"It Is Not a Dream, It Is Our Reality"

Susan Uberti is currently the director of the Academy of St. Dorothy Drama Club program here on Staten Island. Check out this previous post for more about the program. 
Susan has been my mentor and friend since I was in the fifth grade. I have worked with her as an actress and more recently beside her as a choreographer. She has much experience on both sides of the stage that have helped children all over the island. Anyone who has worked with "Miss Susan" knows that she is not just your director, but someone with a heart of gold who is always willing to help you (personally or to grow as an actor/actress.)

MN: Where were you born and raised?
SU: I was born  in Manhattan but my family moved to Brooklyn when I was a year and a half old. 

MN: Did you always have a passion for theater?
SU: We didn’t  have the financial means to be exposed to Broadway as such, but we did listen to the music and watched all the theatrical events on TV. This began my journey, the passion came later in High School. 

MN: Was there anyone who put you on this path to acting?
SU: Yes, Sr Joseph Ignatius, my very strict Spanish teacher, who was put in charge of the High School play. 

MN: What were some of your best experiences as an actress?
SU: The first time I took a curtain call, I couldn’t believe they were clapping for me. As a matter of fact I actually looked behind me to see who was there. My first standing ovation for my portrayal of Mae Petersen in Bye Bye Birdie. The audience recognition and applause when I returned after a two year absence to play General Matilda B. Cartwright in Guys and Dolls. Last and my very favorite one:  the look on my parent s’ faces when I sang , “Not While I’m Around” directly to them  from the stage at our reunion show in 1991. 
 
MN: If you had to pick your favorite role, which would it be and why?
SU: That’s a hard one, because each of them hold a special place for a different reason. But if I had to choose, it would have to be Aunt Eller in Oklahoma, my debut performance. That began my journey, my passion and my discovery of the real “me”. 

MN: What is your favorite musical and why?
SU: Man of La Mancha. I guess because I too dream the impossible dream and if truth be known, like Don Quijote, it is not a dream, it is our reality! 

MN: Do you feel more comfortable being behind the stage directing or being on the stage performing?
SU: At this point I guess I would say directing for so many reasons. But all in all I would say that I have had equal happiness and satisfaction doing both.
 
MN: How long have you been the director for the Can-Do Kids?
SU: 11 wonderful years. 

MN: What was the first show you worked on with the program?
SU: “I remember Mama” 

MN: Where did the name "Can-Do Kids" originate?
SU: Originally, the children and I got the inspiration from the song in “Guys and Dolls.” From the beginning, “can’t” was a dirty word and “love” was the only way.

MN: I'm sure it is difficult to sometimes get through to the young children you direct, what is the best advice you can give others when instructing children?
SU: Teach and direct as a collaborator and never a dictator. Remember  what it was like to be a kid. Always  come from a stand point of  “Do as I  do” never just “As I say”. Believe in them, see each and everyone of their special talents, and never give up even when they start to. Push them  relentlessly towards excellence and they will never disappoint you. Hold them close and protect their very fragile egos and hearts, you’ll never regret it.  

MN: How do you feel being part of the drama club can help these kids in the long run?
SU: I believe it teaches them many things. It gives them a good sense of themselves as they learn to present themselves in the best possible way. This will be useful not only on a stage, but at a job interview, a business presentation , a college interview etc. It  teaches them the importance of working as a team for a common goal. It gives them a sense of responsiblity and how their actions not only affect them but the group as a whole. It teaches them, discipline and focus. And I guess best of all, It make them feel really good about themselves and perhaps begins their journey of self discovery and passion.
 


I would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Susan for donating her time and for helping me out once again. 
Don't forget to check out the Academy of St. Dorothy's Drama Club performance next March! 
 

What Are You Doing This Summer?

Summer Music Theatre Institute is coming to Wagner College from July 19- July 31. Applications are due by May 1, 2010 so get them in as soon as possible. The application is available on www.wagner.edu/smti as well as more detailed information. 

The program is offered strictly to high school students from around the country. A very prestige program, SMTI allows students to work with theater professionals right on the Wagner College campus. Those who attend will have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the performing arts (singing, acting, and dancing.) Experts who have worked in the Broadway field and have much experience in the theatre of New York City will come to talk to the students. They will also be able to attend some actual Broadway performances over this two-week course. 

