St. Stephen's Parish Players

St Stephen's Parish Players News

St. Stephen's Parish Players 2007-2008 News

2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072

St. Stephen's Church Website

Contact person: Karen Conboy, 716-773-7476

Cinderella At St. Stephen's This Weekend - Parish Players Youth Production - 2006
Sunday Sold Out!

(left) White horses - (front) David Conboy, James Rustowicz; (back) Brian Bobak and Nick Alizadeh
(right) Step Family Alex Davis (step-mother), Rachel Olszewski (step sister), Alex Corrao (step sister in front)

(left) Mice - (front) John-Paul Bobak, MaryElisabeth Rustowicz, Rachel Hutter; (middle) Brigid White, Catherine Merletti, Alexandra Sponn, Paval Galenza; (back) Emily Fuoco, Sabrina Lemme, and Hannah Panzica
(right) King TJ Slipko, Queen Andrea DeRosa, and Prince Christopher Michael Mucci
Click photos for a larger view.

   The St. Stephen's Parish Players' production of Cinderella, by Rodgers and Hammerstein, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, February 24 and Saturday February 25 in St. Stephen School auditorium, 2080 Baseline Road. Tickets are $5. A Sunday matinee is completely sold out. Tickets are available by calling Debbie Mucci at 773-7630.
   "Cinderella" being played by Brittany Ziarnowski, a home schooled freshman from the Wheatfield area. Megan Spencer, a Hoover Middle School 8th grader, plays the part of the Fairy Godmother. The cast is made up of forty children, ages 6 to 16 years old, with the majority coming from Grand Island schools. Children, parents and other adult volunteers are assisting behind the scenes.
   Director:Niagara University students involved in the production are Director Tara Lawton, Assistant Director Katie Deferio, Choreographer Jessica Young, and Costumer Rebecca Spindler.
   Islanders helping with the production are Production Manager Karen Conboy, Parent Liaison Maura Rustowicz, Stage Managers Linda Burkhart and Greg Gebhard, Technical Manager Michael Ficorilli.
   The mice are performing to an original song by Katie Deferio and Tara Lawton. Adrain Tanguay, an 8th grade student at St. Stephen School, helped with the choreography.

Godspell, Excellent Production - 2006
   St. Stephen's Parish Players' production of Godspell over the weekend of February 10-12, 2006 was magnificent. Thursday's performance, attended by a full house, could not have been any better. The acting was professional and very comical, especially by Islander Sharon Priest, not usually seen on the stage, but usually helping out in the background. Charmer Mary Bobak was superb as the sexy "Mary" and her rendition of "Turn Back, O Man" drew a thunderous applause. Islander Linda Burkhart was adorable throughout and especially so in her singing of "Learn Your Lessons Well."
    Other Islanders, equally as enjoyable as those list above, were Marty Bobak, and Barbara (Dietrich) Stochmialek. They were joined in the cast by Ryan David O'Byrne who played a fabulous lead as Jesus along with the very talented Kevin Sampson, as John the Baptist/Judas and Adrienne Lewis, a student at Niagara University majoring in Theatre and Fine Arts. Also taking parts were Valerie Stone, a Cheektowaga High School graduate with much theatrical experience.
   "The Band" was outstanding and included Kelcie Hanaka, excellent pianist and Grand Island High School sophomore whose rendition of "All For The Best" was a credit to her tremendous talent. Also in the band were Doug Galenza on bass guitar, Paul Minton, percussionist; Reed Stewart, guitarist - all Grand Island residents - and Bruce Wood who served as musical director and piano accompaniment.
   Godspell director was Karah D. Osland. Music coordinators were Kelcie Hanaka and Bruce Woody. Christopher Stephen Parada did a great job with the choreography. Patricia served as stage manager. Karen Conboy was production manager.
   St. Stephen's Parish Players' youth production of the musical, Cinderella takes place at St. Stephen School on February 24-26, 2006.

