Rise Season Finale Review: Opening Night (Season 1 Episode 10)

Theater is meant to be seen and felt. That is what Rise Season 1 Episode 10, “Opening Night,” tells audiences.

All season long, this show has mixed human drama with that of being a part of a high school drama program. It has been a nice mix, and the finale is no different. In fact, it does a nice job of showing the world just how important the arts are to children.

A few episodes ago, we watched as the principal and the PTA dictated changes that needed to be made to the show. As any other theater patron knows, a show is meant to be seen in its full integrity.

So the idea of changing up the show really upset me. I went into the finale hoping for a last minute hail Mary moment. I was not disappointed.

The principal comes to Lou and asks him to make yet another change just one hour before curtain, and that’s when Lou makes a decision. Seeing him finally realize just how much of a pushover he’s been is somewhat retributive for him taking over the department.

It shows that Lou really is learning to listen and be present, just like the message of the show he chose. Consequently, that message is also shown later on, right before Robbie goes on stage for his big scene.

Lou and Robbie’s exchange is simple, but it points to the bigger message of this whole season. Lou has learned to listen, and Robbie has learned to communicate as well as express.

By Lou making the decision to put on the original show, he is practicing what he has preached all season to his kids. This gives him even more integrity and actually makes me like him more as a character.

Lou: I have tried to do the best I can for you. I really have. But I might not be invited back to direct you again. And I just — I can’t bear the thought that the very last thing I taught you all was to cave. To play it safe. To compromise.

Ultimately, Lou is showing that he realizes the show is more about the kids than it is about him. He tells them that he wants to go back to the original version of the show, but that it’s up to the kids to make the final decision.

For the first time, he is saying to them, “I see you. I hear you. I respect you.” What comes from that is one of the best, most heartfelt renditions of Spring Awakening.

Rise is showing future generations that they should never settle or let someone bigger than them dictate their experiences. That is a message that really strikes home during a time of such unrest in our country.

Young viewers feel powerless to do anything, and this show tells them that every little bit matters. That even just performing a provocative show is fighting against that.

It truly comes down to one simple message.

Theater matters. The arts matter. Children’s voices matter.

Never before has there been a show on television that tells this story. It gives theater kids a voice. It brings awareness to others just how healing a stage performance can be.

For kids like Robbie, who are dealing with dying parents or difficult parental relationships, Rise gives them a voice. It’s easy to see from watching “Those You’ve Known” that Robbie is using the scene to come to a catharsis about the impending death of his mom. That is powerful.

His pain and his raw honesty bring a tear to even the coldest-hearted person. He is working through his emotions in a safe space, on sacred ground.

Teenagers and children need outlets like theater to help them deal with their lives, as “Opening Night” wonderfully shows.

Tracey: I see incredible kids who I love acting their hearts out. I see the best show I’ve ever been involved in.

This message is what makes the final nail in the coffin at the end the hardest to bear. Through it all, these kids don’t manage to save their drama program.

I understand the reason behind making that move, but I don’t like it. In a world full of disappointments and no’s, these children deserve to see a resounding YES!

Kids like Simon, who struggle with who they are because people around them tell them they aren’t valid. Kids like Lilette, who have constantly seen doors slammed in their face. Kids like Maashous, who have never known a family before.

They all deserve to have something good come from all their struggle.

However, I have faith that despite losing theater, these kids will find their happiness and strength. While theater is needed for these kids, once it’s taught its lesson, these students will be able to carry that with them for forever.

It’s my belief that, beyond Spring Awakening, Lilette and Robbie will continue to be there for each other. To lean on one another.

Simon will finally own his truth and love who he chooses to love without fearing his father.

Gordy and Maashous will get the family they have been searching for this whole season. For Gordy, that’s through re-establishing the connection with his father. For Maashous, that’s through his mother and through the Mazzuchelli family.

This show reminds us all that finding our passion and our voice is important and that nothing should dampen that or put it out. “Opening Night” is a beautiful and honest way to end the season and the show.

What did you think of this episode of Rise? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Catch up with our review of Rise Season 1 Episode 9, “Totally Hosed.” right here.

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