The Vagina Monologues Return to Wagner College

A crowd pleasing favorite is returning to Wagner! Every year, Completely Student Productions presents a variety of plays and musicals on campus! However, there is always one production theatre lovers and women can count on attending. Returning tonight for the 2012-2013 school year, Resident Educaiton and Completely Student Productions are pleased to present The Vagina Monologues.

The Vagina Monologues is a play by Eve Ensler made up of several monologues all performed by women which each describe and tell a different story of the feminine experience. Several examples of monologues are titled My Angry Vagina, Because He Liked to Look At It and I was there in the room. Every year, there is also a new monologue added to reflect a current issue women are facing and dealing with world wide. The show is performed thousands of times a year around the nation to not only raise funds for charities but awareness for women.

The Vagina Monologues is an annual event that takes place at Wagner College. Each year, all the funds raised at the event go to support a different charity that is related to women. This year, all benefits of the event will go to Safe Horizon on Staten Island: Taking Women of Violence from Crisis to Control. How can you help out? You can donate by entering to win a raffle, purchasing a snack or donating money at the door. The year’s production is directed by Lisa Tinglum, who is pictured above.

This year’s cast of The Vagina Monologues this year include Kellie Griffith, Mackenzie Shay, Regina Ippolito, April Lavalle, Valerie Caniglia, Allison McCormack, Becca Barrett, Payton Sherry, Stacey Mattern, Marti Maley, Melissa Brenman, Taylor Stabler, Elise Sacco and Molly Delbridge.

I always get excited for The Vagina Monologues to return to Wagner each year. While Wagner is a campus where there is definitely no shortage of theatrical events taking place, The Vagina Monolgues always proves to be different. MAny people, some of whom have never attended another theatre production, come out to support this night of hilarious monologues that all goes towards supporting a fantastic cause. Its a great night filled with lots of talent but even more, it’s a greta night for the Wagner community. If you have the chance, don’t miss this.

Luner on Theatre will be attending The Vagina Monologues and reviewing the production! Check back for our official review!

The Vagina Monologues opens Tonight at Wagner College and runs for this Weekend only! Performances will take place on March 2nd and March 3rd at 9:00 PM! All performances will take place in Gatehouse Lounge located above the Harborview Hall Lobby. There is a suggested donation of $2 at the door! For more information, check out The Vagina Monologues Official Facebook Event. Be sure to check Luner on Theatre on Facebook and Follow Us on Twitter as well! We are constantly updating these pages with information! And of course, check out the rest of Luner on Theatre for all your theatre news you don’t only need but want to know!

Somebody’s Eyes Are Watching

Everybody Cut! Everybody Cut! One of the theatre communities favorite and most loved musicals came to life this past weekend at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York. Completely Student Productions kicked off their 2012-2013 season with the crowd pleasing Footloose. From the songs you sing along with to the dance moves you wanna join in on, Footloose kicks off the Completely Student Productions Season with a fun, vibrant and powerful spirit most other student productions lack.

Footloose is the story of Ren McCormack who loves being in the middle of everything but is about to find himself in the middle of nothing. Due to financial strains of his father abandoning their family, Ren and his mother move to the small town of Bomont, quite literally in the middle of no where. And while the laws of this small country town may appear odd to Ren, the weirdest of all is a law that exists prohibiting dancing. Ren discovers the meaning behind the strange law and works to prove to the town that while you get knocked down in life, you do eventually need to stand back up.

This rendition of Footloose appears stronger than most. That is most likely due to the fact that there is much less dialogue (Director’s choice) and much more of just song and dance in the show. Director and choreographer Brendan Stackhouse makes his best choice in eliminating much of the god awful book that exists for the production and relying heavily on the productions musical numbers. This is an excellent choice not only in the sense that the heart of the show is in its musical numbers, but the fact that the story is still perfectly told through less. Stackhouse works the piece and the space using the oddly shaped Spiro 2 using aisle choreography and consistent movement. Footloose takes off and never stops to look back.

