Seton School in Manassas is putting on a fall show as it has been
doing for many years, but this year there’s a twist. Seton Theater is making
the first live-action movie ever made in Seton’s history. The producer, Matthew
Moore, said that Seton has been putting on awesome plays for years, each one
more amazing than the last. He said it was always, “How do we top the last
show? We don’t.” The only thing that could possibly top “Cyrano” was a
live-action film.
After reading the book Calapanta,
Moore wondered how he could adapt it into a play. He realized it wasn’t
possible due to the special effects needed and certain characters that would
look silly onstage. After some consideration, it was decided that Seton would
produce a movie rather than the usual play. “Students, teachers, and parents in
the Seton community work together like nothing I’ve ever seen, and the theater
program is no different,” said Moore. “I have no doubt in my mind that this is
going to be a phenomenal production.”
Seton teacher Timothy Heisler, and writer of the Calapanta novel, said, “Having Seton turn it into a
movie is more meaningful to me than if Hollywood did it.”
Everything that happens in the book and movie is straight from
Heisler’s imagination. “The part I like most is that I get to act in the movie with
my daughter,” he said.
The movie starts out with Jim, a young boy, having to gain
courage and awaken his powerful protector to save another dimension. He goes on
a journey assisted by newfound friends to defeat a huge, evil dragon, and an
army of undead soldiers.
The “Calapanta” movie will be acted out by, filmed by and even
edited by students. It will be one of the toughest undertakings Seton has done
with more than 80 students and adults participating. Students will not only
have fun, but they will get a taste of real-life cinematic careers. The
powerful lesson the viewer will take away from the movie is to love
courageously and fearlessly.
Calapanta is scheduled for release mid-October with multiple
screenings open to the public at the school.