Parish Players' Godspell This Weekend! - Feb. 10-12, 2006
Scroll down for cast photo
   The St. Stephen’s Parish Players will present Godspell at St. Stephen School, 2080 Baseline Road, Grand Island on February 10, 11, & 12, 2006. One of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time, Godspell is based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew. In the Gospel, Jesus (played by Ryan David O’Byrne) preaches through parables and storytelling. The show, which is not built on a traditional plot, utilizes clowning, pantomime, charades, and vaudeville to tell the story of Christ.
   Featuring the well known score by Stephen Schwartz, Godspell boasts a string of recognizable songs, led by the international hit, “Day By Day,” as well as “Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord,” “Save The People,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “Bless The Lord,” “All For The Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side.” Through song and dance the audience sees the parables of Jesus come humanly and hearteningly to life.
   The show is directed by Karah D. Osland and choreographed by Christopher Stephen Parada. Grand Island High School sophomore Kelcie Hanaka is teaming up with Bruce Woody as musical directors supported by the musical talents of Islanders Paul Minton, Doug Galenza and Reed Stewart. Show cased on-stage are the talents of Islanders Mary and Marty Bobak, Linda Burkhart, Sharon Priest, and Barbara (Dietrich) Stochmialek who are joined by Valerie Stone, Adrienne Lewis and Kevin Sampson.
   The Godspell performance schedule begins Friday, February 10th at 7 p.m. with a complimentary snack buffet. The cost for the show and buffet is $10. A cash-bar of beer, wine and soda is also available. On Saturday, February 11th a sit-down roast beef dinner will be served promptly at 6 p.m. for a cost $15 per ticket. A cash-bar of beer, wine and soda will again be available. Reservations are required for this performance. The show will close on Sunday, February 12th with a 1:30 p.m. matinee at a cost of $5.00. A lunch snack bar will be available before this performance and at intermission. For tickets and Saturday dinner reservations. call Debbie Mucci at 773-7603.
Godspell Show Schedule - Debbie Mucci - 773-7603 - Tickets
• Friday, February 10th - 7 p.m. - complimentary snack buffet - $10. Cash bar (beer, wine, soda)
• Saturday, February 11th - sit-down roast beef dinner - 6 p.m. - $15 (reservations required) - Cash bar (beer, wine, soda)
• Sunday, February 12th - 1:30 p.m. matinee - $5.00 - Lunch snack bar available before performance and at intermission.
   Scroll down for cast photo.

St. Stephen's Parish Players To Present Godspell - 2006

Shown are Godspell cast members (front left) Christopher Steven Parada, Ryan David O'Bryne (Jesus), Valerie Stone; (middle) Mary Bobak, Sharon Priest, Linda Burkhart, Barbara Stochmialek; (top) Marty Bobak, Kevin Sampson, Adrienne Lewis
            Click photo for a larger view.
   St. Stephen's Parish Players will present Godspell at St. Stephen School, 2080 Baseline Road on February 10-12, 2006. The show is being directed by Kara Osland.
   Performance schedule follows:
• Friday, February 10 - 7 p.m. - Snack/Dinner Buffet before performance - cost $10 - cash bar
• Saturday, February 11 - 6 p.m. - Sit-down Roast Beef Dinner - Cost $15 - cash bar
• Sunday, February 12 - Final Show 1:30 p.m. matinee - Cost $5 - Lunch Snack Bar Available.
   Reservations for Saturday are required. For tickets call Debbie Mucci at 773-7630.

Parish Players Announce Audition Dates For Godspell, Cinderella- 2005
   Auditions for the St. Stephen’s Parish Players youth only musical production of Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella will be held from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, November 16 and from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 17 in the St. Stephen's School cafeteria.
   Directors Tara Lawton and Katie Deferio are looking for children of all ages who are eager to perform. Children wishing to audition for a singing role should come prepared to sing. All others will be asked to read from a script. The show will be staged on February 24, 25, and 26. This is the weekend following the February school break.
Cinderella Auditions
Wednesday, November 16 - 3 to 5 p.m.
Thursday, November 17 - 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Godspell Auditions
Tuesday, November 15 - 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Friday, November 18 - 7:30 to 9 p.m.
   Auditions for St. Stephen's Parish Players adult production of Godspell will take place from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, November 15 and from 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, November 18. Those wishing to audition for a singing role should bring a prepared piece to sing. Godspell will be presented on February 10 and 11, 2006.
   The Parish Players also welcome inquiries from anyone wishing to volunteer in a non-acting position. These include: music directors, choreographers, set builders and designers, stage hands, costumers, light and sound technicians, as well as other production-oriented positions. Prior experience is helpful but not necessary.
   As a community based theater group, the Parish Players have been producing shows on Grand Island since 1990. Those interested in any of the non-acting positions or those needing additional information about the Parish Players, are asked to contact Karen Conboy at 773-7476.