The week will culminate in a showcase of student performances for family, friends, the Wagner community and invited industry guests. SMTI aims to give students a learning experience that is professional and positive; rigorous training and serious fun.

While the "camp" may seem like fun, remember this is a time for teens to gain first hand experience at a "rigorous, college caliber training." Those interested can contact Susan Fenley and David A. Miller at smti@wagner.edu 


Act. Dance. Sing. Discover.


Good luck to all that apply and enjoy this two week once in a lifetime experience. 

Children...Summer Camp...Acting

The Staten Island Children's Theater is celebrating their 45th anniversary this year. The program is sponsored by the Staten Island Mental Health Society. On Sunday, May 16th at both 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM the association is putting on the production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Their 5-18 year old performing arts company will perform at the Music Hall at Snug Harbor. If you would like to purchase tickets call (718) 981-7288 or e-mail wearesicta@aol.com

Our programs include an arts education season of field trips for Educators and top quality theatre training programs for children ages 5-18. We are now celebrating our 45th Season of bringing live theater to the community through high quality performing arts training and arts in education productions.

The Staten Island Children's Theater have put on various shows over the years, not only through the summer camp productions but through fall and spring sessions as well. Some of these shows include: Bye Bye Birdie, High School Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Once Upon a Mattress, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Into the Woods Jr. and Aladdin Jr. 
It is not too late to catch some of the Staten Island Children Theater spring performances. If You Give a Pig a Pancake, Nate the Great, and Into the Woods Jr. are all being performed at Tottenville High School within the next month. 


Registration is also opened for a 3 week summer camp, offered from July 5-July 23. "Annie Jr." is being held at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center (north shore- there will be no south shore classes offered for the summer session.)  The camp tuition fees are as follows:

5-8 Year Olds: $300

9-18 Year Olds: $500

If your child is really interested in doing something worthwhile this summer take a look into the Staten Island Children's Theater Program. Their staff is filled with well qualified coordinators and teachers who have been in the business for many years. Many of them have been performers themselves so they have great first hand experiences to share with your children. 


For more contact information, click here. 

"Be Wagner's Guest"

Bonjour! This weekend marked the opening of Wagner College's performance of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. If you missed out, don't worry, there will still be upcoming shows next week (April 28, 29 30, May 1, 2.)



  

Among the Disney classics. Beauty and the Beast was one of Disney's biggest hits on Broadway (alongside The Lion King and Mary Poppins.) It truly was an amazing production as it ran for thirteen years and just recently closed in 2007. When I heard Wagner College was putting on this show I was a little skeptical and thought it wouldn't be able to hold a candle to the Broadway version, but I was very wrong. I had seen it performed at the Lunt Fontanne theater about seven times and I always make sure I see the stage show of it at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Disney World. Having been born in 1989, Beauty and the Beast (1991) was my favorite movie growing up. One might even say it defined my childhood (and adulthood.) Having an emotional attachment to the movie version forces me to put very high standards on any production company that attempts to perform the musical. 

Over the years I have seen many productions done at Wagner College and none of them were a disappointment. Just to name a few, shows such as 42nd Street, Footloose, Oklahoma, On the Town, etc. have all been excellent to say the least. For this past 2009/2010 season they put on The Who's Tommy, Brigadoon, Little Women, and most recently, Beauty and the Beast. From October through May you can be entertained every few months! If you are someone who doesn't miss a show, you should think about becoming a subscriber and getting first preference at great seats!

There is much to learn from the story of Belle and her beast: that the transformative power of love knows no bounds and can truly make miracles happen; that physical beauty means nothing if the heart and soul are not equally lovely; that no matter how hopeless and lost we may feel, no matter how much is stripped away and is never to be seen again, redemption and hope can be found in love.  - Timothy Lawton, Class of 2010

Some of you who are familiar with both the movie version and musical version would notice that there are songs performed in the musical that are not present in the movie. For example, the song "Belle" and "Gaston" are singing in the scene below is entitled "Me."

