Worcester State Students Put Modern Spin on “Romeo and Juliet”

by Christina Cronin, VPA PR and Marketing Intern

It’s the classic story featuring love, comedy, death, political turmoil… and dancing…

It’s a modern take that includes fight scenes choreographed to dance steps and challenges to gender norms. 

Brett St. Onge as Romeo and Julia Duggan as Juliet rehearse for Romeo and Juliet.

It’s Romeo and Juliet set in the modern day as Worcester State students take on the story of the “pair of star-crossed lovers.” The show runs Nov. 21-24, 2019.

Adam Zahler, the play’s director, said Romeo and Juliet seemed the obvious choice this year because of the political rift in our country. “Almost every other day, we hear on the news about how polarized the political parties are, how polarized the nation is,” said Zahler. “The prologue to Romeo and Juliet tells us that there are two well-respected families, who are engaged in a feud that regularly breaks into physical violence.  The parallel seemed compelling and relevant to us.”

Zahler decided to tell the story in a modern setting. He wanted to emphasize the violence in the play. Even for those who have not seen the play, it is no secret that Romeo and Juliet must die for their two families to resolve their feud. “How that happens, and why, is what drives the play,” said Zahler.

The show poses a challenge for everyone involved. Not only do the actors have to memorize the lines, but they have to understand them from a 21st century perspective, as the play is written in Shakespearean language.

Brett St. Onge, who plays Romeo, said he was excited to bring this love story to a modern era. One of the challenges he faced in taking on Romeo’s character was developing every thought that he (Romeo) has. “He has many new discoveries, much like a typical 16-17-year-old boy today.”

Julia Duggan, who plays Romeo’s counterpart, said she found a lot of emotional aspects to taking on the role of Juliet. 

“Her character is so dynamic. She’s easily one of the smartest characters in this show, so I have to somehow get that across to the audience while also showing them that I’m a naive 13-year-old who is simply defying her parents,” said Duggan. “I feel that I’m taking on Juliet’s character in a way that will make sense to the audience and will also allow them to feel her pain and sorrow.”

Brett St. Onge and Mikaela Davis Sargent rehearse a fight scene.

As St. Onge and Duggan take on the challenge of their roles, Mikaela Davis Sargent finds her challenge a little different. In assigning her the character, Tybalt, Zahler challenged gender roles.  It’s one of the modern takes Zahler put into the production.

“Putting such hotheaded and aggressive attributes into a female role is something I haven’t had to do before, but it’s fun working through it,” said Davis Sargent. 

The production includes another nontraditional aspect — dancing. The production incorporates dancing into the fight scenes, paired with upbeat and modern music. 

During his research, Zahler looked at breakdance from the 1980s. One of the styles they found was rivalry performance, which gangs in NYC used to propel violence without actually fighting. They also used a French dance form called Apache, which is fighting carried out in dance.

“So, there’s dancing – choreographed by the same student playing Romeo, fights, romance, comedy, and heart-breaking tragedy…with an amazing cast of students,” said Zahler.

“Romeo and Juliet” runs Nov. 21 – 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets through VPABoxOffice@worcester.edu or call (508) 929-8843. Tickets are $14 general public, $10 seniors and $7 students.

WSU Students Take Musical Skills to New Levels in VPA’s Applied Music Program

by Christina Cronin, VPA PR and Marketing Intern

For students with a penchant for performing — for strumming the guitar, plunking a tune on the piano, stroking the violin, blowing a wind instrument or belting out a tune — Worcester State offers an opportunity to improve skills and perform on stage through its applied music program. The Program also offers students credit toward their degrees.

Tayla Aleci during a previous performance.

The applied music program offers voice and instrument lessons to students over the course of a semester. In the middle of the semester, students audition for lessons for the fall or spring semesters. At the end of the semester, students perform in the Fall or Spring Mosaic of Music, a showcase of the students’ acquired talents. 

The deadline to audition for the spring semester is Nov. 20.

The Fall Mosaic includes an array of students doing vocal performances of different Christmas songs. The students worked with Instructor Julie Krugman to find songs that best suit their voice type and how they portray the story they are telling through the song. 

