From humble beginnings 18 years ago in the basement at St. John the Baptist Church in Front Royal, St. John’s Drama has become a hallmark of excellence in the Shenandoah Valley.
“Our very first show, Father (Jerome W.) Fasano said, ‘Don’t embarrass the parish,’ ” said Jim Naccash, who helped found the club with his wife, Johanna. “So, the gauntlet was put down and we went with it. Father Fasano was impressed. We put on some terrific shows and the parish was immediately on board.”
Now the club of homeschool and private school students is taking on one of its most ambitious productions with “Sleeping Beauty The Musical,” featuring a cast of 40 along with 30 working backstage. Rehearsals started in August and typically last four or more hours.
“This is not the Disney version,” said Jim, who is the senior director. “It’s a brand-new version out of the U.K. In fact, I think we were only the sixth company in the United States to put this particular performance on, so we’re very excited about it. We’re going international now.”
The talent and camaraderie of the performers was evident on a recent rehearsal night at Skyline Middle School in Front Royal. “They’ve all become very close, very quickly,” said Johanna, show producer. “They’re putting on something for the entire community that they’re proud of. We have kids come in here who are very shy — some may be on the spectrum — and they all grow and become stronger in their confidence and public speaking abilities.”
“We have been working very hard,” said Tommy Gillespie, who plays Prince Charming. “One of our rehearsals was eight hours long, but it’s all worth it. The music, the story and the acting are all great.”
Although “Sleeping Beauty” is not a Catholic-themed musical, everything with St. John’s Drama is infused with a Catholic worldview. “It’s important to represent our club in a way that demonstrates who we are as Catholics,” said Avery Lo Monaco, who plays the leading role of Princess Aurora. “We are a community theater and want to share the joy we have with our community. That means sharing Christ’s love.”
The community response to St. John’s Drama productions are passionate, with many shows selling out. “We try to put on outstanding shows and the people enjoy the fact that all of the shows are family friendly,” said Jim. “They bring their small kids and the grandparents and they always love it.”
“We push the bar high,” said Johanna. “And we do all we can to make sure it’s a great production for the audience and the kids.”
As anticipation builds for the Nov. 15 debut, choreographer Susan Schwartz said that rehearsals have been excellent and she expects unforgettable performances.
“These kids are the best,” she said. “There’s 70 teenagers who are wholesome and fun and enjoying life together. They’re working together for a common goal and they leave our productions with hope for the future of our church and our country.”
“They have been at it for years now,” said Father Daniel N. Gee, pastor of St. John’s. “They always produce an incredible show.”
