Local students take to the stage at Walt Disney World
Date: 5/10/2013
By Lori Szepelak
lori@thereminder.comCHICOPEE — For performing arts students at Holyoke Catholic High School, a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to take the stage at Walt Disney World came to fruition last month.
"After 15 fundraisers, rehearsals, costume fittings, travel and deep breaths, 13 of our performing arts group students performed on the Waterside Stage at Downtown Disney," Eva Stockhamer, director, Holyoke Catholic High School's Performing Arts Department, said during an interview with
Reminder Publications.
Stockhamer noted that the students were selected to perform after an audition tape was sent to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
"Our DVD featuring two songs in costumes, overall appearance and style got us a slot to perform," she said.
Stockhamer called herself "Julie, the cruise director," since she was responsible for the endless logistics including all performance materials, costumes, rehearsals, and all contact with Disney.
"Just another day in the theater," she added.
Stockhamer also credited Dr. Todd Rovelli, musical director, for donating his time to prepare the performers for the event.
The Waterside Stage features an amphitheater with a sound booth and seating for approximately 200.
"The backstage area actually overlooks the water," said Stockhamer. "It is very nice."
Stockhamer added that since many of the students were seniors this was their last performance associated with the school.
Students who performed included graduating twins Emily Campbell and Kevin Campbell of Westfield; Kelsey Barton, West Springfield; Caroline McHugh and Victoria Steutzel, both of Springfield; Kevin Lempke, Julie Geoffrey, and Patrick Moskal, all of Holyoke; Andrea Boraski, Southampton; Brianna Stockhamer and Chad Nowlan, both of East Longmeadow; Thomas Allair and Kaitlin Allair, both of Ludlow.
Songs performed were "There's No Business Like Show Business," "A Bushel & A Peck," "Nothing Like A Dame," "You Gotta Have Heart," "Seasons of Love," and "One."
Stockhamer invited the public to a special screening of the 25-minute performance by the students on June 12 at 6 p.m. at Commonwealth Academy, 1 Ames Hill Road, Springfield.
"The evening should be about an hour, so please consider coming to see what a wonderful experience the whole group had," said Stockhamer.
Tickets are $5 at the door and all proceeds benefit scholarships for performing arts group students.
Stockhamer also encourages area residents to check out the group's spring show, "Check Please" by Jonathan Rand.
"The play is a look into the world of blind dating," said Stockhamer. "What Rand shows us is the struggles of finding 'the one.'"
Through a series of "interesting dates," theatergoers will sympathize with those in the dating world, according to Stockhamer.
"Many of the scenes are hilarious and others even funnier," she said. "In the end we see that while the dating world is hard, if you go in with a positive attitude you may just find your mate, and if not, you will have quite a story to tell at the office in the morning."
Performances are May 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Rutenber Auditorium at Commonwealth Academy. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling Karen at 737-4942.
