A Note from the Director:
I waited until the last minute to write this director’s note. Quite literally - as I’m writing this, its 10:30 on the morning of the show…
Why? Because what can you say about the privledge of directing your favorite modern Disney movie, surrounded by talented students and one of your best teacher buds? All after two years of keeping the theatre fires burning, knowing one day we’d get to be back in our theatre. And now here we are.
I guess what I can say is that Moana is a story of pushing your limits to see “how far you’ll go.” I’d say there aren’t many of us who weren’t pushed to our limit at some point while navigating virtual learning, mental health, physical help, financial issues…I could go on.
Yet here we are here. We made it. We have been changed forever, just as Moana is by her journey. And just like Moana we will use those changes to better ourselves and (more importantly) our people.
Thank you to…
My parents, who always encouraged me to dream to the horizon and beyond (although I’m fairly certain my father is of one mind with Chief Tui about always having his daughter where he can see her.
Haley Kerr, who is half my brain. She looked at me one day this week and said, “How did you do this when you did it alone?” And honestly, I really don’t know.
Brandon, Olive, and Annie for remembering how important the role of a mentor can be to middle schoolers and stepping into that role enthusiastically.
To that odd, resourceful, dedicated species of student - the tech kids - who jump in during the last two weeks to help push the show over the finish line.
To Mr. Schulz for sharing his space and knowledge generously.
To the teachers of Parkwood who nod and wave a hand when the kids ask, “Can I go help Mrs. DP…” and support our kids every day.
To Mrs. Elizabeth Allen and there administrators at PWMS, who allow and encourage my crazy ideas.
Thank you to Mr. Mo, who raised me as a director. DOUBLE RAH!
Finally, to the insanely talented cast and crew of Moana, who are called the stage as Moana is called to the sea. I could not have imagined a better cast to return to the stage with. Thank you for sharing this time with me - I look forward to many years of watching you all grow.
Bravo. Brava. Encore.
-Nicole Marie DePietro
"Mrs. DP"
Special Thanks To
Mr. Stephen Schulz, his students, and the Staff and Administration of Parkwood High School
Parkwood Middle School Administrative Team: Ms. Elizabeth Allen, Ms. Kim Hinson, Mr. Stephen Harris, and Mr. Ryan Williams
Ms. Kim Simmons, Ms. DePietro's LEAD class, 7th and 8th Grade Drama Students, Custodial Staff, and Fine Arts Department of Parkwood Middle School
and finally, a HUGE thank you to the parents/guardians/chauffers of our students, who make it possible for them to come to rehearsal and recognize the importance of their student's love for the arts.
