>>STUDENTS BRING “ISLAND” TO LIFE When Nicholas Raspanti ’11 first arrived at the College, he considered it “absolutely insane” to put a musical production in the hands of a student. Two years later, he was that student. Indeed, once the music department secured the rights to produce “Once On This Island,” it was up to Raspanti, the director, to build a show. What followed for Raspanti and his handful of assistants were 10 frenetic months of raising money, marketing the production, developing its sets and costumes, choosing musicians, auditioning actors, balancing class schedules, and holding daily rehearsals. And then, on opening night, holding their breath.
“There are always a few glitches, but you hope it’s nothing that the audience notices,” Raspanti said. “But the feeling you get when the lights go up and you see how much the actors have grown as performers — I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” “Once On This Island” was the College’s third student-run production in recent years, following “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Godspell.” The number of students auditioning for roles has tripled since the first, lending talent and diversity. But that also means more people on and around the stage at any given time in need of direction. And it wouldn’t be theater without a few nights of everyone wondering whether they could really pull it off.
“It was chaotically fantastic,” said Alyssa Cherewaty ’13, who portrayed Mama Euralie. “We just kept practicing and rehearsing until the kinks came out and we had ourselves a show. By opening night, it was mostly excitement, a little bit of nerves, and pride in knowing our hard work was about to pay off. That’s an intoxicating feeling.” Added Mark Urmson ’10, who founded the student-theater program in 2008 and directed the music of all three shows: “From the moment the thunder and bongos started [in “Once On This Island”], I knew we would surpass everything we had done to that point,” he said. “I felt gratitude for all those who helped bring my dream to life — to show that the students of Chestnut Hill College can do anything.”
Aiding the production were students in charge of makeup, music, vocals, choreography, and lighting. The band included piano, synthesizer, clarinet, flute, bass, and percussion.
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The main responsibility for Raspanti (foreground) was directing the performances of 14 students.