A note from the directors…
Thank you so very much for joining us this weekend as we proudly present our production of A Christmas Carol, brought to you by the Abington Heights High School Music Department and Drama Society. For almost three months, the students involved in this show have been on a journey, both of artistry and of self-discovery. Performing a role on stage means exploring and presenting a part of yourself that most people do not ordinarily see. The actors must understand all of the emotions experienced by their characters, some many years older than they are, in order to adequately portray them on stage. This allows them to tell the story of the show, thereby inviting the audience into the world of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Cratchit family, and all of the memorable characters of Charles Dickens’s original story. Mix in with the original story, beautiful lyrics, melodies you’ll be humming for days, more dancing than you’d probably expect, and even some sign language, and we are sure that this musical will be the perfect start to your holiday season!
No school can put on a performance of notable quality without the immense work that goes on backstage, both before and after the curtain opens. The exhausting rehearsals would mean nothing, were it not for the efforts of the students and adults, working just as tirelessly behind the scenes. Our student musicians, hair and makeup crew, stage crew, props crew, and sound and lighting crew are just as invaluable to this production as the students you see on stage. For that, we thank them for their vital contribution to the show.
We in the Music Department and Drama Society pride ourselves on providing opportunities to perform, be it on stage or backstage, to any student who desires to be a part of our family. However, it simply would not be possible without the help of some very important, very generous, and very kind individuals. For that reason, we offer our sincerest thanks to the faculty, paraprofessionals, and interpreters who have worked with us throughout this process to ensure that all students are given their moment to shine. Your contributions to this production are invaluable!
Next, a heartfelt “Thank you!” goes to the families of those involved in A Christmas Carol, for all of the car rides, donations and schedule adjustments that you have made to ensure the success of these students. We are most grateful to you for lending us your children for two and a half months and for your support of the arts here at Abington Heights High School.
Finally, our sincerest appreciation goes to the administration of Abington Heights High School, Middle School, and Elementary Schools, as well as to the Board of Directors, and Dr. Mahon and Mr. Wyandt, for their continued support of the arts in the Abington Heights School District. Thank you for recognizing the importance that theatre and music have in the lives of our students and in the betterment of society. The memories and lessons that the students have experienced during this process will last them a lifetime; we are all forever grateful for having been able to perform this show for our school’s community.
Yours in the arts,
Nicholas P. Lazor, Director/Choreographer
Dana Cerminaro, Musical Director
John Zachary Monahan, Producer
Roseanne Michaels, Technical Director