Other songs some might not be familiar with include: "No Matter What," "Is This Home?" "How Long Must This Go On?" "If I Can't Love Her," "Human Again," "Maison Des Lunes," and "A Change In Me." "Human Again" was actually originally featured in the movie but was cut out as a final decision. Since the DVD version is now back in the "Disney Vault" it is not currently up for sale. However, if you were fortunate to purchase it a few years back, the DVD had special features, one of which was the "Human Again" scene that was ultimately cut out of the movie.

  

Directed by Drew Scott Harris and Choreographed by Carissa Bellando, Beauty and the Beast proved to be my favorite show that I have seen at Wagner College thus far. Costume designer, Kurt Alger (a Wagner alumni) did an amazing job from Lumiere, Cogworth, and the Beast, down to the ensemble of townspeople. The costumes along with the hair styles and make up were all very consistent with the time period in which the musical takes place as well as with those familiar with the movie. Many of the "behind the scenes" people are students at the college working hard to pursue a career in this field. For example, Bendan J. O'Brien, the production stage manager is a senior and Caitlin Maxwell, the hair and makeup designer is also a senior. The fact that not only are the actors and actresses students, but so are those behind the stage really impresses me.

However you must give credit where credit is due. An amazingly talented cast of about forty students sang to the wonderful tunes written by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The eight piece orchestra consisted of three reeds, drums/percussion, keyboard, French horn, trumpet, and the piano. Jacqueline Nuzzo played the role of Belle, and the role of the Beast was Joe Donnelly. The whole ensemble is immensely talented. The harmonies were also very successful in orchestra consisted chorus numbers. Take a look at the song that closes Act I, the ever-popular "Be Our Guest."

Beauty and the Beast is a musical that is not heavy with choreography. Those of you familiar with the plot know of the infamous rose whose petals are falling too quickly. Instead of having a prop act as the rose, the director chose to do something a little different. A dancer acted as the rose, she wore a green body suit and held red feathers which acted as the petals. I wasn't too crazy about this idea when the girl first danced on the stage, but after a while I really appreciated the effect this had on the show and on the audience as well. It brought the rose to life, which was extremely symbolic.

The cast received a standing ovation as soon as the last scene ended. It was sold out (so if you're interested in going this weekend call beforehand to reserve tickets.) I noticed that the audience was heavy with children also, so don't be afraid to bring your kids, they will definitely enjoy it!

If you are unable to attend Wagner's last performance of the season check out their shows for the 2010/2011 season: Roger and Hammerstein's Cinderella, William Finn's The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Ahern's and Flahery's Seussical The Musical. Call the Box Office at: (718) 390-3259 to reserve tickets now or to sign up for a subscription for next year's season!

This tale is certainly "as old as time!"

St. George Theater or Broadway?

The St. George Theater is located in the center of the St. George District of Staten Island. It has about 2,800 seats and broke ground back in 1929. There have been numerous renovations over the years and it has become very popular not only for Staten Islanders but for people from other boroughs as well. The theater could be considered a landmark to our humble abode. Not only do they put on their own performances, but it can be rented out to other companies looking for a venue to host their shows. In addition, the St. George Theater is a "hot spot" for school trips. They offer shows that are suited for Pre-K through High School students. The class trips not only include the performance itself, but an exclusive back stage tour where the students can also learn the history of the theater. Upcoming shows that would be suited for schools to consider include, "Nobody's Perfect" on May 6, "Pinocchio"on May 17, "Imaginary Beings From Japan" on May 18, "The Magic of Ben Franklin" on May 24th, and "Charlotte's Web"on June 4.


Tickets are going on sale this Saturday (April 24th) to see Liza Minnelli who will be performing at the theater on November 20, 2010. To purchase tickets you can visit or call the box office that is open weekdays from 9:30 AM- 2:00 PM and Sundays from 12:00 PM- 5:00 PM. It is closed on Saturdays unless a show is going on (the box office is always opened when shows are in session.) If interested in any of the upcoming performances the box office number is (718) 442-2900 or tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com. 


Some of the past reviews are posted on the St. George Theater website (most of which have been write ups in the Staten Island Advance.) 