Leading the gang is Max King, who stars as the out-of-town and out-of-place Ren McCormack. King dances about the stage consistently proving the spirit of Ren and Footloose itself with fun numbers such as “I Can’t Stand Still”. He also has the chance to work the crowd on the well-known opening and closing number, “Footloose”, bringing everyone in on the fun. Starring opposite King is Daniela Sottile, who plays Reverend Shaw’s daughter Ariel. Sottile shines as the rebellious teen who not only likes disobeying society but her father as she consistently proves herself to be a problem (But in all the right ways). Her performance only gets better when she has the chance to shine vocally as well on songs such as “Holding Out for a Hero” or “Almost Paradise”. “Almost Paradise”, sung with King is executed so simply that it actually proved one of my favorite moments of the show overall.

Freshmen Shane Ertter stars as Reverend Shaw Moore in the production. Despite the fact that he is one of the youngest cast members involved with the production, he also proves to be one of our favorites. He makes excellent choices as the father and Reverend trying not only to control his daughter but his town as well. His song “I Confess” in the second act is moving and hands down one of my favorite moments of the entire production. Another person worth noting is Phil DellaNoce who stars as the lovable and comedic Willard. DellaNoce delivers the laughs of the show consistently from his small encounters is scenes to his daring dance movings in the show’s production numbers. His rendition of “Mama Says” has the audience gasping for breath while surrounded by a great men ensemble backing him up.

Another great aspects of Footloose is the fierce backup provided from the small ensemble scenes to the large company numbers. You get to experience the joys of people such as Paige McNamara (Rusty), Lauren Wagner (Wendy Jo) and Patyon Sherry (Urleen). These three prove fantastic throughout the show with great dancing, backup and songs of their own. “Somebody’s Eyes”, which all three of them perform, is fantastic and vocally entertaining.

The only downfall of this production is the technical aspects of it. With a mix of a performance location and overall lack of resources from Completely Student Productions, the technical aspects for this show are minimal. And while it does work for the most part with the show mostly consisting of song and dance, you do find yourselves at times pleading for more. A colorful backdrop covers the back wall and helps the show pop with more vibrant colors.  But like we said, it only works. Due to the fact that Completely Student Productions is only a student group at Wagner College, they don’t receive enough financial funds to produce the technical elements of shows you want to see at a certain level.

If you missed Completely Student Production’s Footloose, don’t worry! The student run group will producing various other works throughout the semester that we will be sure to keep you up to date on! Only Luner on Theatre brings you student theatre news coverage you want and more! for more information, check out Completely Student Production’s Official Website. Be sure to check Luner on Theatre on Facebook and Follow Us on Twitter as well! We are constantly updating these pages with information! And of course, check out the rest of Luner on Theatre for all your theatre news you don’t only need but want to know!

C’mon Everybody: Completely Student Production’s Announces All Shook Up Cast

It may be winter break at Wagner College but that isn’t stopping Completely Student Productions from already beginning their plans for Spring 2012 productions on campus. And while Completely Student Productions has many productions planned and in the works for next semester, today we’re looking at their upcoming production of All Shook Up as a cast list has been announced!

All Shook Up is a jukebox musical that features the hip swinging music of Elvis Presley. The musical takes the music of “The King” and wraps it around into several love stories through a book written by Joe DiPietro based off of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 to only play 213 performances. However, a tour was launched and the musical is a popular production for any regional, college or high school venue to perform.

Brendan Stackhouse

Taking on potentially the largest production yet for Completely Student Productions is Brendan Stackhouse who is set to direct and choreograph the production. Also on board as an assistant director is Ailsa Hoke. Mary McElroy is set to stage manage and Valerie Caniglia is working on the production as well as a production assistant. Anthony Freitas will provide a scenic design while all other design aspects of the production will be designed by Amy Bishop.

The cast list for the upcoming Completely Student Production of    All Shook Up is listed below:

Within the ensemble, there are also a variety of understudies for each of the roles. The understudies and which parts they are understudying are listed below:

And there it is folks! The cast list for the upcoming production of All Shook Up! Luner on Theatre will be sure to bring you continued coverage of this upcoming show on the Wagner College campus. Performances for All Shook Up will be February 11th and February 12th at 8 PM with a performance as well on the 12th at 2 PM. There is a suggested donation of $2 at the door that will go to Completely Student Productions. All performances will be held in Gatehouse Lounge. For now, thats all we have folks! Stayed tuned to Luner on Theatre for all your need to know theatre news and so much more as we swing into a new semester with the hip groovin’ musical!