Tayla Aleci has been involved with the program for four semesters. Being a VPA major going into music, she thought voice lessons would benefit her in the future. Joining the Applied Music program taught her how to know her abilities and limits as a musician. 

“Before, I wasn’t sure of any of that. By working with Julie, we’ve found my comfortable spots and where my limitations are,” said Aleci. “I’ve also learned more about how I can use my voice to teach students, hoping I’ll be a music teacher in the near future.”

This semester will be Aleci’s last Mosaic performance. She is looking forward to her song choice for this performance.

Chantal Thomas rehearsing for the upcoming Fall Mosaic.

For Chantal Thomas, who joined the program in the Spring of 2019, she feels that she is already learning to control her voice better. “I never knew there was so much that goes into singing, but now that I have this knowledge, it allows me to sing much better. Because I am singing better, it is more enjoyable,” said Thomas. 

Thomas is performing “O Holy Night” in the Mosaic. She said this is harder than anything she’s sung before, and she loves the challenge that comes with preparing for the performance.

Aleci and Thomas agreed that the applied music program provides the opportunity for students to take lessons who never got the chance to do so in the past. It allows students to test their voice or ability to play an instrument and see what works or does not work for them.

Although this is her final semester in the program, Aleci plans to continue with her music. She plans on using what she’s learned to pursue a career as a music teacher. 

“Julie has helped me by preparing me for vocal warm ups I may use with students, and other activities that use vocalizations,” said Aleci. “Everything I’ve learned will be going to use when I am able to teach students in elementary school music.”

Thomas would like to take these lessons and use them in a talent competition in the future. She wishes to continue with voice lessons after she graduates. 

Aleci and Thomas are just two of many students taking part in the applied music program and performing in the Fall Mosaic. The audience can expect a variety of holiday songs performed by WSU students. 

“It is just going to be very fun and high spirited,” said Thomas. “I know each of us have spent hours trying to perfect these songs so it will be great to see the outcome.”

The deadline to audition for the program for the spring semester is Nov. 20. To apply for the program, visit https://www.worcester.edu/Applied-Music-Lesson-Application/ or contact Kyle Martin at vpamusic@worcester.edu. The Fall Mosaic takes place on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Fuller Theater. The event is FREE and open to the public.

Ready to relive the good old days?

A photo of the Chorale in 1993 on its first international tour in the Czech Republic.

By Christina Cronin,
VPA Marketing and PR Intern

With over 100 singers from the Chorale past and present bringing their voices together, the 30th Reunion Concert of the WSU Chorale will deliver a sound that reaches the rooftops and raises those goosebumps.

The Worcester State Chorale members past and present are preparing for their 30th Anniversary Reunion Concert at All Saints Episcopal Church on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 4 p.m.

Chorale Director Christie Nigro first formed the Chorale in 1989. “I saw that there was no advanced singing group here at WSU and no a capella experience,” said Nigro. “I wanted WSU students to gain that experience.”

One of the struggles with starting the Chorale, Nigro admitted, was finding enough men to sing. “There is sometimes a stigma for guys who sing,” said Nigro. “Right now, though, I have a pretty even balance of men and women.”

Over the next 30 years, the Chorale doubled in size with more incoming students wanting to continue their high school experience.

Member Katherine Wagner joined the Chorale because she was a part of her high school choir and wanted to continue singing and performing in college. “My experience with the Chorale has exceeded all of my expectations of the group. It is like having a second family,” said Wagner. “Everyone in the group is super welcoming, and everyone makes you feel comfortable with your voice.”

Here the Chorale is in Italy in 2013.

Dakota Hinerth joined the Chorale a few semesters ago after learning about the group from a classmate. This was Hinerth’s first time joining a Chorale group. “Being in the Chorale has been one of the most fun learning experiences I’ve had at Worcester State,” said Hinerth. “The people I’ve met through this group have quickly become some of my absolute best friends, and I’ve also learned a great deal about music and singing in a group.”

For Chorale president and nursing major Mallory Breen, the Chorale is the place for her to destress from her intense coursework and show off her love for singing. “We are all so supportive of each other and happy to be singing together. I love going to Chorale,” said Breen.

