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| By Lori O'Brien Correspondent CHICOPEE The sounds of Broadway will come alive at Elms College on May 12 as Holyoke Catholic's Performing Arts Club presents "Bits of Broadway, A Musical Review." The Mother's Day weekend extravaganza promises an evening of great music and laughter, according to Eva Stockhamer, Holyoke Catholic's choreographer. Show time for the musical review is 7:30 p.m. in Veritas Auditorium. Stockhamer, a local choreographer, dance and movement instructor, has been the school's choreographer for several years and this spring is her first production combining direction and choreography for the arts club. "Holyoke Catholic's Performing Arts Club has become known for quality theater over the last 14 years, presenting musicals, comedies and dramas of all sorts," said Stockhamer during an interview with Reminder Publications. "The club was founded to provide an outlet for creativity within the student body and equally important, to provide the kind of preparation for life that only time on stage and backstage can deliver. "These students are talented and dedicated," she added. "This is an excellent time to shine a light on their gifts and underline the importance of a Catholic high school education experience." Students have been rehearsing for the production since February, added Stockhamer. Stockhamer explained that after two years of hunting, the club was "blessed" with the opportunity to partner with the Elms College, exchanging its sets, lighting and experience for performance space. "Working closely with Dr. James Gallant (Elms theater director), Holyoke Catholic students have supported the growing Elms theatre department by participating in its productions of 'The Laramee Project' and 'Dead Man Walking'," said Stockhamer. "The college has returned the favor by inviting students to audit college theatre courses." Such a collaboration does require flexibility in scheduling, according to Stockhamer. "It wasn't until after the season's schedule was laid out that it became clear that the performances fell on Mother's Day weekend," she said. "Considering the kind of production, the club determined this was an excellent way to say thanks to Moms everywhere, and more importantly, to the Moms of our performing arts students. So the idea to discount the tickets for Moms was born." In addition to her role as director and choreographer, Stockhamer has been assisted by Dr. Todd Rovelli who serves as music director. "The Performing Arts Club has been blessed with the musical direction of Dr. Rovelli for the last decade," said Stockhamer. "His dedication to the students and extensive background in music have been a key element to the program's success." The cast includes Kristen Baran, Christina Breaden, Sarah Cantler, Sadie Carlon-Sicard, Sarah Clancey, Siobhan Cox and Martina Desnoyers. Also, Mary Gabis, Rebecca Gay, Adam Goddu, Martine Krzeminski, Catherine Leonard, Stephanie Lepine, Chelsea Letasz, Andrew Menard, Mary Misiaszek, Pat O'Connor, Bryan Pytka, Kaitlin Rivest, Lisa Rizzo, Meagan Roberts, Brianna Stockhamer, Sam Sugrue and Caley Zajac. Rounding out the assistants are Colin Jalbert, Clare Goddu, Sharon Lepine, Rick Bonci, Dr. Frank Croke, Frank Lepine and Paul Goddu. Special thanks is also extended to Sr. Louise Thomas for the use of her hot rod, added Stockhamer. Tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for students, seniors and moms. Tickets will be available at the door. |