This past weekend, The Asolo Repertory Theater held a local playwrights festival in Sarasota. The Theater Odyssey’s Ten Minute Play Festival is in its tenth edition, where local actors and directors joined together to turn these freelance writers’ visions into high quality, small scale productions. Two Falcons had their plays produced at the Jane B. Cook Theatre: junior Julian Freij and teacher Mr. Bernie Yanelli.

Mr. Yanelli’s play, performed first, told the story of a family with an elderly mom that yearned for her youth. Her loving husband and grown-up daughter has supported her throughout her life, comprising themselves of the cast in the small production. A touching story with several lighthearted laughs, the three characters teach the viewers about the importance of going the extra mile to make the ones you love feel important and happy.

Freij’s play, “As Long as the Moon Shines” was the winner of the student playwright competition held earlier this year. Selected as the best submission, part of Freij’s first-place prize pack was the opportunity for see his drama come to life on stage as the last installment performed at the Jane B. Cook Theatre.

Freij’s production, starring Saint Stephen’s Senior Ben Kalish and younger Falcon Victoria Greenlaw played two abandoned orphans in need of a new home. The performance brings to light the importance of family, and making sacrifices for the sake of the one’s you love. Kalish, who will be attending the New York University Tisch School of the Arts next year, moved the crowd with his storytelling and emotionalism conveyed throughout his memorable time on stage.

Both the plays were performed for the festival and although the final curtain has been called, still deserve a standing ovation.