Being a Chorale member gives its members the chance to make new memories and live new experiences.  The Reunion Concert welcomes back alumni who were members of the Chorale during their time at Worcester State. 

Through a full day of events, past and current members share their memories and experiences — finding commonality in calling the Chorale a family. 

To orchestrate the reunion, Nigro worked with Alumni Relations in locating alumni and planning the performance. “The alums love to come back and sing. It sounds like they never left,” said Nigro. She expects over 100 singers to return for the event, some members returning from areas such as Arizona, California, and Tennessee.

The day of the performance represents a whole day of reunion activities including a meet and greet brunch, the 4 p.m. performance and a reunion dinner.

The rest of their time together consists of the members of the Chorale rehearsing for their performance later that afternoon. It is the first time that all the members performing will be performing at once. 

“I am looking forward to hearing how we all sound as a group, as everyone in the Chorale is so talented and brings so much to the music,” said Breen. “It will be so cool to hear all the voices, and the group is going to be very large, so it will be awesome to hear the sound we can make all together. I am excited to see how the music comes together once we are all together practicing.”

The performance consists of past songs the Chorale performed, including  “Shenandoah” by Bob Dylan, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John, “Fix You” by Coldplay, “Ubi Caritas” by Durufle, and “A Capella Overtures.” Through visual media, the performance also highlights past Chorale experiences, including international tours, fundraisers, singing valentines, Friends of Chorale, and many more memories that past and present members shared.

“I think the biggest takeaway for me is just that the love for music will never go away,” said Breen.

The Reunion Concert takes place at All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester on Saturday, Oct. 26, beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information and to buy tickets, contact Christie Nigro at cnigro@worcester.edu

Encaustic, Elemental, Environmental

By Christina Cronin, VPA marketing and PR intern

Each day the effects grow greater. 

Every decision we make now impacts the world we live in. 

Climate change is one of the most talked about current issues. It is impossible to ignore it. Right now, it is more important than ever to recognize the need for environmental sustainability. What better way than to raise awareness through art? 

The Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery presents its first exhibit of the season, Crossroads: 4 Perspectives,  featuring artists of the Elemental artist collaborative. The exhibit opens October 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a talk from the artists beginning at 6 p.m.

Meet the artists: Charyl Weissbach, Patricia Gerkin, Donna Hamil Talman, and Debra Claffey 

Using the medium encaustic, a hot wax mixed with pigment to create a 3D effect, the artists are dedicated to raising awareness of the need for environmental sustainability. Though the four artists share the same purpose of raising concern for the health of the planet, each artist has their own individual source of inspiration.

Debra Claffey’s work celebrates plants — their form and their ability to communicate with humans and other species. “My aim is to help my viewers appreciate plant life a bit more when they enjoy my work and in a hopeful and positive way,” said Claffey. She chose the medium of encaustic because it allows her to make numerous changes and works with her style of painting, which includes drawing, scratching, and incising marks into the surface of a painting, creating a layered effect. 

Donna Hamil Talman finds inspiration in the effect humans have on the planet. In one of her projects, Talman collects trash from beaches and uses it in her images. “I hope viewers will be reminded not to dump drink bottles and take out cartons on beaches,” said Talman. Talman uses her images to convey the passage of time, similar to aged, slightly worn photographs. Encaustic allows her to create that effect with wax, as oil or acrylic don’t work in the same way.

Patricia Gerkin dedicates her “Life Cycles” series to a single fallen leaf and its details, from the edges to the webbing. “I hope that the viewer will recognize the impermanence of everything that exists and appreciate this moment we have of ineffable beauty and the need to preserve it,” said Gerkin. Encaustic allows Gerkin to create a juxtaposition of raw, rough materials with fragile, refined materials.  “I hope that the viewers will appreciate the luminosity and versatility of the medium, encaustic, as it is not as well known as other mediums.”

Charyl Weissbach’s work draws attention to our ocean’s acidification of coral reef habitats. Her art focuses on the abstraction of the coral reefs. “It is my hope these paintings will evoke feelings of sublime beauty, mystery, and the fragility of our oceans and inspire mankind to participate in a continued effort to protect it and the inhabitants within it,” said Weissbach. Encaustic has been the basis of her paintings for fifteen years. “Its translucency and saturated color best enable me to convey nature’s vastness and the details found within it while expressing timelessness and feelings of inspiration that transcend space and time.”

