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St. John Neumann Theatre Ministry to Debut New Play

By HENRIETTA GOMES
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the Issue of 7/19/07)

Actors scrambled to take their places on stage as they rehearsed for the upcoming show “Over the Boardwalk” in the parish hall at St. John Neumann in Reston, which will make its world debut next month.
In the musical, set in 1963 and produced by the members of the St. John Neumann Theatre ministry, three generations of women struggle to keep their beach boardwalk from the hands of a developer who wants to tear it down.
“It’s the summer of 1963 before Kennedy is shot, before the Beatles make their way to the United States. Things were different,” said Lou Ann Behan, who wrote the musical and started the theatre ministry two years ago.
“These people are originating the roles,” said 18-year-old Evan Milberg, about his fellow cast members. Milberg, who plays Anthony Falconi, said he and the other actors are “setting the precedence,” for those who will present the musical in the future.
Although there are some young members like Milberg in the production, there are just as many older adults.
“I thought there was a particular need to bring together people of all ages who have a love for the performing arts,” said Behan. It is certainly not a “teen” or “youth ministry” production, she said. In addition to the diversity of ages, there is also diversity in faiths. The actors and crew are not all members of St. John Neumann or even Catholic, she said.
The theatre ministry is simply an opportunity for them to “work together and learn from each other,” in an atmosphere that fosters “warmth, charm, friendship and morality,” Behan said.
Despite the various ages and faiths, the cast and crew are united in their mission to raise funds for Kids R First. According to Behan, a “good percentage” of the proceeds will go to the organization dedicated to helping needy children with their education, whether it be school supplies or scholarships.
Proceeds of past St. John Neumann Theatre Ministry productions have benefited victims of Hurricane Katrina and children in homeless shelters. The ministry has also put on plays in area nursing homes.
Through theatre ministry people are “able to see and experience our Church and those who represent it,” said Behan. “I believe there is more than one way to attract people to the light. … When people see a Church that is welcoming and caring, but that is not afraid of having fun and being lighthearted too, it can be a most effective way of changing hearts and minds.”
The show will be performed in the St. John Neumann Parish Hall, Aug. 2-4 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 4-5 at 2 p.m.

For more information go to www.sjntheatreministry.org
Henrietta Gomes can be reached at hgomes@catholicherald.com