"Wizard Of Oz" At St. Stephen's This Weekend - A Delight For All Ages - 2004

Melissa Affuso              Directors Katie Deferio and Tara Lawton.

Brandon Minicucci              Brendan Stone

Rachel Olzewski              David Conboy
Click photos for a larger view.
   The St. Stephen's Parish Players' production of The Wizard of Oz is scheduled for Friday's show, April 22, (sold out) and for a 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23rd performance and the Sunday, April 24th 2 p.m. matinee. Seats are still available for Saturday and Sunday's performances. The show is staged in St. Stephen School, 2080 Baseline Road, Grand Island. All tickets are $5. A concession stand will be open before the show and during intermission.
   The show is being directed by Niagara University student, Tara Lawton and assisted by Katie Deferio, also of NU. The role of Dorothy Gayle features Grand Island High School student, Melissa Affuso. She is supported by David Conboy as the Scarecrow, Rachel Olzewski as the Tinman and Brandon Minicucci as the Cowardly Lion. The cast of 53 children represent all Island schools as well as several off Island schools.

Parish Players' "Dial M For Murder" This Weekend - 2005
   Dial "M" for Murder is the 2005 presentation of the Parish Players of Grand Island. Rob Beach directs this cliff-hanger by Frederick Knott with JL Fletcher as the leading lady and Jeff Stone as the male lead. Other cast members are Rick Cooney, Shawn Carey, Michael Lombardo and Dave Karb.
   The perfect murder turns out to be not so perfect after all the planning and pretense.
   This fourteenth annual production opens on Friday, April 8, 2005 and continues through the matinee on Sunday, April 10th. The Parish Players have always offered the play as the center of a most delightful event. In addition to a theatrical offering, Friday's 8 p.m. production offers intermission hors d'oeuvres. Saturday's production at 6 p.m. is dinner theatre and Sunday the matinee is at 2 p.m. Prices range from $5 to $15.
   St. Stephen School is located at 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, New York. Call 773-4960 for additional information.

"Wizard Of Oz" Is Youth Production - 2004

(Left) Melissa Affuso rehearses her part of Dorothy - (right) Show directors Katie Deferio and Tara Lawton.
            Click photos for a larger view.
   St. Stephen's Parish Players young people are in rehearsal for their musical production of The Wizard Of Oz which will be staged in St. Stephen School on the following dates:
• Friday, April 22 - 8 p.m. - all tickets $5
• Saturday, April 23 - 8 p.m. - all tickets $5
• Sunday, April 24 - 2 p.m. - all tickets $5
    Directing are Katie Deferio and Tara Lawton, theater students at Niagara University. Cast members include Grand Island High School junior Melissa Affuso (Dorothy), St. Stephen School 5th grader David Conboy (Scarcrow), Grand Island High School freshman Rachel Olzewski (Tinman), Kaegebein School 5th grader Alyssa Fuoco (Wicked Witch) and Brandon Minicucci (Cowardly Lion). Brandon is a 5th grader from Colonial Village Elementary School in the Town of Niagara.

"Dial M For Murder" By St. Stephen's Parish Players
Dinner Theater and Sunday Matinee - Opens April 8 - 2005

(left) Island residents Shawn Carey, playing the part of Max Halliday, and Rick Cooney, playing Inspector Hubbard.
(right) Rick Cooney, and Jeff Stone, playing Tony Wendice.

(left) Islander Michael Lombardo, as Captain Lesgate, caught red handed in the murder of Margot Wendice (LJ Fletcher, of Snyder)
(right) Michael Lombardo and Jeff Stone, plotting foul deeds.
Rob Beach Photos - Click for larger view
   St. Stephen's Parish Players will present "Dial M For Murder" at St. Stephen School, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island on Friday, April 8 through Sunday, April 10, 2005. The production schedule follows:
• Friday, April 8 - 8 p.m. - Admission/$10 (Hors d’oeuvres served at intermission)
• Saturday, April 9 - 6 p.m. - Admission/$15 (Sit-down Chiavetta’s Chicken Dinner served prior to the performance)
• Sunday, April 10 - 2 p.m. - Admission/$5 (Snack bar available before performance and during intermission)
   Reservations are necessary for Saturday's dinner theatre performance. Contact Karen Conboy, 773-7476 or Elizabeth Beach, 773-4960 for information.