Pathos by Pat Gerkin

“It [encaustic] is very malleable, it allows the artist a great deal of freedom to work in a realistic or abstract manner, with added objects and materials,” said Catherine Wilcox-Titus, director of the Gallery. “I enjoy work that combines the best aesthetic sensibility along with a political engagement. Climate change is an emergency, it is here, right now.”

The exhibit’s opening reception takes place on Thurs., Oct. 10, from 5-7 p.m., with free light refreshments and a talk from the artists beginning at 6 p.m. The exhibit remains open to the public until November 14, during regular gallery hours, Tues. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 1- 5 p.m. The exhibit is FREE. The Gallery is located in the Ghosh Science and Tech. Center.

A Case for Majoring in Theatre

By James Joyce, guest blogger

James Joyce in Peter and the Starcatcher with Brett St. Onge and Autumn Thebedo. Peter and the Starcatcher is by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, and adapted for the stage by Rick Elice. Winter 2019

Becoming a VPA theatre major proved a life-changing decision for me.

Like many young actors, I thought that my high school graduation meant the end of my acting career. Societal pressure to find a “real job” pushed me toward a more practical degree in communication.

Any actor will tell you that once you get on stage, it’s hard to leave. I am not an exception. Halfway through my freshman year, I found myself yearning to perform again.

I added visual and performing arts as a second major to my program of study in spring 2017 and participated in my first Worcester State theatre production the following fall.

The first show I participated in was Chekhov’s The Seagull. The rigorous rehearsal schedule and intensity of direction took me by surprise, but it was an incredible experience.

I felt that I and the other new actors were immediately accepted into the community and treated as professionals. This was different from the cliquey theatre stereotypes that most people experience.

James Joyce with Shyiesha Brown in Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage.

Director Adam Zahler treated us as professionals. Rehearsals took place from 6 p.m. -9 p.m. four times a week. We were responsible for learning lines and researching our characters. This was much more intense than anything I’d participated in before — it was necessary to do and allowed me to grow as a performer.

I had a small part (just three lines), but I learned so much about acting and being a part of a serious piece of theatre.

The transition from high school acting to university acting was eased by the deep sense of community present in the Worcester State theatre program. From the first table read, I felt I belonged.

Students and faculty work together to create an environment where everyone is supported and becomes a valuable member of the team.

I found so many wonderful opportunities to perform and practice my craft. My favorite was playing the title role in Peter and the Starcatcher. I worked with so many talented people and I felt many facets of my training coming together.

James Joyce hangs with Emmanuel Freeman in Anonymous by Naomi Iizuka. The production took place on the Fuller Theater stage in spring 2018.

With so many new faces in “Peter,” it was my turn to welcome actors into our theatre community. The ensemble nature of the show allowed everyone an opportunity to shine.

In this production, I applied many skills I learned at Worcester State. Not only did I use acting techniques, but I served as fight captain, employed previous accent training to learn a British accent, and even did some sewing for the costumes.

The nature of the theatre program allowed me to learn both the performance and technical aspects of theatre. Some of the skills I learned included puppetry, costume design, dramaturgy, and more. It ignited passions for new areas of theatre and gave me a greater appreciation for the full process of putting on a show.

This also allowed me to forge friendships with several mentors, like Costume Designer Susan Johnson-Hood and Department Chair Adam Zahler.

Recently I attended Worcester State’s production of Speech & Debate, a largely student-produced piece. It was a beautiful example of the camaraderie among students in the program.

I watched my peers, old and new, create an emotionally moving piece of theatre.

My good friend and fellow theatre student, Erick Lindenberger, excelled in his directorial debut.

The design team included several peers, including Choreographer Brett St. Onge and Costume Designer Bellalorraine Carey-Hicks.

The actors, many of whom made their debuts in Peter and the Starcatcher this semester, blossomed in their starring roles in Speech & Debate.

I am immensely proud of my friends and the art they created. It is a testament to the community-driven nature of the theatre program and the high quality of instruction offered at Worcester State.

