playbill vip

Into the Woods is dedicated to the memory of 

Joseph Riggio, Jr. 

A message from Mrs. O’Connor: 

     If you ask a theatre kid why they love performing, they might mention the feeling they get when you try on your costume for the first time. Some say it gives them an opportunity to express themselves. Almost always, students will describe the rush of performing live and hearing an audience erupt in applause. One of my favorite parts of being a theatre kid is the friendships I have made over the years. 

     When I was thirteen years old, I was cast in my middle school’s production of Grease, and became friends with a boy named Joe. He had an old soul, big blue eyes, and a kind heart. We remained friends throughout high school, and became inseparable our senior year. 

     We shared the stage in our school’s choir and starred opposite each other in Annie Get Your Gun. After rehearsals, we would drive around laughing and singing show tunes in the car. Traditionally, our theatre teacher would give us the day before opening night free from rehearsal. I have a fond memory of Joe and I skipping school that day, and instead, we ordered pizza and watched Disney movies together. He took me to prom and looked out for me when I needed it most. Most importantly, he encouraged me to become a theatre teacher, and was an instrumental part of my story. 

     I was blessed to have Joe on my path “through the woods.” Appreciate the time you have with your friends in high school (it goes by very quickly), and cherish the moments and memories you create with each other. I will always miss Joe, but I will smile and think of him fondly when I hear Reel Big Fish, look at the moon, and when my seniors take their final bow. 

 “Sometimes people leave you halfway through the wood.

Do not let it grieve you, no one leaves for good.”