Next to Normal is Alive

There is a buzz in the air and clear excitement about as I attended Student Run Musical Theatre’s production of Next to Normal this past Friday night at The Performance Center at Wagner College on Staten Island. The production not only was the first collegiate production of the Broadway show in the nation but has redefined student productions at the Wagner Campus as it not only took on a challenging piece to mount but did it with the biggest success  yet for any student production at Wagner College.

Next to Normal is a musical that features a book and lyrics Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. The musical follows the story of a family as they deal with the mother’s bipolar disorder and the continuous disturbance it causes to their everyday lives. The musical also touches upon suicide, drug abuse, grieving, loss and many other subjects anyone can really relate to. This was my first time ever seeing Next to Normal and I have to admit, I fell in love with the piece. I’ve always been one for stories that just rip your heart out and leave it on the floor and that is exactly what this production does. From the music to the scenes, Next to Normal is so believable its easy to conceive something may happen to a family you know or even your own.

Student Run Musical Theatre’s production of Next to Normal has redefined student productions at the Wagner College campus. From a multi-level set to lights to microphones, it is clear the undertaking that was needed for the first ever collegiate production of this show in the nation has been met that on every level with excellence by SRMT. Every single aspect of this production was clearly though through and executed. A major congratulations to the entire cast and crew is deserved not only for putting on such an epic production but doing it with excellence as well.

Steven Babino

Marielle Greguski, who stars as Diana, has grown since seeing her only weeks ago as Cathy in The Last Five Years. Her voice continues to blow my mind with outstanding vocals that especially shinned on some of her best songs “You Don’t Know” and “I Miss the Mountains”. Her acting improved as well definitely helping as she clearly had the maternal aspect of Diana down. Steven Babino, who stars as Dan, is outstanding in his role playing the father figure who is stuck in the center of a never ending mess. Babino’s vocals and acting were spot on leaving many hurting for him as the show ends. “He’s Not Here” and “I Am the One” are great moments where he shines showing the love for his family and love for Diana. Babino’s dedication to the production is evident and clear with the passion he plays in the show.

Allison Dufford

Timothy McMillan, as Gabe, has blown my mind yet again since seeing him weeks ago as well as Jamie in The Last Five Years. I’ve decided that McMillan could sing the phone book and I would listen to his outstanding and impressive vocals at the age he is. His acting has definitely improved since last time as well. However, the role he is in isn’t one that require some over the top acting. McMillan easily steals the stage and even sometimes seduces the audience with his vocals on “I’m Alive” and “I Am the One”. Allison Dufford,who stars as Natalie, gives her greatest performance yet on stage. Clearly disturbed and upset by the surroundings she has been put into, Duffords character’s decline and return to normal life is disturbing to watch as the girl who clearly isn’t noticed in the home despite countless efforts. Her vocals as especially great shining on “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” and “Maybe (Next to Normal)” showing great moments for Dufford to throw in the emotion of the entire show into back bone songs that define her character.

Pat Dutton as Henry finds great moments to shine in the production despite majoring in Pre-Law currently at Wagner. And while I do have to say he made awkward acting choices at times, which mostly consisted of him not seeming connected to the show at all, he did connect with Dufford in all their scenes which is so clearly important at the Natalie and Henry story unfolds through out the piece. Dutton does have great vocals though through with the never ending “Hey” selections and in “Perfect for You”. I like when one is surprised by new talent and thats exactly what Dutton did. Cameron Sammartano who stars as Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden is however overshadowed through the piece. I felt myself loosing his vocals and even stage presence sometimes in larger numbers where the doctor is still so important. “Make Up Your Mind/Catch Me I’m Falling”, one of the biggest doctor portions of the show, was fantastic with all other cast members but I easily lost Sammartano’s vocals and presence on stage. The role needed a more prominent figure that stood out for the audience.