Majoring in visual and performing arts with a concentration in theatre rekindled my passion for acting and performing. It opened so many opportunities outside of school, including stand-up comedy and acting as a film extra.

My work in communication is influenced by my experiences in theatre. My capstone project is about promoting theatrical productions. Some of the work came from my perspective as an actor in the production. This is a unique perspective that I gained because I  added my VPA major.

Later this month, I will be a graduate of Worcester State. But I am leaving with more than just a degree; I am leaving with a passion for what I do, a deeper understanding of my craft, and most importantly, a community that I know I can always look to for support.

Worcester State will always be home.

WSU’s Speech & Debate Tackles Tough Issues

By James Joyce, guest blogger

Gabriella DeAngelis rehearses lines with Michale Friedrich for the upcoming performance of Speech & Debate.

It isn’t often a play stays socially relevant for over a decade after it opens. Stephen Karam’s Speech & Debate does just that.

Four Worcester State University freshmen are rehearsing Speech & Debate, led by Student Director Erick Lindenberger.

Set in the small town of Salem, Oregon, the play follows three high school outcasts who band together to form a speech and debate club.

Throughout the play, the protagonists deal with pressing social issues such as sexual harassment in schools, teen pregnancy, and acceptance of LGBTQ youth.

I recently interviewed student director Erick Lindenberger.

James: “How are you going about presenting the serious themes in Speech & Debate?”

Erick: “I’d like to present the themes as matter of fact. They aren’t out there, they’re everyday occurrences. Sexual harassment in school is an everyday occurrence, we just don’t always hear about it. My goal is to portray these issues as realistically as possible.”

James: “What does it mean to you to be able to present such issues?”

Erick: “It gives me and everyone involved the chance to open up a dialogue in a way that can benefit the victims of such crimes.”

Erick Lindenberger directs Speech & Debate. His directorial debut at WSU’s Visual and Performing Arts Department.

James: “How have your experiences as a gay teen influenced the way you direct the show?”

Erick: “I think I have an understanding of what the characters are going through. I relate to one of the characters who is in the closet because that’s something I experienced in high school. I think I bring a certain empathy to be able to direct characters who are LGBTQ.”

James: “Ultimately, what do you hope to communicate to the audience?”

Erick: “I want people to listen to the victims of sexual harassment, to listen to LGBTQ kids and teens, to listen to teens who are going through something like a pregnancy scare or needing an abortion. They’re often looked at very judgmentally when that is the opposite of what they need.”

Lindenberger later added that he hopes parents will bring their teens, but because of the nature of the show he recommends leaving younger children at home.

Worcester State University’s production of Speech & Debate runs May 2-4 at 8pm and May 5 at 2pm in the Fuller Theater. For tickets call the box office at 508-929-8843 or send an email to vpaboxoffice@worcester.edu.

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In the Gallery with Student Curator Bailey Boutiette

By Nicole O’Connell, guest blogger

Bailey Boutiette, a VPA major concentrating in studio arts, graduates from Worcester State in May; more exciting, a different accomplishment opens soon. Boutiette curates her own art show, Ingenuity Opportunity, which opens March 28 – April 11 in the Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery. The opening reception takes place on March 28, 5 – 7 p.m.

I met with Boutiette in the Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery and spoke to her about the excitement surrounding her involvement in Ingenuity Opportunity.

Bailey Boutietter near the picture of Mary Cosgrove Dolphin outside the Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery at WSU.

 

 

Why did you decide to curate an art show?

I’ll be graduating with two majors (VPA and Business). This is why I wanted to do an art show for my capstone project versus a creative work because I feel like it brought together both skill sets into one, so it would be a good culmination of my entire education.

I’ve been interested in curating because I really enjoy the analytics and the technical side of the business degree. I don’t really like working in a business environment, per se. I love, however, the arts and the cultural sector. I wanted to take those skills and put them into the cultural sector. I figured curating would be the closest thing to a job that represents what I want.

I wanted this show to be an exercise to see if I like it and want to pursue it. Something that blossomed out of this show was that I studied the creative economy of exhibitions like this. I think in the future that’s something I want to do. I want to study economics in the cultural sector. It was a good little discovery.

