I was disappointed to read the Justice’s review of Sense & Sensibility, a show I’ve spent the last two months working on with a talented team of actors, designers, and crew. I found the piece’s tone dismissive and even mean. Compliments to certain actors were paid at the direct expense of others, and technical issues which could have been addressed in a single sentence took up an entire paragraph. I should hope a so-called “proper review” would handle these issues with more tact. 

And I was personally annoyed by the characterization of my injury, which the reviewer says, “could have been prevented in a safer, more stable, more organized environment.” This is not true. Both injuries were unrelated to the show, and do not in any way reflect the department “fail[ing] to consider the importance that run-throughs have… [on] the practical health of their actors.” I also find it odd that a reviewer would bring up two actors for the sole purpose of discussing the injuries they sustained.

Had I been asked to comment, I would have described just how safe, stable, and organized the back- and on-stage environments were. As soon as I came offstage, castmates and crew worked swiftly to cover my transitions and re-block scenes as needed. I borrowed a cane from Sam and a knee-brace from Maddie, who also provided Lucy with one for her ankle. The folks in the wardrobe department moved my dressing room upstairs so I could safely complete costume changes. Meanwhile our director Brendon Fox fielded questions about the play from the audience, and Emma Hunt, our stage manager, frequently checked in on Lucy and me to ensure we were able to continue. 

It was this spirit of professionalism and moment-to-moment thoughtfulness which not only moved and impressed me but allowed me to continue performing. I want to thank the theatre department for inspiring such a spirit and all those who worked on the show for embodying it. 

-Lance Rothchild ’26