Talent, Teamwork, and Formation Behind Every Curtain Call
Almost fifty percent of all Northridge students participate in one or more of the performing arts. Participation in the performing arts helps young men grow in discipline and maturity while sharpening their perception of beauty. Knights find through the arts a reflection of God Himself; a man who is able to create and appreciate the beauty of a great performance will better appreciate the beauty in his wife, children, and the world around him.
If you were lucky enough to catch one of the entirely sold-out performances of last year’s musical, “Newsies,” you probably left humming “Seize the Day” and wondering how Northridge pulled off such a professional, heartfelt performance.
What the audience didn’t see was just how many people it took to make it happen.
Head of the Drama Club Mr. Joe Lechner produced the show, as he has for every show over the last thirty-five years (while maintaining a full teaching load). A professional director and opera singer, Mr. Andrew Gilstrap brought cohesion and vision to the performance as our new director. Seasoned choreographer Mary Marcourt handled the staging and movement. Alumni Mr. Tim Amorella ‘99 (father of sophomore Walter and freshman George) and Mr. Charlie Romano ‘15, a Broadway composer, returned to support the team with their time and invaluable expertise. Mr. John Ricobono directed the music, while Mr. John Macfarlane trained the vocalists. Mr. Rory Herbster spearheaded set construction and stage crew — which amounted to months of work. Mrs. Tatiana Amorella (Tim’s wife), a professional makeup artist, led a team of moms who helped with makeup and costume design, bringing consistency and polish to the look of the show. Other parents fed the cast and crew during tech week, manned the ticket booth, or assisted with striking the sets.
The brand new sound system — purchased with the funds raised at last year’s Dinner at The Ridge Fund-A-Need — significantly elevated production quality. Tech crew students gained valuable experience operating professional-level equipment.
The day of the show, one thing remained before the curtain went up: a longstanding tradition of the cast and crew. In the dressing room, the lead actor led the cast and crew in a prayer dedicating their work to God and asking his help. “I believe the act of praying before each show gives us a feeling of ‘we’re all in this together,’” senior and cast member Antoni Mikula said. “It brings home the point that what we’re bringing to the stage is important, not just to us, but to our entire school community.”
Very shortly after “Newsies” wrapped, Mr. Lechner was preparing the students to put on the spring play, “Arsenic and Old Lace,” a classic dark comedy requiring timing, subtlety, and maturity. The cast, directed by Mr. Tim Amorella, delivered sharp, disciplined performances. There were two casts, one more senior and the other intentionally more junior to give lowerclassmen the opportunity to act in lead roles. Mrs. Tatiana Amorella once again lent her expertise and, with the help of other moms, ensured the actors had professional-level stage makeup.
Outside of theatre, Northridge musicians entertained and unified the school community. . The Men’s Chorus and school bands performed at several school events, most notably the Christmas and Spring Concerts and Dinner at The Ridge. At every home basketball game, the Men’s Chorus sang the National Anthem and the band roused the crowd throughout the game.
The performing arts program’s success is built on time generously given, talent lovingly shared, and resources put to work exactly where they matter. And, if last year’s shows are any indication of what Northridge can do, this year’s performances of “Guys and Dolls” and “The Outsiders” will not disappoint. Be sure to get your tickets early!