Fort Osage High School
The Good Doctor
Review by Cappies Critics
Published on 10/16/2026
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE
By Melrose Sorrell of Blue Springs South High School
Ahh, ahh, ahchoo! Fort Osage High School blesses the audience with the humorous production of The Good Doctor. On November 27th,1973,"The Good Doctor" by Neil Simon, adapted from short stories by Anton Chekhov, opened at Eugene O'Neill Theatre, New York City. After 8 previews and 208 performances, the show closed in May 1974, and received many accolades and nominations as well as a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play.
A series of vignettes written by Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov, The Good Doctor is a comedy with music, charming scenes, and moments that range from hilarious to melancholy. It centers around a writer who speaks to the audience and shares his writing with them. He presents them with a plethora of stories from different chapters of his life. The characters are quirky, the stories entertaining and the fun never ending.
The show opens with Ryder Potter portraying the quick-witted narrator, The Writer. Potter consistently reacts well with the other actors onstage, through spoken dialogue and clever facial expressions. From the first line to the last, he keeps the story moving with his charming and amusing storytelling. Potter also shows great characterization when switching roles. While certain actors struggle to stay immersed in the scene, Kinlea Culbertson never breaks character in the role of Woman. She constantly interacts with her surroundings, whether it be lying on a desk, or shouting in the face of Kustinov, played by Gaven Mauff. Mauff also plays the role of Cherdyakov earlier in the show, and he does well with the distinct characterization of the two characters.
While the many performers are capturing the stage, the crew members are working hard backstage, creating a seamless world. As soon as the lights go up, the effort of Landon Hill is obvious when looking at the set. Hill does a phenomenal job when it comes to creating a scene with satisfying backgrounds and attention to detail. Kira Esch and crew are very period accurate with the costumes, working wonderfully alongside the hair and makeup crew, led by Catherine Thyfault, Bailey Baker, and Emily Varner. The cohesive look of all the actors is very fitting to the time and pleases the eye.
It is clear that the cast and crew work very well together creating a humorous and well put together production. The Good Doctor at Fort Osage not only proves that it is not too late for happiness, but it is also not too late to grab a tissue before you sneeze all over the laughing audience!
THE COMEDY OF BEING HUMAN
By Addison Legg of Blue Springs South High School
Absurdity takes center stage in Neil Simon's The Good Doctor. Through a collection of comedic stories filled with energetic characters, awkward encounters, and unexpected twists, the production explores the ridiculous side of human nature. Blending humor with moments of genuine sincerity, the play offers an entertaining look at the strange situations people find themselves in and the unpredictable ways they respond.
The Good Doctor is a comedy by Neil Simon, inspired by the short stories of Russian writer Anton Chekhov. Rather than following one continuous storyline, the play unfolds through a series of vignettes, each introducing new characters and situations. From uncomfortable social interactions to exaggerated misunderstandings, the stories highlight the humor hidden within everyday life. Although the characters often find themselves in ridiculous circumstances, their experiences reveal recognizable truths about human behavior. Throughout the production, Simon's witty dialogue and unexpected punchlines remind audiences that sometimes the funniest moments come from life's most ordinary situations.
Several performers brought the play's energetic characters to life. As the Writer, Ryder Potter served as the thread connecting each vignette, returning between scenes to reflect on the stories unfolding before the audience. His expressive delivery and well-timed reactions helped tie the production together, providing a glimpse into the imagination behind each ridiculous encounter. He brought a sense of personality and charm to the role, reminding the audience that even the most ordinary observations can become extraordinary stories. Bailey Baker as Kuryatin delivered memorable comedic moments through well-timed reactions and expressive character choices. Their performance captured the humor of Simon's writing while keeping the character engaging throughout the scene. All eyes remained on Kuryatin as they moved from one side of the stage to the other. Meanwhile, Ava Green as Wife demonstrated a strong understanding of physical comedy and dialogue, Green provided subtext through each line with facial expressions and body language which contributed to the production's lively atmosphere. Together, these performers helped transform Simon's collection of short stories into an entertaining theatrical experience.
Many other performers also played an important role in maintaining the production's comedic rhythm. Kinlea Culbertson as Woman brought personality and energy to the stage, while Gaven Mauff as Cherdyakov added memorable moments through expressive reactions and thoughtful delivery. With each vignette introducing a new situation, the cast faced the challenge of establishing distinct characters and relationships in a limited amount of time. Their ability to shift between different comedic scenarios helped maintain the variety that makes The Good Doctor unique.
The production's technical elements further supported the storytelling. Landon Hill created a stage environment that complemented the play's changing scenes, while Kira Esch helped establish each character's personality and place within the story. Sound produced by Noa Kaleikav also contributed to the atmosphere, guiding the audience through the production's different moments and helping emphasize its comedic beats.
Ultimately, The Good Doctor celebrates the absurdity of everyday life. Through its collection of humorous encounters, eccentric personalities, and unexpected situations, the production demonstrates how laughter can reveal the most recognizable parts of being human. By embracing the ridiculous while finding sincerity beneath the comedy, the cast and crew bring Neil Simon's stories to life, reminding audiences that even life's most awkward moments can become something worth laughing about.
