Fiddler‘s tale begins with Sholem Aleichem. Aleichem published several short stories in 1894 including one entitled “Tevye and his Daughters.” This story inspired Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock, and Sheldon Harnick to inevitably create the 3,242-performance-running, nine-time-Tony-winning, and Zero Mostel-starring musical in 1964. The musical proceeds to follow the life of Tevye as he endeavors between his ideals of Jewish tradition and the ever-changing nature of Mother Russia.

To kick off the stellar performance, Pope John Paul the Great bought out an amazing cast. Jimmy Mullen’s portrayal of Tevye contained a phenomenal amount of comic timing and pacing with an admirable approach to the complex songs. Meanwhile, Tevye’s beautiful chemistry with his wife, Golde (performed with the consistency and lovely vocals of Sabrina Morales), in “Do You Love Me?” paid exquisite tribute to their twenty-five year marriage. To complement her mother and father, Hodel’s (Felicity Morgan) equally outstanding voice wonderfully matched with revolutionist Perchik (Andrew Lane) in “Now I Have Everything.” Then, with the fabulous dancing of Motel (Michael Manley) and Chava (Megan Krakie), Pope John Paul the Great set itself far and beyond most other high schools.

Not to easily be forgotten is the energetic ensemble. Despite some overacting, by playing to their strengths, the stupendous harmonies and in-character styles (especially in the chaotic sequence of “The Dream”) of the ensemble helped stand them apart as well as stand together in the grand scheme of the musical. The spectacular stage presence of Denise Gallant’s fiddling assisted the illustration of survival through a particularly distraught era of Russian history. Meanwhile, Yente, astonishingly executed by Abigail Williams, held onto her old lady physicality with impressive comedic timing. Furthermore, the Constable’s (Ben Nash) torturous expressions between his desires to stay true to the government or care for the poor villagers painted how far deep the injustices of Tsarist Russia had gone.

The acting was only further complemented by the marvelous tech! While the orchestra was overpowering at time, this likely came from a lack of time practicing with the cast. On the other hand, the astounding attention to detail paid by the costumes shined through the black wedding dress of Golde and the magnificent beards of the Village Elders. Even more remarkable was the fantastic choreography of Christine Connor, especially noticeable in the bottle dancing at the wedding celebration. The splendid sledwork in the house set as well as the gorgeous sunsets from the lighting crew rounded out the technical aspects of the show to provide a solid foundation for the background of the story.

As traditions fade, the future supersedes the past albeit with challenges abounding. As turmoil strikes Tsarist Russia, Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School’s fantastic Fiddler on the Roof proves, through one melodious instrument, that hope thrives in this dreary, impetuous world through change, balance, and tradition.

by Stuart Pratuch of West Springfield HS

Photo Gallery

Jimmy Mullen (Teyve)	Brian Long (Mendel), Jimmy Mullen (Teyve), Teresa Cummings (Grandma Tzeitel), Jessica Sydow (Villager), Sabrina Morales (Golde), and Jacob Curran (Rabbi)
Denise Gallant (The Fiddler)

Photos by Jen Cole

Based on J.M Barrie’s classic novel and adapted by Doug Rand in 2006, Peter Pan and Wendy is a semi-darker adaptation of the story of the little boy who refused to grow up. Honing in intently on the stories of both Peter and Wendy, Rand’s work, modified from original adaptations, maintains the familiar, captivating tale that has dazzled audiences throughout the ages. Flying to the Darling household, Peter immediately entrances Wendy Darling and her two brothers, John and Michael, with stories of faraway magical lands. Together, the trio of siblings and Peter embark on a journey to Neverland, home of the Lost Boys and Peter’s arch nemesis, the evil Captain Hook. Faced with battling pirates, escaping floods, and mothering the Lost Boys, Wendy is swept away into this bizarre world, unsure of whether she and her brothers will ever be able to return home.

Notable features of the production included flying stunt effects and fog. Garrison Primeau’s original music composition was a subtle addition to many scenes. As a whole, the cast’s remarkable dedication and commitment to each individual character was widely apparent.

With a sprightly, young boy persona, Sarah O’Donnell tackled the difficult title role of Peter Pan. Though playing a part originally intended for a male actor, O’Donnell successfully handled the challenge, using her aesthetic nimbleness and acrobatic skills to tumble and jump all around the stage with unwavering energy. Opposite her was Monica Loesel as the cheerful Wendy Darling. Displaying a dynamic range, Loesel effectively conveyed Wendy’s transformation from a perplexed, naïve girl to an eloquent, motherly figure for the Lost Boys. O’Donnell and Loesel complemented each other nicely.

Portraying Captain Hook was Jacob Barkett, showcasing a pronounced understanding of his character by using adept enunciation to fully assert Hook’s leadership and power, with a hint of entertaining swagger. Also notable was Leonardo Colon as the ever-so-lovable Lost Boy, Tootles, whose innocent, childish charm was depicted through Colon’s body language and high vocal pitch. Perhaps among the most memorable cameos, Nana and Mullins were played by John Paul Frank. In a “human” dog suit, Frank’s physical, canine-like movements were realistic, yet highly comedic as various characters interacted with him.

Christine Connor’s makeup designs were both appropriate and varied, serving a diverse range of all characters, from pirates to Indians. Heading the collection of props, Katherine Virostek’s choices fit well into the story’s time period and added positively to the production. Though there were some technical mishaps and cue issues, the actors handled these with creativity, professionalism, and poise.