How would you describe the process of putting together the show?

It’s a very exciting process, the whole thing has been a lot of fun. It started at the end of last semester, probably November. I’ve been working on this since November.

After I decided I wanted to curate a show, the first thing I had to do was pick a demographic, decide who I wanted to target. I didn’t want to be exclusive. I wanted to be inclusive, yet still specific. I decided to target schools in Worcester County and I started bombarding schools with emails.

How many pieces are going to be in the show?

In the show we are going to have forty-nine artworks.

We received over one hundred submissions, which is exciting because part of the process for my research was doing interviews with experts in the cultural sector of Worcester County. A lot of them told me that because I’m working with student artists, that I’m not going to receive any submissions. So I was thinking “What am I going to do if no one submits any artwork?” We ended up getting over a hundred which was really shocking and surprising. A good surprise.

Is your own art being shown?

A lot of people have asked me that question and I’ve said that’s way too weird to have my own artwork in the art show I’m curating! So I will not have any creative works in this show. I’m still entertaining the idea that I’ll have time to create work for the senior art show that comes after Ingenuity Opportunity.

What kind of art do you enjoy?

I’m a painter. I like to paint and I really enjoy illustration and things like that. More of the hands-on, that’s for sure.

Will the show have works from Worcester State students?

The majority of artists are from Worcester State but we are featuring five schools, which was a pretty good accomplishment. We have students from Quinsig, Nichols, Assumption, and Clark as well as Worcester State.

Did you come up with the name Ingenuity Opportunity yourself?

Catherine Wilcox-Titus, the gallery director, told another intern and me that we needed to sit down and brainstorm together. So I went on thesaurus.com, looking up as many words as I possibly could and I made this massive list and came up with a couple things, but they didn’t click. Then Catherine came in and said “Ingenuity Opportunity” and I said “That’s perfect.” It was a team effort.

What would you consider your most exciting experience during this process?

The research side. I really enjoyed going to all the different interviews and speaking with all the different people that have a lot of experience in the art realm, especially in Worcester County. Hearing their advice, their guidance, their mistakes, and how they got through it have prepared me for the challenges of this show and I’m taking a lot of what they said for the future too. So that was the most exciting part.

What kind of an audience are you expecting at the opening?

At the opening reception, we actually have a really decent crowd of regulars who like to come. I know we have one guy who just comes for the food and one person just loves this space and likes to donate to it. So there’s a whole community tied into this space already.

I’ve never even been inside the Gallery before today.

We’re kind of in the back corner of the campus. A lot of people don’t know it’s here. It’s a little hidden treasure at Worcester State. We have somebody volunteering now and she’s a science major, and she didn’t know it was here. We definitely need to get ourselves out there more and we’re trying to have as many events as we can.

I’m sure going to the opening is going to be thrilling for you?

Yeah, I don’t know what I’m going to say yet. I’m assuming I have to talk, so I’m just…I have to get a dress and do my makeup (laughs).

Ingenuity Opportunity takes place in the Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery in the Ghosh Science and Technology Building. The opening reception runs from  5 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 28. The show remains open until April 11. Exhibit hours are Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday 1 – 5 p.m., or by appointment. Ingenuity Opportunity is free and open to the public.

VPA Chair Brings One-Act to Worcester State

By James Joyce, VPA and Communication major, guest blogger

While driving to a funeral in Vermont, Worcester State University Visual and Performing Arts Chair Adam Zahler called his friend, Kent Cassella.

As they chatted, Cassella brought up a show the duo performed twice in 1978, The Duck Variations.

“You know, I was thinking about Duck Variations,” said Casella. “We’re right at that age now.”

Adam Zahler and Kent Cassella in full make-up from a newspaper clipping of their original performance in The Duck Variations.

The Duck Variations by David Mamet offers a discussion between two old men sitting on a park bench. They make observations about life and human nature, and present these observations as facts about ducks. Their humorous and insightful arguments reveal their conflicting worldviews.

Zahler and Cassella first produced The Duck Variations as the first show of Second Stage, the Vermont-based theatre company they co-founded.

Now Zahler and Cassella are remounting the show for Worcester State in the Fuller Theater on March 28… with the same three players.

