FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Upcoming Event: Three performances on January 20th and January 21st, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
and January 22, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Riverhead Middle School Cafetorium.
THE MIDDLE MASQUES PRODUCTION
“ALICE IN WONDERLAND” IS PERFECTLY NAMED
(January 11, 2011 - Riverhead, New York) If ever a school’s winter musical was aptly named, this is it. The Riverhead Middle School Middle Masques has secured the rights to put on a stage production of the well-known Disney classic musical “Alice in Wonderland”.
This musical will showcase the acting, set design, and technical skills of approximately 55 Riverhead students in grades seven and eight.
Student actors, under the direction of a staff/student production committee, are working closely with lighting and sound students, under the direction of assistants Ryan McGill, Erik Markowski, Michelle Hatorff, Timothy Oliver, and Ryan Lynn in daily rehearsal sessions.
All of this in preparation for the three scheduled performances on January 20th and January 21st, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. and January 22, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Riverhead Middle School Cafetorium.
Ryan McGill, who is student directing his second show, Mrs. Skura (Producer), Mr. Edward Tholl Jr. (Director), Mrs. Passanante (Stage Manager), and the production staff comprised of many Riverhead Middle School staff members stated, “It is such a joy to work with such a large talented, energetic, and supportive cast. It is such a pleasure to see how the actors and actresses grew as a TEAM through the many rehearsals we had from September to January. The many students involved had to memorize lines and musical scores, help paint an exquisite “Broadway Set”, design a lighting and sound scheme, and organize props for each scene to make this a rewarding experience for all involved. The performers are ready and truly excited about the upcoming performances. The Middle Masques’ “Alice in Wonderland” is highly creative and entertaining that should keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Everyone involved wishes the cast good luck and says “Thank You” for all you have done. Break a Leg!!!
Ms. Pekar, principal of the Riverhead Middle School had this to say about the upcoming performance. “I’m excited to see the show in full production! I’ve had the opportunity to see a few scenes in rehearsal and have heard the songs echoing down the halls –
"If it’s half as good as what I’ve already seen and heard then I know it will be a hit!”
The show is wonderfully entertaining and rich in important themes for people of all ages. In short, this show is highly engaging and shows Alice's adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, encounters birthday partiers, rock lobsters, a Mad Hatter, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and tries to beat the Queen of Hearts at her own game. The King of Hearts suggests a trial for Alice, but ridiculous witnesses only make matters worse. The Queen orders the Royal Cardsman to chop off Alice’s head!!! Alice tries to defend herself against her accusers and reaffirms her identity.
Will Alice win? Does the Queen of Hearts get her wish of defeating Alice and destroying her identity? Answers to these and other questions can be found in this uplifting production.
Lead actors and actresses include: Victoria Carroll in the role of Alice; Elise Littlefield as Tall Alice; Eva Harrison as Small Alice; Jesse Goodale as the Mad Hatter; Emily Behr as the March Hare; Erin Plitt as the White Rabbit; Audrey Hesse as the Queen of Hearts; Jordan Branch as the King of Hearts; Taylor Blando as the Caterpillar; Isabella LoPiccolo, Allie Lasot, and Savannah Medina as the Cheshire Cats; Liana Salgado as the Dodo Bird; Raquel Perodin as the doorknob; Kaitlyn Jehle as Tweedle Dum; Sophia Parisi as Tweedle Dee; and Hayley Sheridan as Mathilda.
Tickets can be purchased in advance and at the door for $7.00. For additional information contact Mrs. Patricia Skura at (631) 369-6767.
Source: Riverhead Central School District Press Release, Jan. 11, 2011