A PRESCRIPTION FOR LAUGHTER
By Max Bergman of Blue Springs South High School
Every writer has stared at a blank page. In Neil Simon's THE GOOD DOCTOR, that struggle becomes a reality and brings along a string of funny, strange, and tender stories, and FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL brings them to life.
THE GOOD DOCTOR is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy consisting of a series of short stories tied together by a Writer (inspired by Anton Chekhov) who shares his artistic struggles and vibrant characters with the audience. FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL'S production brings these vignettes to life, highlighting the Writer's journey as he navigates late 19th-century Russia. Originally opening on Broadway in 1973, Neil Simon wrote The Good Doctor as a tribute to Chekhov's short stories. This production dives into a rollercoaster of emotion with romance and humor.
Ryder Potter anchors the show as the Writer, and he carries it in nearly every scene. From his opening address to the audience, struggling to get a story onto the page, he sets the tone for the evening as a storyteller who is also a frustrated artist suffering from writer's block. His energy captures the Writer's hardworking, creative spirit, and he makes the audience feel closer to his struggles. In dramatic monologues, his acting shows raw emotion as he struggles with the burden of storytelling. Because he is both a narrator and participant, he has to move between speaking to the audience and stepping into the action, and he handles that balance with ease.
The supporting cast adds increasing depth to the show. Bailey Baker commands attention in her role as the exciting yet terrifying dental student, expressing a perfect mix of comedic thrill and theatrical expertise. Baker's commanding presence brings her character to life, capturing her captivating, humorous personality. Another great supporting role is Kinlea Culbertson, who brings comedy and sweetness to her role as a relentless woman demanding compensation from Kustinov (a poor banker). Culbertson's portrayal brings out a massive, humorous aspect, and her physical comedy shines, delivering a perfect mix of humor and powerful delivery.
The behind-the-scenes work in this production is impressive. Landon Hill and his team create the perfect and impressive sets of varying locations for each vignette to make you feel as if you are in each scene itself. The costumes are just as impressive as the sets. Kira Esch creates a wide variety of costumes ranging from a military general to a poor sailor scrounging around for a few kopeks. Her costumes contribute to the late 19th century Russian fashion era. The sound drowned out actors' lines at some points, pulling away from the scene. However, FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL'S cast never failed to draw you back into the lively writing of Neil Simon.
FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL'S "THE GOOD DOCTOR" is a production filled with humor and emotion. With its captivating performances and great technical work, this show will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
By Melrose Sorrell of Blue Springs South High School
Ahh, ahh, ahchoo! Fort Osage High School blesses the audience with the humorous production of The Good Doctor. On November 27th,1973,"The Good Doctor" by Neil Simon, adapted from short stories by Anton Chekhov, opened at Eugene O'Neill Theatre, New York City. After 8 previews and 208 performances, the show closed in May 1974, and received many accolades and nominations as well as a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play.
A series of vignettes written by Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov, The Good Doctor is a comedy with music, charming scenes, and moments that range from hilarious to melancholy. It centers around a writer who speaks to the audience and shares his writing with them. He presents them with a plethora of stories from different chapters of his life. The characters are quirky, the stories entertaining and the fun never ending.
The show opens with Ryder Potter portraying the quick-witted narrator, The Writer. Potter consistently reacts well with the other actors onstage, through spoken dialogue and clever facial expressions. From the first line to the last, he keeps the story moving with his charming and amusing storytelling. Potter also shows great characterization when switching roles. While certain actors struggle to stay immersed in the scene, Kinlea Culbertson never breaks character in the role of Woman. She constantly interacts with her surroundings, whether it be lying on a desk, or shouting in the face of Kustinov, played by Gaven Mauff. Mauff also plays the role of Cherdyakov earlier in the show, and he does well with the distinct characterization of the two characters.
While the many performers are capturing the stage, the crew members are working hard backstage, creating a seamless world. As soon as the lights go up, the effort of Landon Hill is obvious when looking at the set. Hill does a phenomenal job when it comes to creating a scene with satisfying backgrounds and attention to detail. Kira Esch and crew are very period accurate with the costumes, working wonderfully alongside the hair and makeup crew, led by Catherine Thyfault, Bailey Baker, and Emily Varner. The cohesive look of all the actors is very fitting to the time and pleases the eye.
It is clear that the cast and crew work very well together creating a humorous and well put together production. The Good Doctor at Fort Osage not only proves that it is not too late for happiness, but it is also not too late to grab a tissue before you sneeze all over the laughing audience!
THE COMEDY OF BEING HUMAN
By Addison Legg of Blue Springs South High School
Absurdity takes center stage in Neil Simon's The Good Doctor. Through a collection of comedic stories filled with energetic characters, awkward encounters, and unexpected twists, the production explores the ridiculous side of human nature. Blending humor with moments of genuine sincerity, the play offers an entertaining look at the strange situations people find themselves in and the unpredictable ways they respond.