Zahler and Cassella even brought the director from their 1978 performances, Jonathan Bourne, onboard direct the show.

Adam Zahler

Kent Cassella

In an interview, Professor Zahler offered some insights about the show.

The rehearsal process began over Skype, which presented both technical and acting issues.

Zahler said, “Invariably, 20 to 30 minutes of any one of our rehearsals was ‘this isn’t working, where’s John, what happened to John?’ and that part was very funny.”

As for the acting issues, Zahler said, “We couldn’t bring it to performance readiness that way. We were missing the tactile stuff that comes with being in a room together and all of the minute interactions.”

Zahler doesn’t want to “spill the beans” because he is hosting a talk back after the performance, but there are a few more highlights from the interview I have to share.

When asked how the original production impacted his career, he said, “I didn’t know if I could start a theatre company. I didn’t know if I could make something successful. After Duck Variations, I knew we could do it.”

Zahler ended the interview with this:

“It’s really nice being back together with my friends. It was heartbreaking when we broke up. It’s not that we lost touch with each other, but working together again, it’s just delicious.”

I asked if he’d like to add anything else.

“Quack.”

The only chance to catch this performance is March 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for students, $10 for seniors, and $14 for general admission. To reserve tickets, call the Worcester State Box Office at 508-929-8843 or send an email to vpaboxoffice@worcester.edu. Tickets are also at the door.

The Chorale Sings the Swinging 60s

By Nicole O’Connell, guest blogger

Though most will be singing songs written years and even decades before they were born, members of the Worcester State Chorale are preparing their solos for the “Swinging 60s” performance at El Basha on Thursday, March 7.

Ian Simpson, a senior VPA major, was in charge of organizing this year’s theme night. “Initially we were thinking about a bunch of different things,” he said. “The first that came to mind was Motown. I was really interested in doing some Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye-type stuff, but we wanted to open that idea up a lot more. We thought about decades night and then we kind of zoomed back in from there. So that was this whole process of deciding the theme.”

Several Chorale members offer up a solo at the March 7 performance, The Swingin 60s.

“It gives them a chance to get to know the music of that period,” said Dr. Christie Nigro, the Chorale director.

“And it is a terrific period for music!” said Simpson. “We settled on the sixties because it’s like the golden age for a lot of different types of music, from Motown and soul to rock. There’s just so much; it’s a great selection.”

Singing at El Basha also gives Chorale members the opportunity to perform alongside the Bobby Gadoury Trio. Instrumentalists back the singers, with some spotlighted soloists. Instrumental back-up presents a different kind of experience for members of this vocal ensemble that normally sings a cappella.

“This gives us a chance to show the public the individual talent of people in the Chorale,” said Nigro. “Everybody knows they sound great together, but they also sound great as individuals.”

So, just how many Chorale members will be singing on Thursday night? “26 out of a group of 39,” said Nigro. “That’s the biggest bunch of people that we have ever participated at theme night!”

With that many performers comes a great amount of songs. The audience at El Basha will hear “House of the Rising Sun,” “Hey Jude,” “These Boots are Made for Walking,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” among a multitude of others.

There are different reasons why each soloist landed on their tune of choice. Some soloists chose songs they associated with a loved one.

Alexis Ramos, a sophomore majoring in occupational therapy, will be performing “It’s A Man’s World” by James Brown on Thursday night. “It’s my grandma’s favorite song,” she said.

“I’m doing ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand,’” said Mallory Breen, a junior nursing major. As to why she chose this Beatles song, she said, “My mom really likes it, so I wanted to do it in honor of her.” Her mother will be attending the performance at El Basha, as will many friends and family of Chorale members. However, sometimes, loved ones of the Chorale are also in the Chorale!

Alyssa Herter, a senior in early childhood education, will be singing “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” by Elvis Presley. “I chose this song because it’s the one song that no matter where or when it comes on, Sam, my wonderful fiancé, always slow dances with me.” Herter’s fiancé will also be performing a solo on Thursday; he chose “Sounds of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel.

Others in the Chorale picked songs for the simple reason that they enjoy them.

