Academy of St. Dorothy's Can-Do Kids "Consider Themselves At Home" On The Stage

The "Can-Do Kids" is the title given to the drama club at the Academy of St. Dorothy that originated back in 2000. Directed and produced by Susan Uberti, the program has progressed greatly over the past ten years. The first play that was ever performed by the group was entitled "I Remember Mama" which included only about 10 eighth graders.  The drama club has been expanded with open arms to students in the fifth through the eighth grade. As the quantity of the group has grown so has the quality. They have graduated to musicals from straight plays. Since 2001, Susan Uberti and Michael Nastacio (musical director and my father) have collaborated with their "kids" to put on: "Guys and Dolls," "Hello Dolly," "Annie Get Your Gun," "Bye Bye Birdie," "The Music Man," "Annie," Footloose," "Oklahoma," and their most recent, "Oliver." With the approval and gracious consent of their principal, Sr. Sharon McCarthy, the Academy of St. Dorothy does something no other elementary school on the island attempts to do: gather groups that have ranged from 40-50 students and place them on one unified stage. Starting in September with auditions, the cast practices once a week, and has an all-day practice once a month on the weekend. Two of the most used phrases for the "Can-Do Kids" are: "There are no small parts, just small actors." and "The world Can't is not in our vocabulary." Not only has this program succeeded with grammar school children, but for two years it was also extended to previous alumni to put on two summer productions. In 2003 and 2004, alumni came back to the stage where they all began to put on "Godspell," and "The School of Thought" (a collaboration of Broadway songs and a script put together by the cast.)

As a proud alumni of the Academy of St. Dorothy and a "Can-Do Kid" I cannot express how much the program as grown and prospered over the years. I had the opportunity to be involved with the drama club since their first musical, "Guys and Dolls" as a sixth grader.  I was a dancer in both "Guys and Dolls," (Hot Box Girl) and "Hello Dolly." (A Waitress) As an eighth grader I obtained the role of "Annie," in "Annie Get Your Gun." Quite apprehensive at first, there were times throughout the six months where I believed I would never be able to pull it off. With the help and encouragement of my directors I gained so much confidence and was proud  and overjoyed of my final accomplishments. I made wonderful memories and walked away from the drama club with such a great experience that I joined my fellow alumni for those two summers to continue our dream. Even now, about six years later, I returned to St. Dorothy to volunteer as the choreographer (with one of my former fellow cast members and friend- Stephanie Vuono) for the "Can-Do Kids." I feel it is my obligation to make sure these children get the same experiences and feel the same way I did those three years on the stage in the auditorium. Unfortunately the summer program is no longer available, but the door is always opened for newcomers no matter what grade.

Michael Nastacio plays the piano as the musical accompaniment for the students. They work diligently with both Miss Susan and Mr. Mike for six months to put on their well-received three day performance in March. With the help of parent volunteers, the practices are always successful. On performance nights as well as dress rehearsal, former "Can-Do Kids" return when available to help out with backstage as well as sound. Specifically, this year, Alfred Ragone (alumni) volunteered to hook up the microphones so the actors and actresses could be heard much better from the stage. Hair and makeup as well as the set designs are also done by parents and alumni- and in some cases alumni parents.

I encourage all students who are not currently enrolled in the program to join. It does not interfere with any sports children are involved in. The directors are willing to work around the children's schedule. It is a very rewarding experience for everyone, whether they are in the fifth or  eighth grade. No matter when you choose to join you will be welcomed at anytime. Finally being on the audience side of the stage, parents will be amazed at what their children can do. Not only is it rewarding for the children, but for the parents as well to see the hard work their children have put in to make this show a success.


This year, eighth graders, John Paul Piccione, Robert Marchiano, Anthony Bentivegna, Mario Papa, and Joseph Roperti, backed up by a strong and amazing cast were able to put on three very entertaining performances on March 25, 26, and 27th. Many of these students go on to join the drama club when they enter high school as well. Speaking from experience, it is a great background to have behind you and is a definite confidence builder. Some of the biggest show-stoppers included "Food Glorious Food," "Consider Yourself," "I'd Do Anything," and "As Long As He Needs Me." Some critics might say "Oliver" is somewhat of a darker musical. For instance, the show begins with an orphanage filled with starving children. However, the children managed to put much life into the performance and really brightened up the show.

If you have seen any of the previous nine shows, you will know what to expect. "Oliver" was certainly a crowd pleaser. Even if you are not a fan of musicals themselves, it really is amazing to see a group of 40-50 grammar school students put on such intricate productions. The shows usually run for about two hours with a fifteen minute intermission where refreshments are sold. If you're looking for an early, but entertaining night out don't miss out on the St. Dorothy performances. It only happens once a year! Keep you eyes and ears peeled for the "Can-Do Kid's" performance next year at this time. While the cast is only opened to students in the school, the audience is opened to the public!