Parish Players Looking For Stage Building Help - 2005
   St. Stephen's Parish Players, in rehearsal for the production of DIAL M for Murder will be building a stage in St. Stephen School on March 19, 2005 and are looking for any voluntary help they can get. The work session will take place between 8:30 a.m and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 19. According to Parish Players representative David M. Karb, volunteers are asked to bring basic tools and a cordless drill if they have them. Lunch will be provided.
   Dates for DIAL M for Murder are April 8, 9 and 10. Parish Players Youth musical production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be on the same stage in St. Stephen School on April 22, 23 and 24.
   Times and details (dinner theater) for each production will be listed here as they become available.

Parish Players Announce Audition Dates - 2005
   It’s show time and the audition dates for St. Stephen’s Parish Players upcoming productions of Dial M for Murder and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory have been set!
   Adult auditions for Dial M for Murder by Frederick Knott, will be held on Friday, February 4, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Stephen School cafeteria. Director Rob Beach is looking for adults aged 18 and up. The cast calls for five men and one woman. The show will be staged on April 8, 9 and 10.
   Auditions for the youth only musical production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl will be held on Tuesday, February 8 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, February 10 at 7 p.m. in the St. Stephen School cafeteria. Directors Karen Conboy and Linda Burkhart are looking for children of all ages who are eager to perform. Children wishing to audition for a singing role should come prepared to sing. All others will be asked to read from a script. Assistance will be provided for children not yet able to read. The show will be staged on April 22, 23 and 24.
   The Parish Players also welcome inquiries from anyone wishing to volunteer in a non-acting position. These include: music directors; choreographers; set builders and designers; stage hands; costumers; light and sound technicians; as well as other production-oriented positions. Prior experience is helpful but not necessary.
   As a community based theater group, the Parish Players have been producing shows on Grand Island since 1990. "Why not join them as they celebrate their 15th season of bringing quality theater to Grand Island?" a spokesman for the group said this week. Those interested in any of the non-acting positions or those needing additional information about the Parish Players, are asked to contact Elizabeth Beach at 773-4960.

Hounds Of Clackervilles Youth Production - 2004

Shown from left members of the Hounds of Clackervilles "dance committee" - Meggie White, Katie Rustowicz, Anna Playfair and Shannon Becker in the back.
            Click photo for a larger view.
St. Stephen's Parish Players youth production, Hounds of Clackervilles took place at St. Stephen School on February 20-22, 2004. Featured in the cast were Sweet Home Middle School student Hayden Denesha as Sherlock, Connor Middle School student Luke Burkhart as Watson, St. Stephen School student Patrick White as Hound and Connor Middle School student Lee Becker as Charlie Clackerville. The play was directed by Linda Burkhart with assistance from Patti Becker. Scroll down for "Clackervilles" rehearsal photos.

Parish Players "Oklahoma" Review - 2004
By Teddy Linenfelser
   St. Stephen's Parish Players production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's stage hit, "Oklahoma!" last weekend was a real winter treat which had us singing the songs throughout the week. Playing the leads were local college students Jenny Gembka (Aunt Eller), Dan Coyle (Curly) and Mary Barrett (Laurey). Jud Fry was played by John Cline, an extremely talented actor who has appeared in many local productions, the Greater Buffalo Opera Company, NYC and the movie, "Manna From Heaven," among many others.
   Island resident Steve Olszewski as Ike Skidmore and Grand Island High School student Alex Marien as Fred, were among the cowboys and did a fine job as the tough guys. Others from the Island taking parts were the "seasoned" Dave Karb as Andrew Carnes; Mike Lombardo as Slim; Grand Island High School students Caitlyn Quider, Ashley Marien, and Kayla Nash; Connor Middle School student Scott Quider; Brianna Panzica, an 8th grader at St. Stephen School; and Island resident Marcia Marien. And last but not least, Isle resident Rosanne Panzica, who performed with the Parish Players last year for the first time, was fantastic in the part of "Gertie" and at times, stole the show.
   Elizabeth Lesinski and Island resident Danni Quider, both of the Niagara University directed. Barbara Gatti was the accompanist and Karen Conboy, production manager. Much credit for the success of the show goes to a long list of production staffers.

