Written by Mary Beth Peabody
Students at Paul VI High School in Haddonfield took their final bows Saturday, Feb. 29, closing out a two weekend run of “Into the Woods.” It’s the story of a baker and his wife, who set out to reverse a family curse that has left them childless. Their quest sparks a series of unlikely encounters among characters from famous fairy tales — Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel. It’s a tale full of morals and life lessons, most notably “be careful what you wish for” and “happily ever after” may not be so happy after all.
With music and lyrics by Steven Sondheim, the show has minimal spoken dialogue and a challenging score. The pace is quick, with multiple conversations occurring in song at any given moment. Vocal performances were outstanding, and not a word was missed with an excellent sound system and mics. Crew members transformed the stage seamlessly from characters’ homes to expansive woods, adding to the mystique with fog and effective lighting. Actors moved with ease and confidence, absorbed in their roles.
“Cinderella is so understanding and humble. Exploring her journey and her worth as an individual was magical to me,” said Alicia Brogan, who played the role. “There are so many hidden messages [in “Into the Woods”]. It’s a beautiful show.”
Isabella Capelli found her character, the Baker’s Wife, to be “undeniably human in her journey, which is wanting to have a baby.” Isabella, who is adopted, said she talked with her parents and others who understand what people might be willing to do for the chance to have a child. “I’ve loved this show forever and it was an honor for me to play this role … to portray something universal,” she said.
Alicia and Isabella acknowledged the letdown that comes with the end of every show, but especially this one, their last as seniors at Paul VI.
“Ending a show is more like graduation than graduation itself,” said Isabella. “Theater is a community. It brings people together. That’s what my high school experience has been. You don’t find that anywhere else.”
Alicia agreed. “You find a family in [PVI theater]. It’s so inclusive. The arts allow people to explore themselves … to grow in confidence and find out who they are.”
If all goes as planned, Isabella and Alicia will have at least four more years to pursue their love of music and theater in college. Grateful for their rich experience at Paul VI, both plan to major in performing arts.
Upcoming high school shows
Next up on the high school circuit is “Mary Poppins” at Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill. Anything can happen with the mysterious nanny who arrives and disappears at unexpected times in unexpected ways, bringing magic, discipline and her own brand of love to the Banks family in London. Show times are March 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7 p.m., and March 8, 14, 15 at 2 p.m. Fans of all ages can meet the characters at a brunch on March 8 at 11:30 a.m.
Three high school shows will go live the weekend of March 20-22.
Gloucester Catholic will perform “Legally Blonde, the Musical” at the Rowan College South Jersey (RCSJ) Fine Arts Center in Sewell, March 19, 20 and 21.
On stage at Holy Spirit High School in Absecon will be “Guys and Dolls,” March 20, 21 and 22. On those same dates, students at Wildwood Catholic High School will present “The Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Saint Joseph High School, Hammonton, will produce “Beauty and the Beast” on April 30 and May 1, 2, 3 in the nearby Saint Joseph Elementary School gym.
More information, including show times, is available on school websites or by contacting the schools directly.
Theater in South Jersey Catholic elementary schools
Musical theater is a long-standing tradition, not only in South Jersey Catholic high schools, but in many Catholic elementary schools as well. From mid-March until early June, theatergoers can find a school musical just about every weekend. Some schools, like Saint Mary School in Vineland, produced shows earlier in the school year. Saint Mary principal Steve Hogan said the fall works well because it minimizes conflicts with spring sports and scheduling time in the school gym during basketball season.
“Musical theater is a real community builder,” said Hogan. “Students are part of something bigger than themselves. On and off the stage, they are involved in every aspect — acting, music, sets and props, lights and sound. There are so many opportunities for self-expression and leadership.” He said the school’s shows draw people from the surrounding area, not just school families.
Hogan also spoke about the role of the arts as a bridge between elementary and high schools. “Our arts program is strong, and students factor that in when they are looking at high schools. They want schools that can meet those interests, and the high schools benefit from students who enter with experience in the arts,” he said.
The following is a schedule of upcoming elementary school musical theater productions. Unless otherwise noted, all productions will take place at the listed school.
— March 13, 14 at 6:30 p.m.: Saint Michael the Archangel, Clayton, presents “Mary Poppins JR.” at Glassboro High School.
— March 20, at 7 p.m., March 21 at 1 p.m.: Saint Mary School, Williamstown, presents “Willy Wonka JR.”
— March 26 at 7 p.m.: Good Shepherd Regional School, Collingswood, presents “The Trials of Alice in Wonderland” at Paul VI High School in Haddonfield.
— March 26, 27 at 7 p.m., March 28 at 1 p.m.: Resurrection Catholic School, Cherry Hill, presents Disney’s “Frozen JR.”
— April 3 at 6:30 p.m.: Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School, Mays Landing, presents “The Wizard of Oz JR.” at Holy Spirit High School, Absecon.
— April 25 at 7 p.m., April 26 at 2 p.m.: Saint Teresa Regional School, Runnemede, presents “Annie JR.”
— April 25 at 7 p.m., April 26, at 3 p.m.: Assumption Regional Catholic School, Galloway, presents “Seussical JR.”
— May 6, 7, 8 at 7 p.m.: Bishop McHugh Regional School, Cape May Court House, presents “Annie JR.”
— May 7, 8 at 7 p.m., May 9 at 2 p.m.: Cape Trinity Catholic School, Wildwood, presents “The Little Mermaid JR.”
— May 14, 15 at 7 p.m., May 16 at 2 p.m.: Saint Peter School, Merchantville, presents “The Wizard of Oz JR.”
— May 15, 16 at 7 p.m.: Christ the King Regional School, Haddonfield, presents “The Rockin’ Tale of Snow White!”
— May 19 at 7 p.m.: Saint Joseph Regional Elementary School, Hammonton, presents “It’s Cool in the Furnace.”
— June 1 at 7 p.m.: Saint John Paul II Regional Elementary School, Stratford, presents “Peter Pan JR.”