Almost Maine!

               Almost Maine, recently been performed by the Aquinas Theater Department, is a comedy about love. Almost Maine, written by John Cariani, is a show about losing love, finding love, and the many aspects that love entails. We watch as nine pairs of people feel, act upon, and find love through each other. The show, comprised of two acts, a prologue, interlogue, and epilogue, is not very long though it does capture the audience through its dramatic and comedic scenes.

               Jacqui Thompson (me) portrays the character Rhonda. Rhonda is a strong female character in her late 20s who has never had any major interactions with love. Rhonda talks about working in the lumber mill, winning arm wrestling competitions since the 5^th grade, and being snow-mobiler of the year. While she is a strong, outspoken women, a woman of love and affection, she is not. But what happens when her best friend for years tries to make a move? 

by: Jacqui Thompson

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AQMS' Annie the Musical coming soon!

          The Aquinas Middle School is putting on a musical of their own for the very first time. Students are very excited to be putting on Annie, directed by Aquinas’s own Ms. Schillaci. In years past, Ms. Schillaci has directed and choreographed many musicals such as Cinderella, the Wizard of Oz, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Footloose. She has directed Annie once before alongside the same musical director as Aquinas’s production.
          As auditions were held on December 14^th and 15^th, the cast list has already been put up! Sixth grader Erin Heh will be playing Annie and is breaking barriers by playing a lead while being one of the youngest in the middle school. The cast also includes Kalista Miller as Grace, Camryn Zeitvogel as Miss Hannigan, and Daniel Grout as Rooster.
          Ms. Shillaci is in need of someone to play Mr. Warbucks. This role will be open to the high school, so talk to Ms. Schillaci if you’re interested! The performances for the show will be March 18^th and 19^th at 7:00 PM and March 20^th at 2:00 PM, come out to support the AQ Middle School!

by: Jessica Holt

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AQ Theatre to London

            For the first time ever in Aquinas history, during Spring Break 2016, the Aquinas Theatre Department will be going on an educational excursion to London, England. The trip has generated a great deal of excitement among students and faculty alike. I sat down with Mrs. Krickmire, the point person who orchestrated it all, to get the inside scoop on the trip.

Shakespeare's house 

            Mrs. Krickmire, who is also the director of theatre here at Aquinas, explained that she chose London because so much of its extensive history and vibrant culture is based in the arts. “I think it’s a theatre city. The theatre department has always wanted to take a trip somewhere that offered them a lot of theatrical viewing and workshops….” She mentioned that many students were exposed to workshops at the New York State Theatre Education Association conference, which is an organization dedicated to theatre education for all students. “But I felt that the kids needed something more.”

            Well, a trip across the Atlantic to the famous, bustling city of London is much more indeed. The city is the birthplace of English playwright William Shakespeare, and the home of many famous performance halls including the Swan Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the newly reconstructed Globe Theatre. When asked what she personally is most thrilled about for the trip, Mrs. Krickmire answered excitedly, “sitting in the Globe Theatre.” Among other things, the trip will take students to four theatre productions, a Bollywood dance class, and on multiple tours including London, Windsor, Oxford, Stratford and more. 

London's Globe Theatre

            As far as history goes, the city of London has a whole world of historical landmarks waiting to be explored. The trip itinerary takes travelers to the famous British Museum, the Tower of London, the breathtaking Christ Church Cathedral, and to The Tower of St. Michael, to name a few. Travelers will also be given a couple of days to explore the intriguing city at their own leisure.

            Mrs. Krickmire explained that she had taken a school trip to London when she was a student as well. “But not in high school. It took me until junior [year of] college to get there.…” An opportunity such as this is rare, and students are encouraged to take full advantage of it. Anyone interested in learning more is welcome to sign up outside of Mrs. Krickmire’s office. As they say in London, “cheerio!”

By: Jasmine Benjamin

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The Aquinas Theatre Department Presents: Seussical the Musical!

            For the most part, everyone has read a few Dr. Seuss books when they were younger. You can now see the stories you’ve read as a kid come to life! Onstage November 13th through November 15th, students from The Aquinas Theater Department perform Seussical the Musical, directed by Mr. Wilson. 
            The musical follows the story of Horton the Elephant (played by Peter Huber’17) as he tries to save Jojo, the mayor’s son (played by Maggie McAuliffe’17). Mr. & Mrs. Mayor (played by Santino Sciacca’16 & Megan Frankenberger’16) along with the rest of Whoville, and Horton’s kind, bird neighbor Gertrude McFuzz (played by Milanne Wischmeyer’16) help Horton along the way. The unforgettable narrator of the show, The Cat in the Hat (played by Jasmine Benjamin’16), guides you on adventures through the Jungle of Nool, Whoville and beyond!   
            Tickets will be $12 for adults and $9 for students and seniors at the door. All Aquinas students get in for FREE with their student ID. Why wouldn’t you want take advantage of a free ticket to support your fellow classmates as they perform Seussical the Musical? I THINK everyone should come support because it’s going to be a great show!     

By: Milanne Wischmeyer

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Fiddler on the Roof & Tradition

        In taking a closer look at the Aquinas Theatre Department this year, one cannot help but notice a certain morality in the productions. The fall production of The Snow Queen reminded us of the power of love and its ability to triumph over any evil. The blackbox show, a Jewish play, A Shayna Maidel, pulled (and I mean tugged) at our heart strings while depicting the power of friendship and family in getting through even the worst of times. Now, with spring just around the corner, it is time to experience the power of tradition with the well-known, lovably witty musical, Fiddler on the Roof.

        The show follows the life of a poor milkman, Tevye, and his family, which consists of his wife and five daughters. They live in the village of Anatevka, a Jewish settlement in Russia, during the early 1900s. This was a time when Jews were heavily persecuted. For example, Russian soldiers would perform pogroms, or demonstrations that resulted in the destruction of Jewish homes and property. Yet, even in the midst of this type of oppression, Anatevka is a proud community, thriving on their traditions and “constant devotion to God”. The particularly interesting thing about Tevye’s life is that he is constantly pushed to break tradition. In the family’s endeavors to marry off his five vivacious daughters, Tevye struggles to decide between tradition, which has kept Jewish culture alive for all these years, and true love. The fun-filled musical both shows us the importance of tradition- and when it is acceptable to break it.  

        Many theatre departments have attempted Fiddler on the Roof, but none have had as many obstacles to overcome as Aquinas does. AQ’s dedicated cast and crew of well over forty students (including yours truly) have worked tirelessly to ensure that this will be the best school production of the show since our very own alumni performed it. The show opens Thursday March 12 at 7:30pm, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2:00pm. 

By: Jasmine Benjamin
   

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