Parish Players Children's Production, "The Hound of the Clackervilles" - 2004

Rehearsing this week are (left) Sweet Home Middle School student Hayden Denesha as Sherlock, and Connor Middle School student Luke Burkhart as Watson. The photo on the right shows (left) St. Stephen School student Patrick White as Hound and Connor Middle School student Lee Becker as Charlie Clackerville.
Barbi Lare Photos
   St. Stephen's Parish Players youth production of "The Hound of the Clackervilles" is being directed by Linda Burkhart, assisted by Patti Becker. The cast consists of students from Grand Island High School, Veronica Connor Middle School, Huth Road, Kaegebein and St. Stephen schools. Several off-Island schools are also represented.
   The performance schedule follows:
• Friday, February 20 - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, February 21 - 7 p.m.
• Sunday, February 22 - matinee - 2 p.m.
   All shows are priced at $5 and tickets may be obtained by calling Lorrie DeRosa at 773-9682.
   The play is directed by Linda Burkhart and Patti Becker. There will be a full concession stand available before the performances as well as during intermission.

Parish Players In Rehearsal For "Oklahoma" - 2004
   St. Stephen's Parish Players are in rehearsal for the 2004 production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's stage hit, "Oklahoma!" The lively musical is based on the play, "Green Grow The Lilacs," by Lynn Riggs, with music by Richard Rogers and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
   Performances will take place at St. Stephen's Cafetorium, 2100 Baseline Road, beginning Friday, February 13 at 8 p.m. with an intermission hors d'oeuvre buffet by Gramma Nora's Restaurant at a cost of $10.
   The Saturday, February 14th performance will be preceeded by a grilled, strip steak dinner at 6:30 p.m. priced at $15.
   There will be a Sunday, February 15th matinee at 2 p.m. at $5 per ticket.
   Directors for the play are Elizabeth Lasinski and Grand Island High School graduate Danni Quider, theater majors at Niagara University.
   For tickets and reservations call Ticket Chairperson Lorrie DeRossa, 773-6982.

Parish Players Announce Auditions For Adult Production, "Oklahoma" - 2003
   The Parish Players of St. Stephen's will hold auditions for its annual adult theatrical production. The musical, Oklahoma! will be co-directed by Dennis Keefe and Rob Beach. Audition for Oklahoma! will be held from 7:30-10 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2003, and from 8-11 p.m. Wednesday, December 17 in the St. Stephen School Cafeteria, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island.
   Individuals auditioning for a singing role should be prepared to read and to sing! Production dates are Feb. 13-15. For more information, call Rob Beach at 773-4960.

Parish Players To Hold Auditions For Children's Play - 2003
   Auditions for the St. Stephen's Parish Players children's production, "Hound of the Clackervilles," are being held at St. Stephen school from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2003 and from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th. The stage play, produced by St. Stephen's Parish Players, is a mystery and a comedy! Children in grades 3 through 12 from all Island and off-Island schools are welcome and encouraged to audition.
   No prior acting experience is required. For a copy of the script or for more information, call Linda Burkhart at 774-0447.

Arsenic And Old Lace - The Players

(left) Michael Lombardo as Teddy, Elizabeth Beach (Aunt Abby) and Ruth Englert (Aunt Martha); M. Lombardo, R. Panzica, J. Stone, R. Englert, E. Beach, J. Wrzos, J. Quackenbush, M. Priest; J. Stone, R. Schopp, R. Englert, E. Beach, R. LaBend and J. Wrzos.
Barbi Lare Photos - Click for larger view

(left) Elizabeth Beach as Aunt Abby; Ruth Englert (Aunt Martha)


(left) John Wrzos as Dr. Einstein; Rosanne Panzica (Elaine Harper), Elizabeth Beach (Abby Brewster) and Ruth Englert (Martha Brewster); Director Karen Conboy; and Jeff Stone (Mortimer Brewster).


John Quackenbush as Jonathan Brewster; Mark Priest (Officer Klein), Lauren Priest (Mr. Spenalzo); Jeff Stone (Mortimer Brewster) and Leonard F. Walentynowicz (Mr. Witherspoon), David Karb (Lieutenant Rooney).