The Good Doctor is a comedy by Neil Simon, inspired by the short stories of Russian writer Anton Chekhov. Rather than following one continuous storyline, the play unfolds through a series of vignettes, each introducing new characters and situations. From uncomfortable social interactions to exaggerated misunderstandings, the stories highlight the humor hidden within everyday life. Although the characters often find themselves in ridiculous circumstances, their experiences reveal recognizable truths about human behavior. Throughout the production, Simon's witty dialogue and unexpected punchlines remind audiences that sometimes the funniest moments come from life's most ordinary situations.
Several performers brought the play's energetic characters to life. As the Writer, Ryder Potter served as the thread connecting each vignette, returning between scenes to reflect on the stories unfolding before the audience. His expressive delivery and well-timed reactions helped tie the production together, providing a glimpse into the imagination behind each ridiculous encounter. He brought a sense of personality and charm to the role, reminding the audience that even the most ordinary observations can become extraordinary stories. Bailey Baker as Kuryatin delivered memorable comedic moments through well-timed reactions and expressive character choices. Their performance captured the humor of Simon's writing while keeping the character engaging throughout the scene. All eyes remained on Kuryatin as they moved from one side of the stage to the other. Meanwhile, Ava Green as Wife demonstrated a strong understanding of physical comedy and dialogue, Green provided subtext through each line with facial expressions and body language which contributed to the production's lively atmosphere. Together, these performers helped transform Simon's collection of short stories into an entertaining theatrical experience.
Many other performers also played an important role in maintaining the production's comedic rhythm. Kinlea Culbertson as Woman brought personality and energy to the stage, while Gaven Mauff as Cherdyakov added memorable moments through expressive reactions and thoughtful delivery. With each vignette introducing a new situation, the cast faced the challenge of establishing distinct characters and relationships in a limited amount of time. Their ability to shift between different comedic scenarios helped maintain the variety that makes The Good Doctor unique.
The production's technical elements further supported the storytelling. Landon Hill created a stage environment that complemented the play's changing scenes, while Kira Esch helped establish each character's personality and place within the story. Sound produced by Noa Kaleikav also contributed to the atmosphere, guiding the audience through the production's different moments and helping emphasize its comedic beats.
Ultimately, The Good Doctor celebrates the absurdity of everyday life. Through its collection of humorous encounters, eccentric personalities, and unexpected situations, the production demonstrates how laughter can reveal the most recognizable parts of being human. By embracing the ridiculous while finding sincerity beneath the comedy, the cast and crew bring Neil Simon's stories to life, reminding audiences that even life's most awkward moments can become something worth laughing about.
A PRESCRIPTION FOR LAUGHTER
By Max Bergman of Blue Springs South High School
Every writer has stared at a blank page. In Neil Simon's THE GOOD DOCTOR, that struggle becomes a reality and brings along a string of funny, strange, and tender stories, and FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL brings them to life.
THE GOOD DOCTOR is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy consisting of a series of short stories tied together by a Writer (inspired by Anton Chekhov) who shares his artistic struggles and vibrant characters with the audience. FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL'S production brings these vignettes to life, highlighting the Writer's journey as he navigates late 19th-century Russia. Originally opening on Broadway in 1973, Neil Simon wrote The Good Doctor as a tribute to Chekhov's short stories. This production dives into a rollercoaster of emotion with romance and humor.
Ryder Potter anchors the show as the Writer, and he carries it in nearly every scene. From his opening address to the audience, struggling to get a story onto the page, he sets the tone for the evening as a storyteller who is also a frustrated artist suffering from writer's block. His energy captures the Writer's hardworking, creative spirit, and he makes the audience feel closer to his struggles. In dramatic monologues, his acting shows raw emotion as he struggles with the burden of storytelling. Because he is both a narrator and participant, he has to move between speaking to the audience and stepping into the action, and he handles that balance with ease.
The supporting cast adds increasing depth to the show. Bailey Baker commands attention in her role as the exciting yet terrifying dental student, expressing a perfect mix of comedic thrill and theatrical expertise. Baker's commanding presence brings her character to life, capturing her captivating, humorous personality. Another great supporting role is Kinlea Culbertson, who brings comedy and sweetness to her role as a relentless woman demanding compensation from Kustinov (a poor banker). Culbertson's portrayal brings out a massive, humorous aspect, and her physical comedy shines, delivering a perfect mix of humor and powerful delivery.
The behind-the-scenes work in this production is impressive. Landon Hill and his team create the perfect and impressive sets of varying locations for each vignette to make you feel as if you are in each scene itself. The costumes are just as impressive as the sets. Kira Esch creates a wide variety of costumes ranging from a military general to a poor sailor scrounging around for a few kopeks. Her costumes contribute to the late 19th century Russian fashion era. The sound drowned out actors' lines at some points, pulling away from the scene. However, FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL'S cast never failed to draw you back into the lively writing of Neil Simon.
FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL'S "THE GOOD DOCTOR" is a production filled with humor and emotion. With its captivating performances and great technical work, this show will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions.