Oracle Winter 2020

P A G E 2 , T H E A D E L P H I O R A C L E , W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 Adelphians Take Center Stage for Special 5 Year Anniversary Show! Continued from page 1 In addition, the program welcomed several new faculty members this year, as well as additional stage crew members, creating a true sense of family. The cast members embraced the spot- light, taking on prominent roles and per- forming solos in songs as well. Upper Schooler Richard, who made his Masquers debut last year, portrayed a number of memorable characters and sang several solos in the anniversary show. His unfor- gettable portrayal of Edna during the Hair- spray classic “You Can’t Stop the Beat” had the audience howling with laughter. “As an actor, I am open to any role presented to me by the director,” Richard said. “Playing the role of Edna was chal- lenging, but the reaction of the audience made it all worthwhile.” He added that he is very happy to be a part of the Theater Arts Program a t Adel- phi. Class of 2020 member Kristian, who also debuted last year at Adelphi, shined on stage during his first-ever solo role. He played Gaston during the cast’s per- formance of the Disney classic “Belle.” Kristian said he felt “thrilled and flut- tered with excitement” to be on the stage as Gaston. His role really showed off his versatility as an actor. In his memorable scene, the typically shy senior showed off his macho moves as the female cast swooned over him standing atop a bench. In her fourth production, Upper Schooler Ilona took on quite a few roles in this year’s anniversary show. “Although I wasn’t sure if I would do better this year, the people in the audience really assured me that I did,” she said. “I’m glad the show came together so well! After all of the months of rehearsing, eve- ryone did great in mastering their roles.” Theater Arts Director Ms. Fregara was also proud of the end result. “Because it was 5 years since we re- launched the Theater Arts Program at Adelphi, the directors decided to make a compilation of all the shows in one to cele- brate the anniversary,” she told the Oracle . “All of the hard work definitely pays off in the end.” Stage crew member Ariel, also a senior, tackled a lot of firsts and responsibilities for this production. Ariel was not only backstage, but on stage as well! He served as puppeteer for Audrey II and had to move the giant, life-sized plant around in sync with the dialogue. “I was privileged and proud of myself,” he said. “The crew was really helpful all of the nights and this play was something really special!” Upper Schooler William has been a vital member of the stage crew for several productions, and always helps out as much as he can. This year, however, William and fellow crew member Susan served as co- stage managers, adding new layers of re- sponsibility to their involvement in this special anniversary show. “I enjoyed it,” William said. “It was a lot of work to memorize what props to put out for every scene, but I got the hang of it. Susan and the crew all did phenomenal as well!” Upper Schooler Maksim was not part of the cast or crew, but he also served a vital role as an usher. Maksim, along with Up- per Schoolers Yura and Maxelle, guided the members of the audience to their seats before the show. When asked about his experience, Mak- sim said, “I enjoyed watching the show and ushering was a nice experience. I’ll be sure to do it again for the next play. I’m proud of all the actors in the show; they did an amazing job!” Upper Schooler Richard strikes a pose during a performance of The Jackson Five’s classic “I Want You Back!” Middle Schooler Kenn dazzled on stage as Simba from The Lion King ! Members of Adelphi’s talented Boys Ensemble perform “Love Shack” from Back to the 80’s !