Despite some articulation problems and a few scrambled lines, the cast and crew of Peter Pan and Wendy delivered an admirable production full of endearing moments and plenty of laughs, entertaining audiences of all ages with an iconic story that continues to stand the test of time.

by Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf of Langley High School

Willy Wonka is a 2005 musical based on the classic Roald Dahl novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and its subsequent 1971 and 2005 film adaptations starring Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp, respectively. The musical features songs, written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, from the 1971 film, as well as additional songs written specifically for the stage adaptation. Willy Wonka tells the story of Charlie Bucket (Josh Carias), a young boy from a poor family who gets a once in a lifetime opportunity to tour Willy Wonka’s world famous chocolate factory with four other young children. Upon meeting the eccentric Wonka (Larson Gore) and entering the factory, Charlie begins the journey of a lifetime.

The cast and crew of Pope John Paul the Great’s production put an impressive amount of effort into creating the fantastic world of the Wonka factory. From the simple yet vibrant costumes (Angelica Barbauta, Kirsten O’Sullivan, Ruth Long, Nora Ogunleye) to the colorful lighting design (Ian Platt, Sean McGabe), the whole stage shone. Despite the occasional struggle to be heard, the cast was remarkable in their strong energy throughout the show. Almost every cast member was brimming with life, and it showed in the smiles on their faces in numbers such as “The Candy Man” and “I’ve got a Golden Ticket!”

Faced with the daunting task of playing a character once played by both Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp, Larson Gore took on the role of Willy Wonka with aplomb. His soft voice and comforting air showed a gentler side to Wonka, and he had one of the stronger singing voices in the cast. As Charlie Bucket, Josh Carias had a boundless energy and a commitment to character that was occasionally missing from other areas of the show. With every shout and leap of joy, Carias certainly seemed to be “flying” high!

One standout performance of the show was that of Michael Maggio, who played the fat and ungrateful August Gloop. Maggio’s unabashed love for all things edible and his highly stereotypical German accent provided for some of the funniest moments in the show. Another strong performance was that of Kathryn von Tersch, who played Mrs. Bucket. She had one of the strongest singing voices of the evening, and she gave a realistic portrayal of Charlie’s stressed but loving mother.

Every ticket to Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School’s production of Willy Wonka felt “golden” as the cast and crew gave new life to a timeless classic.

by Mitchell Buckley of Westfield High School

Photo Gallery

(Charlie Bucket) Josh Carias, (Mr. Bucket) Jonathan Madorma	(Candy Man) Chris Afcha
(Ms. Teevee) Nora Ogunleye; (Willy Wonka) Larson Gore; (Veruca Salt) Kirsten O’Sullivan	(Willy Wonka) Larson Gore

Photos by Jen Cole

Originally written by Karol Wojtyla, who later became Pope John Paul II, The Jeweler’s Shop is a commentary on love and the often flawed human relationships that occur in marriages. Written during the Nazi’s occupation of Poland, the play provides several difficulties in the fact that it is primarily written for the language – any previous form of culture such as acting was not permitted by the Nazis. Actors, therefore, often sat in chairs and read plays aloud as if lecturing to disguise what they were truly doing. The play tells the stories of three different couples – Teresa and Andrew who, although very much in love, have doubts whether they are truly meant for each other; Anna and Stefan, who are watching their marriage quite literally fall apart; and the two couples’ children, the engaged Monica and Christopher who in their parents’ marriages have witnessed the true pitfalls of love.

As the all knowing presence in the story who ties the two main couples together, Adam (John Carias) offers his simple and yet often philosophical views of love throughout the show. Carias’ thoughtful energy as well as steadfast interpretation behind his often difficult and thoughtful lines gave him a memorable stage presence throughout the entire show.

As the naïve couple who are doubting whether they are truly “soul mates,” Teresa (Amanda Kempton) and Andrew (Larson Gore) successfully presented the doubts and fears that many people in love, no matter what their age, experience. Kempton’s understanding of the young engaged girl whose heart is split in two directions – that of love and doubt, gave her the air of a woman much older than herself. Her maturity on stage dramatically influenced that of her character. Her relationship with Gore (Andrew) blosomed throughout the entire play, despite Andrew’s death.

In true contrast with Teresa and Andrew whose love survives death, Anna and Stefan’s love dies several years into their marriage. As Anna, Katie Miller’s high energy level and true depiction of a woman desperate for love yet not receiving it complimented Stefan’s (Matt Spinosa) true apathy toward the marriage. Miller and Spinosa together showed what can truly destroy a marriage – one person’s need for love and the other’s inability to give it.

Tying everything together, Shea Corpora (Monica) and Danny Turner’s (Christopher) portrayal of a couple plagued by a past that does not belong to them, but to their parents. They offered a unique interpretation of how love affects everyone involved. Corpora’s and Turner’s clear acting choices and childishly naïve chemistry with one another gives hope for the love of a new generation.

While The Jeweler’s Shop purposefully leaves many philosophical questions concerning love unanswered, Pope John Paul the Great High School’s performance left us with one thing- hope for love itself.

by Brittany Simmons of Westfield High School

Photo Gallery

The cast of The Jeweler’s Shop	Amanda Kempton (Teresa), Jacob Halbert (Jeweler), Larson Gore (Andrew), and Josh Carias (Adam)
Elizabeth Hankins (Chorus), Michele LeBlanc (Chorus)	The cast of The Jeweler’s Shop
Danny Turner (Christopher), Shea Corpora (Monica)

Photos by Jen Cole.