While Choosing a Musical to direct with Junior High and High School students there are a lot of variables to take into consideration. What show will they be excited about? Will I have the right talent to fill the roles? Can we sell lots of tickets? Is it technically difficult? In my last few opportunities to direct here at H Frank Carey I have thought long and hard about each of these questions, but I always end up ultimately deciding based on inspiration and fortitude. For this year's group The Little Mermaid just called out to me. The music is fun, the story is relatable and I knew we could put on an amazing show that the community would enjoy. Most importantly, we would all have a great time in the process.
The Little Mermaid is such a fitting show to be performed by teenagers because the themes of the show are so very similar to what they are experiencing in their own lives at this time. Ariel wants so much to be independent and make her own decisions. Sebastian wants to be a good friend to King Triton, but he also values his relationship with Ariel. Prince Eric has so many responsibilities and expectations as a Prince that do not align with his own hopes and dreams. Our students can recognize these challenges. It is my wish that they walk away from this experience learning something about life and themselves.
A show of this magnitude could not happen without the assistance of so many amazing staff members here at H. Frank Carey. I absolutely could not have directed this show without the unwavering support of Chris Carmody, our Assistant Principal (who also happens to be my boss). Mr. Carmody has listened to my every issue, joined in my celebrations, and has given me the time I needed to create this beautiful show. I'm so grateful to work with him everyday. Our fabulous Principal, Jen Alaimo, who has entertained every request I've presented and has continually worked to get me what I needed to make this show sensational. The creative team of Mike Moreno, Samantha Gioia, Antonia Healy, Alessandro Vanni, and Garret Pembrook who lent us their time and talents and have produced beautiful work. Gina Sampogna, our irreplaceable business manager, who kept me organized and handled all of our fundraising (which was a lot)! I also owe a debt of gratitude to Mike Ferraro and Nina Solano who advise our stagecrew, Rosemary Merino, our student activities director, Michael Califano for helping out at rehearsal, and Mike Ramos and the Custodial team for always being there to help with whatever task was needed. From our Tech Dept to our Security and Library staffs, and to all of the lovely people in this building who have literally offered "anything I need", I thank you all for your love and support! Parents, it's A LOT of time spent in this theater! I'm so pleased that you have allowed me this opportunity to get to know your children and I appreciate the family sacrifices you have made to provide them with this experience. I hope you all love the result.
I also need to take this opportunity to thank the amazing students who have worked endless hours to make this production happen. Our Musical Board of Nadia Duckfield, Marista Lemonis, Casey Govaert, Hailey Maresca and Isabella Ciulla have been working so hard on and offstage to make this show great. Thank you to my amazing cast who have been effectively balancing rehearsal and schoolwork to bring you this fabulous production. Our pit orchestra has been learning the music for months and we would not sound this beautiful without them. Stagecrew has spent hours building sets and providing necessary technical assistance . We appreciate everyone's hard work.
Lastly, Thank YOU audience for buying a ticket and supporting the Arts at H Frank Carey High School! Please show these kids how much you appreciate them by clapping loudly...I know I will be!
ENJOY THE SHOW!
Catherine Wright
Director
