the school’s spring musical last year. Their dedication to the show was clear, and their ability to work with the other two Fates to create an effective performance strengthened the production.
“‘Hadestown’ is one of my all-time favorite shows, and the chance to play a Fate with two good friends of mine is an experience I’m grateful for. The show has a powerful social and political message, and it was important for me to help spread that message,” Nardone said. “‘Hadestown’ was surreal.”
After graduating from high school, Nardone plans to attend Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. They plan to major in music and minor in education and hope to become an educator while continuing to contribute to the theater community.
“Being in a leadership role in theater, I’ve realized how much I value being a positive role model for younger students. I’m thinking about going into education in some capacity, either in the arts or working with elementary school students,” Nardone said.
Nardone’s dedication to every production they have been part of reflects the energy and commitment they bring to the community, and their passion will be remembered after they leave the school’s theater program and begin the next chapter of their life.
“When I am onstage and everything is going right, it’s amazing. There is also an incredible rush after leaving a scene, walking backstage with your castmates and recognizing the energy. It feels like a high, a brief moment of elation before you step back into character,” Nardone said.
Senior Colby Chase has also been involved with the school’s theater department since freshman year. His first show was “The Prom,” in which he played Trent Oliver. This was an impressive achievement as a freshman, foreshadowing the impact he would leave on the community after graduation.
“As a freshman playing a lead role in a show that is extremely political, I learned a lot about myself and how I view theater in the real world. ‘The Prom’ was a strong first show that opened doors for improvement and showed me what I needed to work on as an actor,” Chase said.
Chase has participated in eight productions at the school and more than 20 with other theater companies. His commitment to theater is evident in the time and energy he has devoted to it.
“My favorite show at Washington-Liberty has most likely been ‘The Play That Goes Wrong,’” Chase said. “Playing Jonathan, a dead body who doesn’t speak for the first 45 minutes but has many comedic elements and stunts, taught me about physical movement and how our bodies can express comedy even more than words. It’s rewarding to have a crowd of more than 500 people each night laughing at your character, who says almost nothing.”
After high school, Chase plans to attend Oberlin College, where he will major in musical theater at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music.
“I’ll be one of 20 students in the cohort for the class of 2030. I love musical theater and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I know the industry is competitive and difficult, but I would regret not pursuing what I love,” Chase said. “The audition process was rigorous. I applied to more than 40 schools and auditioned in person at more than 30 across the country, and I’m glad things worked out.”
Chase’s talent and compassion for the theater community have left a lasting legacy on the department. There will be a gap in the program next year without the passion, kindness and dedication of the class of 2026. The remaining members of the department look forward to supporting them in the next chapter of their lives and seeing what they accomplish.
“It’s made me more accepting of myself in terms of being queer and trans, but also as an artist. Being scared of failing has stopped me from doing a lot in the past, but this community has pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone, going bigger, higher, louder and more dramatic than I thought anyone would enjoy,” Nardone said.
