Dramatic Arts builds confidence along with character

Our 2023 spring musical, "Kiss Me Kate," was a rousing success! The production ran from Thursday, March 23-25. For an insider's view of behind-the-scenes action on Opening Night, click HERE.

Our thespians presented the thrilling drama 12 Angry Jurors on November 17-19, 2022, in our Auriana Theater. This play is a classic, mature piece of dramatic literature based upon the original 12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose starring Henry Fonda. 12 Angry Jurors is a play that contemplates the huge responsibility of 12 ordinary people as they consider the guilt or innocence of a young man accused of murder.

The 12 jurors bring their own histories, prejudices, and biases to the jury room as they work through this life-or-death decision. The play was originally written for men only, in a time before women could serve jury duty. The jurors' final verdict and how they reached it—in tense scenes - electrified the audience and kept them on the edge of their seats.

This is a rare drama where most of the actors are onstage the entire show. The actors needed stamina, focus and great teamwork to tackle such a production.

We are incredibly proud of the entire cast! Directed by Edie Anne Reidy Fernandez, the cast was led by seniors Morgan Adamson and Leila Martinez, and junior Sofia Santana. Special thanks to our Tech Crew led by seniors Julia Higgins and Kat Mehler.

Photos by Chris Pope of Christopher Pope Photography.

The Ursuline School's trip " Under the Sea" on March 25 and 26, 2022 was a huge success.   In the first large musical production on stage since 2019's "Beauty and the Beast," the cast and crew were enthusiastic to get back to business.

The cast performed beautifully - singing, dancing, acting and, above all, enjoying performing.  Once again directed, choreographed and produced by Edie Anne Reidy Fernandez.  

The students not only took part on stage but created the sea world.  They sketched and painted every bit of sea life and set piece on that stage.  The many crew members were so tremendously dedicated in tech and backstage, making this tight knit group work together to create an unbelievable event.

Thank you to Chris Pope for the photographs.

Intrigue, blackmail, secret passages, and general mayhem were on the menu for a mysterious dinner party in the play "Clue" - featured on stage at Ursuline's Auriana Theater on November 19 and 20, 2021.

A talented ensemble cast of Ursuline students brought to life the famous characters in the classic Hasbro board game and 1985 Paramount movie in this hilarious farce-meets-murder.  Audience members received a Clue scorecard and pencil to keep track of who they thought committed the murder, in what room, and with which object!

Led by Wadsworth the butler, the characters raced o find the killer as the body count stacked up.  The ensemble cast was a tour de force with the actors onstage for the majority of the play in order to find out "who done it."

Photos by Chris Pope of Christopher Pope Photography.

From October 2020 to March 2021, our TUS Drama students studied over 20 plays and various styles of writing in a Drama Study Workshop.

The plays varied in style, genre, and era.  They were traditional, non-traditional, from literature and fantasy.  Each day the group worked on a different piece, learning how to perform in cold readings. The young thespians took on an assortment of roles and characters to interpret and portray.  This was a wonderful learning experience and a lot of fun. The end result was a "limited run" - the performance of 8 radio plays for their families, via Zoom, during the week of March 15, 2021. 

The format was a radio program. Students learned how radio programs created characters out of sound; they studied specific famous radio shows and the elements that assisted to carry the story along.  The tech crew researched each play diligently to choose appropriate sound effects.  Actors learned how to create character with their own vocal variations. They worked on applying emotions and expressiveness in the sound of their voice and not to rely on costumes, props, staging and movement. However, they did select appropriate Zoom backgrounds to convey a sense of the character and story. Our cast also worked on writing commercials for their radio plays.

In early April 2019, the Drama Club's presentation of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" was truly enchanted storytelling. Amanda Moss portrayed the determined, intelligent and caring Belle with thoughtful acting and beautiful singing. Claire Queenan, as Cogsworth, clearly embodied the motions of a clock as she delivered lines with great character. Belle's father, Maurice, was depicted by Taryn Comizio, whose strong voice and exaggerated expressions engaged the audience.

Gaston's bumbling sidekick Lefou was played by Courtney McAloon with sassy energy. In the enchanted castle, each of the household items came to life with ingenious costumes and talented singing. Alexandra Sayegh was motherly and wise as Mrs. Potts. Alexa McRedmond as Chip showed earnestness and nimbleness. Caralyn FitzPatrick portrayed the wardrobe with dramatic flair. The flirtatious Babette was well played by Katie O'Donoghue.

On November 16 and 18, 2018, our Drama Club presented entertaining and sophisticated theater to an appreciative audience, this time with the staging of a new adaptation of Shakespeare directed by Edie Anne Reidy.  In our Ursuline drama tradition, we approach many styles and genres of plays over the years so that all students can experience a wide range of theatrical repertoire.  This year, we again explored the words of the Bard with the presentation of  "A Night of Shakespeare."

