Matthew McLachlan’s play “Orion” requires a special touch to execute — and the Anthony Aston Players have that touch.

With its four-person cast and simple, character-driven plot, the show risks losing its strong emotional resonance if not in the right hands. Luckily, Wake Forest’s theater organization, Anthony Aston Players, under the direction of junior Maya Roth, brought this beautiful play to life with authenticity and heart. 

“Orion” ran from Oct. 3-5 in the Ring Theater. The intimate atmosphere of the Ring lent itself perfectly to the emotional vulnerability of the story, allowing for the immersion of the audience into the characters’ stories. Orion follows four friends: Sam, Scott, Abby and Gwen as they come of age, facing love, heartbreak and recovering from the past. 

The cast embodied each of these characters with individual style, embracing both their emotional journeys and unique personalities. Andrew Wilson (‘29) softened Sam’s endearing awkwardness, while Abby’s internal conflict revealed itself through a powerful performance by Emily Crehan (‘29). Vanessa Brandt (‘29) and Patrick Eaton (‘27) nurtured Gwen and Scott’s candid confessions to the audience with genuineness and care. 

The cast’s combination of authentic emotion, comedic timing and heartfelt connection with the audience gave this story a fresh life and resonance. The work of the scenic, sound, light and wardrobe teams allowed the Ring to be transformed into apartments, bars and a courtyard over the course of years seamlessly and intelligently. 

Maya Roth’s rendition of “Orion” shared a beautiful story of love lost and love given to the Wake Forest community. It showcases the importance of student-led art and the power of theater to unite diverse communities.