When it comes to the technical aspects of this production, Student Run Musical Theatre has pulled out all the stops. A multi-level set fills the stage to help create levels of the house including two door frames used for entrances and exits. Scene changes that take place are barely noticed do to the clever use of the space. While normal lighting for the stage area is provided through the Performance Center at Wagner College, the set is also home to a variety of clip lights. Filled with blue and normal light bulbs, the production uses these through out to create shadows and shapes of the home in a clever fashion. They are also used to isolate many of the lights to create different locations through out the piece. Great choices all around that all only helped enhance the productions experience. Also, another great aspect added was an updated sound system from The Last Five Years. Wired microphones still are on stage to pick up voices but cause no intrusion to the piece like they did in The Last Five Years. Also, three wireless microphones are used and passed off through out the production which allow for actors to really just go for it, which is fantastic. Of course, there are sound issues with feedback at times but I don’t think that is what matters. I can hear the actors and what they’re saying/singing and to me that is what matters.

I’d like to wish a major congratulations to Billy Aberle, the director of the production, and Chris Sabol who is the musical director for the production. Both who have taken on a huge responsibility of the first ever college production of this piece have scored in all categories. Their dedication to the piece is evident through the story being told, the outstanding vocals and their production which left not a dry eye in the room both nights. Billy Aberle deserves credit for directing a fantastic piece that requires so much depth at not only such a young age himself but with a young cast as well. The story is clearly told and grips the audience each night as they watch the family fall apart. Chris Sabol has done it again and has really outdone himself this time with not only incredible cast vocals but an outstanding pit to back it all up. The vocals are one of the brightest parts of show and Sabol deserves major credit for music directing an epic piece musically but making it sound incredible at that.

Overall, congratulations to everyone who was involved in the Student Run Musical Theatre production of Next to Normal. The piece, on a new level for student productions at Wagner, has not only left many amazed – but many wondered “How are you going to top that?”. A new day, or Just Another Day, has bloomed for Student Run Musical Theatre from this production. And that is one day that is only truly filled with light. Luner on Theatre brings you all your need to know theatre news. Check Out Our Previous Next to Normal coverage here. As well as all of our Student Production coverage you need to know. Luner on Theatre will continue to bring you all your Student Run Musical Theatre news as well as their Spring 2012 Season! Stay tuned for that and more!

The Creative Team and Cast of Next to Normal

Student Run Musical Theatre Presents Next to Normal

History will be made this weekend on the Wagner College campus in Staten Island, New York as the student theatre group Student Run Musical Theatre is at it again. After a successful first production of The Last 5 Years for the 2011-2012 Season, Student Run Musical Theatre will be the first group to ever put on a college production of the Broadway smash hit Next to Normal this weekend.

Student Run Musical Theatre is still a fresh face to the Wagner College Campus after appearing last year hoping to provide “another outlet for theatre on campus”. The group was founded by Billy Aberle and Chris Sabol. Their first production last year was A New Brain. They kicked off their season this year with The Last 5 Years and are now well underway into their second production of the year.

Next to Normal is a rock musical that features book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. The musical follows the story of a family and how they are affected as the mother of the family deals with a serious case of bipolar disorder. As the show continues, it worsens and the story broadens to deal with suicide, grieving a loss, drug abuse and suburban life just to mention a few. The musical features hit songs such as “I am the One”, “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” and “I’m Alive” just to name a few.

Director Billy Aberle talked about the importance of the story and show to him when I asked him what in the story of this show was important to him personally? “People think musicals are big and flashy. This musical is relatable – I mean, this could happen”. Its clear from the way he talks about it that there is not only a clear passion for the material but broader understanding which is clearly needed. “There show is genuine, down to earth but mostly, it is what it is”. And I think that is absolutely the best way to say it. Musical Director Chris Sabol and I also got a chance to speak briefly about the music. “Its definitely challenging”, Chris says talking about how this music is totally different from the last production SRMT did. “Everything just flows in this so its about keeping the pit together”.

Student Run Musical Theatre has put together a fantastic cast for this production. The production features Steven Babino, a Junior Theatre Performance major, as Dan. Marielle Greguski, a Freshmen Theatre Performance major, as Diana. Timothy McMillan, a Freshmen Music major, as Gabe. Allison Dufford, a Junior Theatre Performance major, as Natalie. Pat Dutton, a Freshmen Pre-Law major, as Henry and Cameron Sammartano, a Senior Arts Administration major, as Dr. Fine and Dr. Madden.