If you are looking for a "night out on the town," in more of an upscale atmosphere that is not being offered through a local theater group, the St. George Theater would be the place to go. One must expect though, that the tickets prices are fairly high. To see a show at this theater the prices range from $40 - $120 per ticket. Don't let the price fool you though. Some might say "If I'm paying this much I might as well head to Broadway where I might even be able to see a show cheaper than that." While there might be some truth to that comment one must keep in mind that the performances are of very high quality. It is not in a school gym or auditorium,  the shows are held in this venue that is newly renovated and strongly recommended by critics. 


Take a look at the shows being offered this season and take a trip down to St. George! 

Opening Up This Weekend....

 If you're looking something to do this weekend (April 21, 22, 23, 24) check out these shows opening up on the island!

Wagner College
Disney's Beauty and the Beast 
April 21, 22, 23, 24
        28, 29, 30
May 1, 2
All shows are at 8:00 PM
Special performances that have 2PM shows are:
April 23, May 1, May 2
To purchase tickets in advance call the Box Office at:
(718) 390-3259


Wagner College puts on about four high quality performances a year. This is the last of their season so don't miss out!

St. Joseph By the Sea High School

Thoroughly Modern Millie
April 23, 24, 25, 30

May 1, 2

Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM

Sunday performances are at 2:00 PM

Tickets will be available at the door.

Monsignor Farrell's 7th Annual 

Rock & Roll Oldies Show
April 24th
6:30 - 11:00 PM
$65 per ticket
To purchase tickets call: (718) 987- 2900 ext. 230


A night of great "Oldies" filled with Leslie Gore, Jay Siegel songs/performances and much much more!

 

St. John Villa Academy

Once on This Island

April 22, 23, 24

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door

To purchase tickets call (718) 447-4150

This is also the last weekend for A Midsummer Night's Dream at the College of Staten Island!

We All Want to be Heard

This year the Academy of St. Dorothy's drama club production of "Oliver" featured live sound production from First Class Sound Productions, under the ownership of Alfred Ragone (former alumni- class of 2002 and a member of four ASD productions as a "Can-Do Kid".)

The sound system was designed to provide excellent live sound to the audience, and allow the actors and actresses to be heard at the furthest point of the auditorium. The design featured the main four characters: (Oliver, the Artful Dodger, Fagan, and Nancy) having live microphones throughout the entire show, being the four characters with the most dialogue. There were also four other headset microphones used that were alternated between various characters throughout the different scenes. A combined 12 different characters shared the other 4 microphones.

The microphones used were SHURE PGX-14 Wireless Headsets that are connected to PGX1 receivers. The 8 microphones were connected (wireless) to 8 receivers that the engineer controlled from the sound booth in the rear of the auditorium. The 8 receivers were then connected to a SoundCraft MFXi sound board. The sound engineer controlled which performers would have their microphones on and also controlled the overall volume balance to make sure the louder actors were lower than the softer volume actors to provide a good balance.

The sound engineer also provided two Audio Technica AT8035 "Shotgun Microphones" that were both angled at 45 degrees to the center of the stage. This would allow the actors and actresses that were not wearing microphones to be heard, and also helped increase the volume of the performers during group musical numbers.

Finally, the SoundCraft sound board was fed via microphone snake to the front of the auditorium to a QSC RMX-2450 Powered Amplifier which powered the two main satellite speakers in the auditorium. The two main speakers were JBL SoundFactor-15 PA Speakers. This system was one that peaks at 2,000 Watts, which was more than sufficient for the amount of people watching the show. The snake also fed a Yamaha STAGEPAS-150M powered mixer, which fed a Yamaha speaker in the dressing room of the theater so the performers could hear the show as it was being performed.

I was fortunate enough to retrieve this information from Mr. Ragone himself. Having started his own DJ company and his own show on WSJU Radio (St. John's University's radio station) "DJ Derf" is available to host any of your parties and use his top notch products to do so. Since I attended St. Dorothy's performance of "Oliver" I am here to tell you that the sound quality that emanated from the microphones were amazing. 

