Holyoke Catholic High School students prepare for 'Cinderella'

Date: 9/15/2010

Sept. 15, 2010

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent

CHICOPEE -- A back stage crew of 10 are bringing a kingdom far, far away to Veritas Auditorium at Elms College later this month.

As Holyoke Catholic High School students rehearsed scenes on the evening of Sept. 7, working behind the scenes were students and volunteers painting, stenciling, and assembling the backdrops that will bring the production to life later this month. Cinderella's pumpkin carriage will be among the scene stealers when the show opens Sept. 24, and Dr. Andy Boraski and Darryl Geoffrey are working closely with the crew to ensure it's a show stopper.

For Boraski, an optometrist by day, his passion for building and creating sets makes the volunteer experience that much more worthwhile. Set construction started in earnest in early July, mostly on Saturdays, however, now it's crunch time with the final build session planned Sept. 18.

"I enjoy being able to help the kids out so they will have a nice set for the shows," Boraski said during an interview with Reminder Publications.

Boraski works along side Geoffrey, who serves as the production's stage manager. During the day, Geoffrey teaches computer science at Holyoke Catholic.

"We have a well-oiled machine," Geoffrey said. "It gives me great pleasure to work with such a great group of people."

Geoffrey noted that when the lights go down, his crew goes to work.

"We pay attention to every detail," he added.

From props to scenery, the crew works nonstop to ensure that the cast has everything at its disposable.

"We put on high-quality productions," Geoffrey said, adding that each show features 30 to 40 percent of Holyoke Catholic's student population.

Eva Stockhamer, director, and Frank Croke, lighting manager, pull everything together and Boraski and Geoffrey follow their lead.

"I enjoy the creative process and coming up with ideas that fit the mood and time of the show and that convey an atmosphere to the audience," Croke said.

For each production, new members of the crew are always welcomed. Nicholas Brisbois, and Tyler Cox both freshmen, just joined the crew and are looking forward to the skills they will learn behind the scenes.

"We've already built some sets," Brisbois said, adding it's a great skill to learn. "It's also a great way to make friends."

Cox echoed his sentiments.

"I like to build things," Cox said, noting the summer work also allowed him to get to know students before the school year started.

There is also consistency with the crew as several students return year after year to work on productions. For junior Michael Bozek, this is the third year he has worked behind the scenes on painting and set building.

"I like to make new friends and have a good time at the same time," Bozek said.

For Ian Davies, also a junior, he enjoys the back stage work, and being sure everything is done for the stage manager and the actors.

"We're constantly moving and working together, just like a well-oiled machine," Davies said.

For more than 20 years, Poppa Goddu of Holyoke has also lent his expertise to the crew as a volunteer builder. He noted he "got volunteered" when his eldest son, Paul Jr., was in the theater at the school, and even after his son's graduation, has kept coming back to lend a helping hand.

"I like to do stuff with my hands, especially set building" Goddu said.

In addition to Goddu, a host of other essential staff members working behind the scenes on "Cinderella" include Walter Morse, Paul Morey, Bob Laprad, Jamie Kebba, Bill Greaney, Terry Reardon, Evan Davies and Maureen McDonald.

Stockhamer is blessed with a talented and dedicated crew, as well as actors who can't wait to take the stage. Lead actors for this production include Victoria Kachinski as Cinderella, Pat Moskal as the Prince, PJ Adzima as the King, Andrea Boraski as the Queen, and Amy Vieira as the Godmother.

Performances of "Cinderella" are planned Sept. 24, 25 and Oct. 1 and 2. Show time is 7:30 p.m.

"I love the whole idea of doing such a popular story just a little different," Stockhamer said. "Not only is the story a classic, but it's the way it's done, in a kingdom far, far away, a long, long time ago."

Stockhamer noted that since she could choose how much of a period piece "Cinderella" would be, she has decided to go "way back" in time.

"We are going way back, corsets for ladies, tunics for gentlemen," she added.

Tickets are $10 for students and seniors and $14 for adults. Tickets can be purchased for reserved seating in advance by calling Diane at 322-9028. Tickets will also be available at the door.