We are three episodes in to NBC’s Rise, which follows new high school drama teacher Mr. Mazzu (Josh Radnor) as he attempts to put on a production of provocative musical Spring Awakening at Stanton High, a small-town Pennsylvania high school. Instead of recapping all of the drama, here are some highlights from episode 3, “What Flowers May Bloom.”
Most Realistic High School Theatre Moment: The $750 Production Budget
GIF made by Sarah Shevenock
Anyone who has participated in a theatrical production at a public high school knows that the greatest challenge is overcoming the miniscule budget, and Mr. Mazzu experiences this firsthand at his first production meeting. As he is pitching his great idea for a modern interpretation of Spring Awakening (complete with a rundown steel mill), Ms. Wolfe (Rosie Perez) delivers the heartbreaking truth: they only have $750, and they’ll be lucky if they get an extra $200 from the bake sale. You have so much to learn, Mr. Mazzu.
Most Heartwarming Moment: Lillette Meets Robbie’s Mother
GIF made by Sarah Shevenock
Even though we haven’t learned much about Robbie’s mom other than that a) she’s sick and b) Robbie obviously loves her, it’s always nice to see them together. So, when Robbie has to leave Lillette after he receives a phone call, we can guess that another sweet moment between Robbie and his mom is coming up. He arrives at the hospital to find that his mother has suffered a fall, and as he is trying to talk to her, Lillette shows up. Robbie’s mom obviously senses the chemistry that exists between the two of them, which makes her so happy. It’s nice to see how invested she is in her son’s happiness.
Best Use Of Stage Lighting Skills: Maashous Hangs Deck Lights For the Mazzuchelli Family
GIF made by Sarah Shevenock
Maybe Maashous picked up his mad stage lighting skills when he was spending all of his time in the lighting booth, but he is certainly putting them to use at the Mazzuchelli house. Since Mr. Mazzu invited Maashous to live with his family, Maashous’s presence has been causing some tension. Mr. Mazzu’s wife and oldest son, Gordy, are less than thrilled with Mr. Mazzu’s charitable act (Gordy especially could do without Maashous’s snoring), and at the start of the episode, it looks like Maashous may be on his way out. However, as the episode progresses, Maashous bonds with Mrs. Mazzuchelli, and after he helps her hang some lights on their deck, it seems like he is staying for now.
Best Performance: Stephanie J. Block
GIF made by Sarah Shevenock
Any good musical theatre fan worships the great actresses of the stage, including Tony Award nominated actress Stephanie J. Block. While she may be playing Cher in the upcoming Broadway bio-musical, for now she is playing Simon’s conservative mother, Patricia. She is for sure one the stronger actors on the show, and last night she proved that, giving an authentic performance as a mother wrestling with her religious beliefs and her son’s happiness. I hope we get more Stephanie J. Block in the coming weeks.
Sassiest Moment: Ms. Wolfe Asserting Her Dominance via Paper Coffee Cup Placement
GIF made by Sarah Shevenock
It’s obvious: Ms. Wolfe should totally be directing this production of Spring Awakening. She is way more competent than Mr. Mazzu, she cares about her students, and she is hands down the sassiest person at Stanton High. Exhibit A: at the first production meeting, when the costume designer (and Gwen’s mother), tries to overstep her bounds and move Ms. Wolfe’s coffee cup, Ms. Wolfe pushes back asserting her dominance over not only the table, but the whole drama department.
Will They/Won’t They Couple We Are Rooting For: Simon and Jeremy
GIF made by Sarah Shevenock
It is apparent that the will they/won’t they couple Rise is pushing is the Robbie/Lillette romance. However, keep your eye on the dynamic between Simon and Jeremy. While nothing explicitly romantic is going on between the two, the chemistry is there. Mark my words: they will get together by the end of the season.
Make sure to watch Rise, Tuesdays at 9pm on NBC.