The first act portrayed Shakespeare sleeping, and dreaming up his characters, each of whom then recited well-known monologues. The second act was an abridged presentation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," a popular Shakespeare comedy.  

Twenty-five students had the opportunity to study a monologue, character and play, and then perform the monologue. The cast shared inquiry discussions to synthesize all of the thinking that students had done about this classic writing. Yet another example of the chance to think critically and deeply about complex issues and an author's craft.  The cast discussions also prepared the actors for more interpretative portrayals of their characters. 

All the actors delivered the challenging lines with understanding, nuance and grace. Amanda Moss (as Shakespeare/Helena), Claire Queenan (in the role of Jane), and Alexandra Sayegh (as Mistress Ford/Hermia) were excellent on stage and provided leadership to the rest of the cast during the rehearsal process. Taryn Comizio embodied her characters with vivid facial expressions and body language. Violet Lee Cadet was heartfelt as Lady Macbeth. Courtney McAloon was compelling as the comic fairy Puck. Ava Pallotta was marvelous as Cleopatra. Congratulations to cast and crew on an exceptional Shakespeare production! And special thanks to alumnae Kaitlin Laureano '14 and Olivia Iannotti'14 who displayed Ursuline drama spirit by coming home and assisting our production.

The Ursuline School Drama Club was certainly "All in This Together" performing the energetic stage version of the 2006 Disney film "High School Musical" in April 2018.  Alexa McRedmond and Owen McKinney, as Gabriella and Troy, were great romantic leads. Their vocal harmonies and their immediate chemistry drew in the audience.  Amanda Moss delivered a compelling portrayal of Sharpay, the musical theater diva with a sassy attitude.  Sharpay's twin brother, Ryan, was played by CJ Cotza, who brought an earnest and sympathetic quality to the character.

Meghan Hartson, as Gabriella's friend, Taylor, who is president of the scholastic decathlon, sang with her characteristic emotion and excellent phrasing.  Olivia Ross was outstanding in her portrayal of Ms. Darbus, East High's eccentric homeroom and drama teacher.  Caralyn Fitzpatrick captured the creativity and quirkiness of Kelsi, the aspiring composer.

Edie Anne Reidy's direction was sharp and well-paced.  One highlight of the excellent choreography was during the song "Get'cha Head in the Game" when the basketball team members adeptly synchronized their basketballs.  The cheerleaders, led by dance captain Jennifer Nunez, expertly performed cartwheels and encouraged the crowd.  Michael Ficocelli's musical direction supported the strong vocal solos throughout.  The costumes very clearly expressed the qualities of the different high school cliques which are central to the story.  

It was evident that the whole cast was totally committed, and the heart of the show really came through. Just as dedicated was the Tech and Stage Crew under the direction of Pat Schifini, OSU.  Shout outs to Morgan Blank, Jules Leone, Grace Smyth, Ariana Guzman, Danielle Clifford Johnson, Gianna Gerbasi, Isabella Gerbasi, Victoria Gerbasi, Jenna Kriegel, Kaitlyn Wertlieb, Morgan Wertlieb, and Katherine Mehler.

Violette Lee Cadet '20 and Carmen McGuigan '20 produced and directed an amazing Cabaret on January 18, 2019. Congratulations to all those who took part in the "Night of Broadway." 

The show dazzled the crowd with outstanding comical and serious performances of the great Broadway shows such as Hairspray, In The Heights and Wicked.  Over 20 students in grades 6-12 performed.  The finale was the full cast performing "When I Grow Up" from the show Matilda. 

A special thank you to Dr. Adamo, who accompanied the performers, Sr. Pat Schifini, who handled the tech room and Ms. Johnson, who served as the faculty coordinator. The price of admission was a free will donation to benefit Sanctuary for Families, a non-profit organization that helps victims of domestic abuse and their children. 

Thank you to Chris Pope for the excellent photos.

A tip of the hat to the cast and crew of "It's A Wonderful Life" who performed beautifully in The Auriana Theater shortly before Thanksgiving 2017. The audience tremendously enjoyed a seamless performance by the students.

Many people have seen the 1946 film version of this classic Christmas story, which starred James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who had given up on his dreams and on life. You may recall the guardian angel, Clarence, who helps George appreciate his worth. The play reaches all with its message that every life touches so many others. You must appreciate what you have while you have it and not take the small things for granted. It is Zuzu, George Bailey's daughter, who says to her father the famous line: "Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings."

Outstanding leadership by senior Meghan Hartson as George Bailey and junior Amanda Moss as Clarence throughout the rehearsal process brought forth a touching and moving performance by the cast. Alexandra Sayegh, Claire Queenan and Caralyn Fitzpatrick had remarkable moments in the show. You could see the cast truly bonded and made every effort to perform at their best. The show flowed beautifully and the backdrop was stunning. We thank Chris Pope of Pope Photography for the excellent photos.