I dropped by Next to Normal on an exciting night for them. No, not because I was there to chat with a few of them – but NY1 was there as well to report on this first ever college production taking place. There was a very exciting energy in the air and that was clear. And whether I talked to the creative team or the cast, they all used the word “honored” when I asked them what it was like to be working on the first ever college production of Next to Normal.

Allison Dufford, who plays Natalie in the production, mentions this opportunity as being “incredible”. What exactly about it is? “Knowing a college could do a production of this and have the dedication to focus on details and the acting required”. When I ask Allison what she’ll end up taking away from all of this, she gives a great answer “Student Productions are interesting; in the sense that they are much more collaborative. You have no adults and its really a learning process – for everyone. You learn to become self sufficient working on shows like this” – Definitely well said.

Well said while Steven Babino, who plays Dan, is rather speechless about it all when asking him. “Its awesome! And its legit!” is his first response and probably the best way to describe his clear excitement about working on this production. And when asked what he will take away from this all? “I’ve just had  real blast – even being up at all hours sometimes working on the show. The show is incredible and that will definitely transfer into the performances” Well said and refreshing to see such excitment about a new production about to hit the Wagner College Campus

So, don’t miss Student Run Musical Theatre’s production of Next to Normal this weekend only at Wagner College! The production will run November 11th at 8 PM and November 12th at 9:30 PM in the Performance Center! And as if all of this was exciting enough, calling it “The Most Epic Wish”, as proceeds (100%) from the 11/11/11 performance of Next to Normal will be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation. So, witness history in the making and an all star production of Next to Normal this weekend at Wagner College. Luner on Theatre will be reviewing the production on Opening Night so you can expect our review bright and early on the 12th! Check back for that and of course, Check out the rest of Luner on Theatre for your Student Run Musical Theatre News and Student Production News period at Wagner College!

Completely Student Productions Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show: LIVE!

Its just a jump to the left…and then a step to the right! Are you ready for a Time Warp? Yes, ladies and gentlemen…it is THAT time of year again! As Halloween 2011 approaches, as do many halloween or horror productions, many a times, an all time favorite of theatre lovers; The Rock Horror Picture Show! And thats just what is kicking off the Halloween 2011 weekend at Wagner College as Completely Student Productions presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show: LIVE!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: LIVE! is a musical adapted from the screen in a rock musical that parodies science fiction films and horror movies of the late 1940′s to the early 1970′s. The story follows a newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, as they are brought into a world they never expected. After realizing they have a flat tire, the couple stumbles upon the Annual Transylvanian Convention which is where their adventure begins. From Transsexual Transylvania to UFO’s to killing people, The Rocky Horror Picture Show: LIVE! is a feel good production that will have the audience not only laughing but participating!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: LIVE! is a musical that was adapted into a movie in 1975. The british rock musical parodies science fiction and horror films from the 1940′s to the early 1970′s. The movie was directed by Jim Sharman who worked closely with Richard O’Brien who wrote the movie itself. O’Brien is also responsible for writing the music and lyrics for the stage adaptation of the piece. The movie was one of the very first to ever be anticipated at midnight and has gone on to become one of the most successful and grossing midnight movies of all time.

The creative team, while small, has most definitely done their work for this production ranging from direction to choreography. Heading the the creative team as director is Valerie Caniglia. She is a Junior at Wagner College majoring in Theatre Design, Technology and Management. Choreographing the production is Brendan Stackhouse. He is a Sophomore at Wagner College majoring in Arts Administration. Stage Management is by Daria Maurer, a Sophomore at Wagner College as well. Meghan Morash, a Junior Theatre Performance major, designed and executed costumes for the production as well.

The production has a variety of roles and features Wagner College Theatre students performing completely outside of the department in this production. The production features Kelsey Justin Stevens as Dr. Frank, Kara Krichman as Janet Weiss, Matt Hosmer as Brad Majors, Matt Sydney as Riff Raff, Meghan Morash as Magenta, Allison Dufford as Columbia, Kyle Peter Van Zandt as Rocky, Dan Kriss as Eddie/Dr. Scott, Paul Emrich as the Narrator, Ailsa Hoke as the Usherette and Jacqui Jablanski, Lauren Wagner and Jamie Maraviglia as the phantoms.

