By Angela Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 8/5/04)

Those who attended the St. Bernadette Summer Theatre Program (STP) production of "Singin’ in the Rain" were entertained by the talented cast and crew who brought the large scale production to the stage. But behind the acting, the sets, the sound and the lights, was a staff dedicated to one mission: ministry.

Although the majority of participants in this year’s production were from St. Bernadette Parish in Springfield, the host parish, 11 other diocesan parishes were represented in the show. With a cast of 47, crew of 34 and orchestra of 19, this is the largest production STP has seen during its seven-year run. Along with the students, the show is organized and led by a staff of more than 20, half of which are returning to STP after graduating from high school.

"The technical things I’ve dealt with before, but the size of the cast was a challenge for me," said Mike Toscano, director. He acted in the show two years in high school, was assistant director for two years and is now director, after having pursued theatre in college.

"This is a good opportunity to get experience," Toscano said, describing the atmosphere as friendly and easy-going.

Participating in STP "led to my decision to do it professionally," he said. "This program gives you an idea that it’s possible to do good work in a positive environment and to make it a career."

This is the first summer the show was held at Garwood Whaley Auditorium at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria. Before, STP had presented its plays in the school gym at St. Bernadette.

"The air conditioning was broken, and everyone had been sitting on the flat gym floor," said Jessica Denny, assistant producer. Besides the heat and discomfort to the audience, the Ireton theatre feels more professional. "Being in that environment brings out the best in their performance," Denny said.

It’s also a chance to open up the program to the Alexandria community, said Bill Molino, producer.

"Our first purpose is ministry," said Denny, adding that it is a chance for the teens to come together during the summer and create friendships that will last throughout the year. They pray before performances and fill prep time with uplifting words that will encourage the students.

"It’s about being there for the students — believing in them before they believe in themselves," Denny said.

"It’s an immediate and direct service to people who participate in the program," said Molino. Instead of sitting around watching TV all summer, the teens are doing something constructive, he said.

"The idea is to do something where the students can come and learn, but not in a bad environment," Toscano said.

Their second goal is to put on a good show. The students are given a semi-professional, top-notch experience in the theatre.

"Some will go on to high school, college and professional theatre," Denny said.

"It’s a chance for them to display their talents and share with the community," said Molino.

STP also tries to find family-friendly, wholesome material that will also minister to the audience, Denny said.

"We try to select a show that has good moral themes in it — to draw from it something more than what’s written in the script," said Molino. "It’s an opportunity to come as a family to see and appreciate the talent young people offer."

In terms of this year’s script, Toscano admitted it was challenging. It required a lot of set pieces, lighting effects, music and dance, and of course, the rain effect.

According to Brian Hickey, technical director, the rain for this year’s title song was an interesting challenge. They installed a water line and built rain collector platforms for the stage with runners to channel the water.

"The entire thing is eight feet by 40 feet — the entire width of the stage," Hickey said. The crew mops up the residue and pulls up the platform at intermission.

The show itself was an enjoyable experience for the audience. Admittedly, the young performers had some big tap shoes to fill. While the dancing on the whole was excellent, Jake Odmark (Don Lockwood) and Eric Stewart (Cosmo Brown) stole the show in "Moses Supposes" and "Broadway Melodies." Karin Carneal (Kathy Selden) and Odmark proved themselves extremely talented vocalists.

Matt Tucker (R.F. Simpson), Joe Savage (Roscoe Dexter) and Phil Arevalo (Rod) were extremely well-cast and slipped into their roles with great ease. Evan Bacino (Lina Lamont) conquered the challenging role of being the beautiful fool.

With more than seven different sets created for the many scenes, STP set crew did much more than most local professional theatres. Another technical challenge included several pre-recorded scenes from the "movies."

Music Director Katherine Dressel led a talented orchestra that was ready to jump in right on cue. Choreographer Margaret Santiago brought each of the loveable and familiar songs to life. Brian Moon, lighting designer, dealt with spotlights on the main characters and several backdrop lighting effects. Laurie Candalor, costume designer, put together a colorful collection 1920s wardrobe, including several costume changes for each of the lead actors.

Overall, the show was a success. Although the large auditorium appeared quite full, it was not the only criteria.

"I don’t tie the number of people in the audience as the single greatest aspect of success," said Molino. "The aspect of ministry is the better success criteria."