It's Creepy and It's Kooky, The Addams Family

Just a week ago (April 8th) the Addams Family opened on Broadway. With names like Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth the musical was greatly anticipated by theater goers and critics everywhere. I had the opportunity to view the show in previews on April 3rd. Needless to say I walked out of the Lunt-Fontanne theater just as disappointed as I did "Come Fly Away." Once again, with such "big names" up there on the marquis, I guess my sites were set a tad bit too high. However, as far as I was concerned, there was nothing in the musical to separate it from anything else out there right now. While the storyline is clever (and funny), the music is entertaining, and the set appealing, there is nothing that really stood out to me as imaginative.


After seeing "Come Fly Away" and "The Addams Family," the only thing I can come up with is that these shows have nothing original about them. The classics that are currently running and have been for years such as "Wicked," "Jersey Boys," and "The Lion King," are still my picks to see over anything new that has recently opened.


For those interested in purchasing tickets or reading some more information about the show can visit:
http://www.theaddamsfamilymusical.com/





Also, take a look at a blogs I follow, "On The Boards" that writes updates on Broadway shows and the sort!
This one post in particular focuses on "The Addams Family" and a review posted in the New York Times about it. Check it out!
http://ontheboards.tumblr.com/post/508239556/looks-like-ben-brantley-wont-be-joining-the-addams

"Sit Down You're Rockin' The Stage"

St. John's University Stagers Soicety perfomed "Guys and Dolls" for one weekend only on April 8, 9, and 10th at the Staten Island Campus Center Gymnasium. Students from the university were granted free admission, while outsiders were asked to pay a small fee of $5 per ticket. Held in a fairly small auditorium/gym the stagers put on an excellent show. Having been part of Guys and Dolls once before, as well as having seen it performed in many different venues (including local and Broadway productions) the cast had a great show to work with.


The cast was a small group of about twenty-five students, all from St. John's, and ranged and from freshmen to seniors. They were accompianed by a five piece orchestra (piano, percussion, bass, flute, and alto saxophone.) The stagers usually put on two shows a year (a Fall and Sping production.) Some of their past shows include: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Crucible, Father of the Bride, and Jekyll & Hyde. As you can see the stagers' shows are not limited to musicals, but they frequently perform dramas as well. Miranda Fluhrer holds the position of President as part of the "Stagers Society Executive Board." When talking about the organization Ms. Fluhrer (a current senior) says: "The Stagers Society is a remarkable organization. Our members come from many majors and backgrounds. The endless hours and dedication displayed by all of you is worthy of much more than single applause."

Bruce Biggins directed the show, worked with choreographer Elise Di Simone, and musical director Daniel Braz. Some of the lead roles were played by John Herron (Nathan Detroit), Alyssa Brullo (Miss Adelaide), Faith Ndifornyen (Sarah Brown), Kevin James (Sky Masterson), Alphonse Caputo (Benny Southstreet), and Donald Manzo (Nicely-Nicely Johnson). With the help of a very talented supporting cast the show definitely proved to be a success. Some of the most recognizable songs from the show include: "Luck Be a Lady," "Adelaide's Lament," and "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat." Some may be more familiar with the movie version of "Guys and Dolls" which starred Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, and Jean Simmons.

Impressed by the talent of the cast as a whole, the other thing that truly stuck out to me was the set. The construction and design of it was done by Rick Ostrowski. Having been in the show previously, I remember the many different set/scene changes that had to occur. I performed "Guys and Dolls" at Monsignor Farrell High School back in 2006 as well as St. Dorothy in 2001. Luckily there was much room for us to set up almost a three-part stage at Farrell. With the amount of room the Stagers had to work with I think they did a fantastic job.


Overall, the show proved to be very entertaining. It was a true college performance. Many high school productions on the island can be said to be up to par with the college level, however it must be said that the St. John's University Stagers Society certainly did hold their own this Spring. Keep a look out for a possible upcoming productions in the Fall.

For some more information please see the Stagers website:

http://www.stjstagers.com/

E-mail: info@stjstagers.com

Phone: (718) 390-4004

A Midsummer Night's Dream Opens This Week at the College of Staten Island

Opening this week is a Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare at the College of Staten Island.


Tickets are $10 and $5 for Students and Seniors
Building 1P- The Black Box Theater

April 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24

  @ 8:00 PM