Across the nation there is a lot of conflict and negativity lately. So, I was trying to remember happy memories so that I can remind myself of them and keep a positive outlook on life. Some of the best were during this past school year, while as a senior, I participated in my schools drama club, Golden Wings Theater Company.
I participated in golden wings my freshman year, but this past year was amazing. We produced three shows throughout the year; "Legally Blonde," "The Little Mermaid," and "The Miracle Worker."
"Legally Blonde" itself was probably one of the most impeccable experiences I had throughout high school. I was a featured dancer, and as a featured dancer I played a sorority girl, prisoner, hair dresser and much more! We had an outstanding cast and set of directors, Kelsey Gallagher and Carrie Anne Juba. Our Elle Woods' were played by the amazingly, beautiful talented Mia Nicolosi and Kate Fahey! They always provided an outstanding performance.
I could easily go on and on with who played who, but I would like to mention the guys--Bobby Blankemeyer, Brad Gorman, Calvin Tobias, Jack Wheatley, Jason Schwartz, and Jeremy Barson. In my opinion, it takes a lot to go out in front of the school and perform and each and every single one of you killed it!
Omigod you guys! I'm positive when I say that the dances was seriously my favorite part of legally blonde. Whether we were getting whipped into shape with Brooke Wyndham (Lauren Barkman and Skylar Dorfman) or we were bending and snapping with Paulette (Sam Goldberg and Julie Kwait). It was such an amazing experience and I wish I could run that show just one last time!
Delta Nu forever!
Our next show that year was "The Little Mermaid!" We had such amazing directors that helped put on an amazing show that sold out three time! Special thanks to Amanda Kruse, Morgan Gilmer and Kaitlin Paulk.
We had such an amazing cast:
Ariel: Priya Gosh and Skylar Dorfman
Prince Eric: Calvin Tobias and Jack Wheatley
Ursula: Katie Tisot and Jeremy Barson
King Triton: Jason Schwartz and Bobby Blankemeyer
Scuttle: Jen Waring and Julie Kwait
Flounder: Kate Fahey and Lauren Silverstein
Sebastian: Calvin Tobias and Jeremy Barson
In "The Little Mermaid," I was a featured dancer and played a seagull and angel fish. I got so much closer to one of my great friends Sareé Fioravanti. Which made that show that much better. I also got to work on costumes with one of my closest friends Karyn Castronuovo. We worked on the waves, fish costumes and the hardest costume design, the Ursula skirt! It was an interesting experience.
Our last show that year, and my last show ever, was a straight show. It was the story of Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller. I had the amazing experience to student direct with Cas Peters, Michael Smedley and Lindsay Bilgram. I personally loved working with all of them but working with Michael was a very different experience. He is visually impaired and for him to be student directing this play was very helpful. He would run blind girl workshops and we had a blind workshop which was a very neat experience. This whole process was a learning experience. I also loved how Michael was constantly asking Lori, the director of golden wings, for things to do next and never gave up. He is a very determined individual.
Our cast was down right flawless. Our Helen Kellers were played by Lauren Barkman and Bria Bubenheimer. Boy, oh boy, did they leave me speechless! Lauren and Bria are so talented and played Helen so well. They are both also the kindest people to work with. Jen Waring and Mia Nicolosi played Annie Sullivan and they were incredible. Their character is such a headstrong woman and they portrayed that so well. Helens mom, Kate Keller, was played by Brigid Reice and Kate Fahey. As a mom having a child suffer with a lot of disabilities is hard. In the opening scene is where Kate finds out Helen cannot see or hear. She screams as if there was bloody murder. They didn't fail in showing the true emotions any mother would feel.
I know I've said it a a million times but thank you to my co-directors and the cast for an amazing experience. It was incredible working with all of you. You guys brought me to tears as I stood side stage every night.
Many times Golden Wings tech is under appreciated. Some of my closest friends are in tech. Such as Jimmy Cotton, Kelsey Gallagher, Jake Evans and Alex Goldberg. They do just as much, if not more work than the casts. On top of that they have to deal with the rudeness from the cast. Three other outstanding tech "super stars" are Cole decker, Samantha Brzozwski and Chris Sheriff. Thank you for all your hard work and amazing sets.
Within this huge family I had my own little family. Kelsey, Jimmy, Jake, Alex, Shannon, Gwen, Skybaby and Phil. I will miss you all so much and our lovely family dinners where we would run from Ms. Shane when she asked us to do something. You guys will always have a place in my heart.
I would also like to give a huge thank you to Ainsley Neary and Alli Lauletta for getting me back into Golden Wings and helping me out. You guys were amazing on dance team! I know you both will do amazing things in the world!
I also got extremely close with Katie. She is not only beautiful and talented but she helped me through so much. From venting about boy trouble to connecting with one another and just laughing over the stupidest things. Thank you for everything and for always making me laugh especially when you stole the soup and put it on jacks car. "Mi soup" always!
From all the amazing hell week dinners, cast parties, to the banquet and all the laughter I just want to thank you all for being my family. A school day could have gone so wrong for me but I always knew it be okay because in a couple hours I would be with people I love and care about so much. Thank you all for being so incredible. I will be coming to every show and maybe even writing a review about each one! Keep up all your hard work and determination.
