‘Stage Door’ at Sacred Heart
The Visual and Performing Arts Department of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, under the direction of Mr. Mark Bommarito, is proud to present the Oscar-nominated “Stage Door,” running through Saturday, March 17 in the auditorium of FSHA. Tickets are $14.
“Stage Door,” written by Edna Thurber and George S. Kaufman, is a period drama from the 1930s that offers a tribute to the history of FSHA, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Bommarito has created a set that resembles a two-story, open-framed house and features furniture from the ‘30s that was actually used in the school during that era.
Casting proved to be tricky for the male parts at this all girls school. Undaunted, Bommarito changed some of the male parts to female roles, and called upon colleague, Liz Hoefher, director of visual and performing arts at the school, for her contacts. She invited two former classmates, John Gormley and Gwilym Roddick, now professional actors, who readily accepted. Bommarito says of the pros, “It’s nice for the girls to see what it is like to act professionally.”
Set in the 1930s “Golden Era” of Broadway, the story depicts the struggle of 16 young women as they attempt to find fame and fortune on “The Great White Way.” Steadfast Terry Randall, played by senior Allegra Lucchesi, of Los Angeles; Jean Maitland, played by senior Ellie Anderson, of Glendale, with Hollywood allure; the cynical, quick-witted Judith Canfield, played by Katie Barbaro, of Glendale; the languid beauty, Madeline Vauclain, played by senior Brianne Howey, of La Cañada and the comedic antics of Bernice Niemeyer, played by the always comedic Dana Robie, a sophomore from La Crescenta, are just a hint of the great entertainment in store for audiences. The young ladies making up the cast are both day students and resident students, coming from as close as La Cañada and as far away as the Palm Springs area.
Flintridge Sacred Heart Auditorium, 440 St. Katherine Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. For more information, call (626) 685-8309.