“Singin’ in the Rain” is Rye Neck High School’s musical this year and, like its show-stopping ditty, it promises to put a smile on everyone’s face. A talented cast and crew are combining the 1952 musical’s iconic tunes and snappy tap dance numbers with grand technological feats at Rye Neck’s Performing Arts Center. The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. on February 28, March 1 and 2.
By Janice Llanes Fabry
“Singin’ in the Rain” is Rye Neck High School’s musical this year and, like its show-stopping ditty, it promises to put a smile on everyone’s face. A talented cast and crew are combining the 1952 musical’s iconic tunes and snappy tap dance numbers with grand technological feats at Rye Neck’s Performing Arts Center. The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. on February 28, March 1 and 2.
Production Manager and teacher Patrick Ardinger noted that “Singin’ in the Rain” proved to be the perfect vehicle for this year’s pool of talented students. “It’s exciting and splashy and it was met with enthusiasm by our theater students,” he said. “There’s such a positive vibe. Our 70 cast and crew members came ready to work and have been going strong since late November.”
Co-Director Steven Loftus, doubling as Music Director, a role he’s taken on for eight years now, is impressed by the students’ progress with each new musical. “I’m amazed at how far the kids have come. Every year, they step up to a higher level.”
Indeed, the students have shined both on and off stage. Some key crew members include: Production Stage Manager Talia Fiorentino; Technical Director Will Bermingham; Stage Managers Rachaela Violi and Hanna Uhlfelder; Rehearsal Stage Managers Matt Sickles and Micaela Morelli; Lighting Board Operator Peter Ianniello; and Sound Technician Craig Maggio.
While longtime faculty member Karen Fontecchio is reprising her role as Art Director, Tricia Arenson is returning as Co-Director and Choreographer. Prior to rehearsals, she offered the students intensive tap dance lessons, sponsored by the PTSA. “Except for one student, no one had ever tapped before,” she said. “They’re doing an amazing job.”
Assisting Arenson is senior Damiana Carolini, who has a dual role, that of Dance Captain and the character Zelda Zanders. Having taken tap, ballet, and jazz since she was 2½, she has been mentoring her peers. “Because I’m helping the other kids, I know every count to every dance move in the entire show,” she said. “I love dancing and to do a tap number is so much fun.”
Senior James Quigley is undaunted playing the legendary Gene Kelly’s character, despite the fact that he is performing for the very first time. Having worked behind the scenes the last few years, he admitted, “This has given me a whole new perspective. As well as respecting the technical aspects of the show, I’ve learned how much hard work is required on stage.”
Junior Max Denenberg, taking the role of Cosmo Brown seriously, agreed. “It’s a lot of work and a big commitment. It was important for me to develop my character over time, so it’s not stale.”
Tenth grader Maite Elias-Nava, who is playing Lina Lamont, added, “It’s challenging, but it’s worth it because you really feel like you’ve accomplished something. I’m thrilled.”
Cast in the role made famous by Debbie Reynolds, junior Elena Ruigomez compared it to Belle whom she played last year in “Beauty and the Beast.” She remarked, “I’m very excited. This role is a lot more sophisticated and elegant, but just as much fun.”
For quite a number of seniors, “Singin’ in the Rain” is their swan song. Whitney Spiegel, who has performed in the musicals all four years, captured her peers’ sentiments when she said, “It’s sad to go, but I’m happy to have been a part of something so amazing.”
For tickets, email Caitlin Corvini at CCorvini@ryeneck.k12.ny.us