Josh Vongkhamheuang, a senior studying mass communication, said, “I’m doing the song ‘Born to be Wild’ by Steppenwolf, mostly because I’m a rock-driven artist and that’s my song of choice.”

Though Simpson will be emceeing Thursday’s event, he also has a solo planned. “Personally, I’m doing “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin, or really by Carole King as done by Aretha Franklin,” he said. “I’m a huge Aretha fan and it’s kind of ironic, but I’m going to try to do it unironically. I really wanted to have her music involved, kind of as a tribute to her. At the very beginning of this whole process, I wanted Aretha to be involved somewhere.”

The Swinging 60s takes place at El Basha in Worcester on Thursday, March 7, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and food and beverages can be purchased separately at El Basha. For more information and to buy tickets, contact Ian Simpson at isimpson@worcester.edu or Christie Nigro at cnigro@worcester.edu

Taking on Peter Pan

By James Joyce, Visual and Performing Arts and Communication major — And, Peter.

Hey Lancers,

This is James Joyce blogging for the Artful Lancer. I am a Visual and Performing Arts theatre student in my final semester at Worcester State.

James Joyce with Shyiesha Brown in Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage. 

If anybody told me when I was a freshman that I’d spend my final semester at Worcester State working on the lead role in Peter and the Starcatcher, I wouldn’t have believed it. I entered Worcester State as a Communication major with no plans to do theatre. I quickly realized I missed the stage. I added a VPA major, auditioned for The Seagull, and somehow arrived here, playing Peter Pan.

This role is my capstone project. As part of that, I am researching subjects that inform my playing of Peter. Later in the semester, I’ll turn in a written account of the rehearsal process and what I learned from the experience. At the end of the semester, I must present my findings and defend the value of the project to earn my VPA degree.

Typically, when students undertake an acting capstone, they are assigned a role long before casting takes place. When I was assigned the role of Peter last summer, I knew that it would be my greatest acting challenge to date.

A challenge of playing Peter Pan is making the character my own. Many people, including myself, remember Disney’s Peter Pan or Robin Williams’s iconic performance in Hook. I haven’t seen these in many years, and I consciously decided to stay away from them. I am proud of the uniqueness of my portrayal.

Even though I stayed away from studying other actors as Peter, I encountered several references directly from Peter Pan that require me to take inspiration from other portrayals – namely, Peter’s iconic crow. It is the same rooster crow you’ll hear from a Peter Pan actor at Disney World. I actually learned to crow by watching YouTube videos of these Peters crowing. The crow is fun to do and I’d recommend learning it, even if you aren’t playing Peter.

This show is much different from the previous pieces I’ve worked on at Worcester State. I enjoyed my experiences working on Intimate Apparel and The Seagull, but they were dramatic and dark. Peter and the Starcatcher takes a lighter and more comedic tone. It even features songs and a mermaid dance number choreographed by student choreographer, Brett St. Onge.

Our design team created a set that transports the audience to exciting locations such as the pirate ship known as the Neverland and the jungles of Mollusk Island.

Susan Johnson-Hood’s costumes are spectacular. These range from shiny, colorful mermaids and swashbuckling pirates to poor, filthy orphans. This is the first show I’ve seen at Worcester State that allows such exciting character costumes.

I could not have asked for a better cast to perform my capstone show. The large cast allows me to work with so many new actors and make so many new friends.

I share most of my scenes with Molly, played by Bellalorraine Carey-Hicks. She is an incredibly professional actress and I’m so impressed with the work she’s done. She’s in her first year and, although she wants to design costumes more than she wants to act, I’d say Worcester State can look forward to several more of her performances.

Many scenes are also shared with the Lost Boys, Prentiss and Ted, played by Brett St. Onge and Autumn Thebodo. They have infectious comedic chemistry and it’s so much fun sharing a stage with them.

I’m also the box office manager. You can visit or call the box office Monday-Thursday from 10am-2pm, or email me at vpaboxoffice@worcester.edu to reserve tickets. Tickets are $8 for students, $14 for seniors, and $18 for general admission. Peter and the Starcatcher offers shows on Feb. 28 – March 2 at 8 p.m. and March 3 at 2 p.m.

I can’t wait to see you all there!