Deer Park High School Wows Crowds With Neil Simon’s Hilarious ‘Fools’

Deer Park, NY — Deer Park High School brought big laughs to the community earlier this month with its winter play, Neil Simon’s Fools. Performed on Nov. 7 and 8, the production delivered fast-paced comedy and standout acting as students took on Simon’s romantic, satirical story set in a village in late-1800s Ukraine.

The play follows Leon Tolchinsky — portrayed by Logan Stylianou — a schoolteacher who arrives in the town of Kulyenchikov only to discover its residents are living under a longstanding curse that has rendered them “stupid” for two centuries. His quest to break the spell leads to a whirlwind of misadventures, romance, and classic Simon farce.

The production was directed by Kristen Wallace, with a cast that brought the show’s absurdity and charm to life. Hayden Snyder starred as Sophia Zubritsky, with Dante Tinoco and Amaiyah Elysee playing Dr. and Lenya Zubritsky. Kerwin Bartholomew appeared as Count Gregor, joined by Sophia Lindsay as Snetsky, Madison Griffin as Slovich, Anabella Lindsay as Mishkin, Kesha Elmon as Yenchna, and Baileigh Braithwaite as Olga. Kaylee Puterbaugh performed as Pavel, Dynella Whyte as Zanya, and Emmagrace Zotto as Mishka.

Behind the scenes, Zaida Ngqondo served as the student director, helping guide the cast throughout rehearsals. Scott Abrams handled lighting design, and Michael DiCarlo oversaw sound, rounding out a polished and professional student-led production.