As the newest Saint Michael School director, I knew that filling the shoes of my predecessor, Joshua Dionne, wouldn't be easy. I had directed many shows over the years, but never a mandatory high school production. Up to this point, my actors were always people, young or old, who chose to participate. My fears were soon found to be needless, as these students were already well-trained and understood what it takes to put this production together.
It seems like forever ago, I began the arduous process of reviewing scripts to select a befitting production for the 2023-2024 school year. I read several versions of Alice in Wonderland, Sense & Sensibility, along with countless others. One may have seemed perfect but didn't have nearly enough parts for our 21 high school students while others just fell short or didn't fit at least for the current year. I kept circling around to two comedies, The Man Who Came to Dinner and You Can't Take It With You, both written by George Kaufman and Moss Hart. While The Man Who Came to Dinner clearly was a favorite, I couldn't see tasking any one student with the lead role, Sheridan Whiteside. One day while speaking with Mr. Dionne and discussing his acquiesce, an idea came to mind that may just be the solution. What if Mr. Dionne took on the lead role thus leaving many fun and inviting roles for the students. As casting was put into place, I was extremely pleased as that was indeed our solution. My cast had come together perfectly! It has been a pleasure watching as our students put together their finishing touches on their characters. I find it notable that it doesn't seem to matter whether the actor is a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or yes, even faculty, they continue rehearsal after rehearsal to add something to their role.
Over the past few months, we have put in countless hours of rehearsal, set building and costuming. This production would not have been possible without an incredible team behind the scenes. I can honestly say that this build that took place during our vacation was certainly one of the most pleasurable to build in all of my years of production. Costumes lent to us from River Theater Company or purchased locally were spruced up and adjusted by a few dedicated individuals.
Early on, I decided to initiate an art contest for our publicity. I was literally brought to tears when presented the artwork for this year. Freshman, Bridget Froula, proved that she not only had acting chops but also the skills of a gifted artist. The outcome was so favorable that the administration felt we needed to see more of her work. If you didn't know, this year you can purchase your very own mug with Mr. Dionne's mug upon it.
I truly hope you enjoy this production as much as I have enjoyed myself as it came together.
On with the show,
Mrs. Theresa Norman
Director