Wagner College’s Completely Student Productions will present The Rocky Horror Picture Show: LIVE! this Thursday October 27th and Friday October 28th. Both performances will be held in Spiro 2! The performances begin at Midnight with a Virgin Ceremony taking place at 11 PM! Luner on Theatre WILL be reviewing The Rocky Horror Picture Show: LIVE! for both Luner on Theatre and The Wagnerian. Official Reviews will be posted soon after. So don’t miss your chance to see this production that will definitely get you into the Halloween spirit! And just remember, its just a jump to the left….and then a step to the right! See you there Everyone – Don’t forget to check back for Official Reviews and more C.S.P. News here only on Luner on Theatre!

Student Run Musical Theatre Presents The Last 5 Years

While Wagner College Theatre may be known for its multiple productions it puts on annually, Wagner College has a variety of student groups on campus that produce theatre each year.  One of those groups is Student Run Musical Theatre which is kicking off its 2011 Season this weekend with the famous Jason Robert Brown piece, The Last 5 Years.

Student Run Musical Theatre is a new group to the Wagner College campus only being created just last year. The group was formed by Billy Aberle and Chris Sabol. While there are multiple other groups on campus dedicated to theatre, Chris says Billy and himself were really interested in “creating another outlet for theatre on campus”.  The first show their organization produced last year was  A New Brain.

The Last 5 Years is a musical that features Book, Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. The plot line of the musical follows the story of  Jamie Wellerstein and Cathy Hyatt. The musical takes an interesting approach with Cathy beginning her story at the end of their marriage and working backwards while Jamie works from the day they met and works forward. They meet in the middle for one song only and then continue on their way. The musical includes songs such as “See I’m Smiling”, “Moving Too Fast” and “I Can Do Better Then That” just to name a few. The musical is based off of a true life relationship drama of Jason Robert Brown.

Something very exciting about this production is the two people playing Jamie and Cathy in this show! Why though you ask? Because both of them are now less then a month into their freshmen year here at Wagner. Timothy McMillan stars as Jamie with Marielle Greguski as Cathy. Allison Smeck is on board as Director of the piece with Chris Sabol as Music Director. Billy Aberle is Producing.

I was lucky enough to drop by rehearsal last night for The Last 5 Years only 2 nights before Opening. And you wouldn’t be able to tell that it was that – in a good way. Chris Sabol sits relaxed at the piano and Allison asks the cast how their day was. When I asked Chris about music directing this show he laughs at first and then says “It is definitely one of the hardest shows I’ve ever musically directed”. And as he goes into explaining why thats so, I get the answer of emotional depth. “Some people say this show is really just a song cycle, but the hardest part about it is digging into what the characters are really saying. The emotional depth of this show has definitely been the hardest part”, Chris mentioned. I also got to chat with director Allison Smeck about the production. She teamed up with SRMT in Fall 2010 and does a variety of jobs. “They took my soul”, she says as she jokes about working with Billy and Chris. When I asked her about her favorite part on working on this production, she mentioned she has been able to really discover what love is while working on this production whether it be a success, a failure or watching it fall apart. “I’ve also loved getting to work with new talent (referring to Tim and Marielle). We literally spend hours and hours together so we’re really a family”.

Student Run Musical Theatre will present The Last 5 Years on September 23rd and September 24th at 8:00 PM. The performances will take place at The Performance Center in Campus Hall on the Wagner College Campus. While admission is free, there is a suggested $3 donation at the door which will help to support SRMT future productions. I will be attending this production and posting my official review of it Saturday morning so be sure to check back for this! After talking to the cast and crew tonight for a few moments, my expectations for this show are nothing but high. You can check out the Official Facebook Event for Last 5 Years on Facebook or check out Student Run Musical Theatre’s Official Website. And of course, check back to Luner on Theatre not only for our official review Saturday but all your Student Run Musical Theatre news all year long!