around the academy
Impresses Audiences and Inspires Students to Reach Out to Veterans
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tarring Maggie McAndrew ’13 and Kayla Hansen ’15 as sisters Judy and Betty Haynes, and Tess Cersonsky ’13 as Martha “The Megaphone” Watson, White Christmas dazzled audiences at New Haven’s Shubert Theater during its November 30 and December 1 run. The musical boasted a talented cast of more than 100 students, including male actors Chris Mazzacane, Gavin McNicholl, Scott Redmond, Peter Charney, and Ian Spak. After opening night, one member of the audience commented, “My favorite part was when the three female leads sang ‘Falling out of Love.’ It was super peppy and upbeat. I loved it.” Adds senior Caroline Ney who attended the December 1 performance, “What a great musical! It was the best I’ve seen yet! ‘Sisters’ was so enjoyable to watch. The actors were true professionals! I loved the costumes they wore.” Irving Berlin’s White Christmas follows the story of two friends who fall in love with two sisters; eventually they all work together to help an army general turned innkeeper who has fallen on hard times. Adds director Mary Lee Delaney, “White Christmas speaks to the plight of veterans who have served our country and returned home to difficult circumstances. Our musicals always incorporate a service component, and this year we wanted to center on veterans.”
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And in this case of life imitating art, the cast and crew of the musical are involved with outreach projects to benefit House of Heroes and the Fisher House, both local organizations that benefit veterans. A group of students including musical producer and science teacher Fran Saukas cleaned and painted trim at the home of a disabled veteran through the House of Heroes organization, their way of giving back to the brave men and women who have protected and continue to protect our country. Mrs. Saukas elaborates, “Students who take part in the musical understand how fortunate they are to have the opportunity to showcase their talents, and their desire to share their good fortune with others makes me so proud.” Kayla Roddy ’13, Rachel Lawlor ’13, Isabella Buda ’14, and Olivia Gizzi ’16 took pride in helping a man who spent so much of his life in service to our country. Maggie McAndrew, Kayla Hansen, Tess Cersonsky, and Rose Iannaccone ’16 shared information about the House of Heroes service project and sang the musical numbers “Sisters” and “White Christmas” on a local news station in November. The students, accompanied by Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71, Mary Lee Delaney, and Fran Saukas truly exemplified the spirit of the Academy with their impressive singing and passion for service. The cast of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
could not have captivated audiences without an extremely dedicated and professional crew. Andie Sansone ’15, a member of the stage crew, shares, “This was my second year working behind the scenes, and I very much enjoyed it. I loved helping make the musical happen, and I loved working with crew chief, Mrs. Curbow. I also made many new friends.” Indeed, not only did a great many students work behind the scenes, but some alumnae also returned to take part in the magic of the musical. In the triumphant finale, Theresa Aflalo ’10, a U.S. Army cadet, made a cameo appearance alongside Colleen Harrison ’09, a cadet captain at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Stephanie Vasaturo ’05, the sales leader at Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School, returned as part of the hair and makeup crew. Stephanie adds, “Being an alumna, I know the importance of the musical, and with the support of Paul Mitchell’s owners, Mario and Laura Landino, we were able to take part in this great event. Our Future Professionals were excited to work with the cast and crew.” In addition, Julia Bowers ’04, a set and costume designer at both Long Wharf Theater and Hartford Stage, designed the much celebrated set for the show. We congratulate everyone involved in making Irving Berlin’s White Christmas one winter’s tale to remember!