Michael Lombardo as Teddy Brewster and John Wrzos (Dr. Einstein); Rev. Daniel Fiebelkorn (Mr. Gibbs); Louie Panzica (Mr. Hoskins); Mike Lombardo (Teddy Brewster), Jeff Stone (Mortimer Brewster) and Rosanne Panzica (Elaine Harper), and Richard LaBend (Officer Brophy).
Rob Beach Photos - Click for larger view
   The cast of Arsenic And Old Lace, produced by the St. Stephen's Parish Players February 28-March 2, 2003, deserves much credit for three great performances. All cast members had excellent stage presence and the very humorous lines came across with zest and drew loud laughter from the audience. Standouts were Elizabeth Beach and Ruth Englert, the elderly aunts who really stole the show. (See Biographies. Mike Lombardo, who took the very comical part of Teddy, was most believable! Seasoned actor John Wrzos, taking his favorite part of Dr. Einstein, showed this hilarous character at his best.
   Bringing the entire production to a smashing success was Karen Conboy, who directed the play and was in charge of set design. Karen has been a member of the Parish Players since its inception. The large production staff also included Michael Ficorilli and Dennis Keefe (Lighting), Michael Ficorilli and Karen Keefe (Sound), Mary Lou Lunsford (Costumes), and Eileen Stone (Makeup).

Arsenic And Old Lace At St. Stephen's This Weekend
   St. Stephen's Parish Players production of Arsenic And Old Lace is scheduled for this weekend (Feb.28-Mar. 3, 2003) in St. Stephen School, 2100 Baseline Road. Tickets for Friday's 8 p.m. show are $10 and include an hors d'oeuvres buffet at intermission. Saturday's performance begins with a 6:30 p.m. sitdown Chiavetta's chicken dinner at $14 per ticket. A cash bar (beer and wine) will be available Friday and Saturday evening. Sunday's matinee at 2 p.m. will feature a snack bar before the show and during intermission.
   For ticket information, call Elizabeth Beach at 773-4960.
   For story details, click Parish Players.
   For biographies on the actors and actresses, click Biographies.

St. Stephen's Parish Players
Presents 'Jungle Book,' a Youth Production - 2003

Children in rehearsal for "Jungle Book."
Rob Beach Photos
   St. Stephen's Parish Players' youth production of "Jungle Book" has been in rehearsal since the first of the year and the talented students from all Grand Island schools are more than ready for their performances to be held in St. Stephen School February 21-23, 2003. The play will be presented at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 21st and Saturday, February 22nd, and the Sunday, February 23nd performance will be a matinee at 2 p.m.
   Tickets at $5 may be purchased at show time or in advance by calling Lorrie DeRose at 773-6982. Pre-sale tickets are available after St. Stephen's masses on February 8, 9, 15 and 16.

St. Stephen's Parish Players To Produce Arsenic And Old Lace
   St. Stephen's Parish Players will offer Arsenic And Old Lace, a comedy, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 28-March 3 in St. Stephen School, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island.
   Arsenic And Old Lace was written by Joseph Kesselring and first produced as a successful Broadway play in 1941. The hilarious story takes place in the early 1940s and has had audiences roaring ever since. Directing the frenzied, energetic comedy-farce of a stage play is Karen Conboy. The long list of cast members includes leading ladies Elizabeth Beach and Ruth Englert.
   Ticket information follows:

Friday, February 28 - 8 p.m. - $10 includes complimentary hors d'oeuvre buffet (cash bar at Friday's performance)

Saturday, March 1 - 6:30 p.m. - (reservations necessary) $14 includes sit-down dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by performance (cash bar available before the performance and during intermission)

Sunday, March 2 - 2 p.m. - $5 - (concession stand available prior to performance and at intermission).
For ticket information, call 773-4960.

St. Stephen's Parish Players Announce Auditions - December 2002
Auditions for the St. Stephen's Parish Players' adult production of Arsenic & Old Lace are as follows:

Thursday, December 12 - 8-9:30 p.m. - Old Church Basement

Friday, December 13 - 8-9:30 p.m. - Old Church Basement
Auditions for the St. Stephen's Parish Players' youth production of Jungle Book are as follows:

Monday, December 16 - 6:30-8:30 p.m. - Old Church Basement

Tuesday, December 17 - 3-5 p.m. - Old Church Basement
   Dates for performances of Jungle Book:
Friday, February 21, 2003 - 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 23, 2003 - Matinee - 2 p.m.
   Dates for performances of Arsenic & Old Lace:
Friday, February 28, 2003 - Opening Night - 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 1, 2003 - Dinner Theatre - 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 2, 2003 - Matinee - 2 p.m.
   For more information on the Parish Players call Rob Beach, 773-4960 or Karen Conboy, 773-7476. For reservations for either show, call Elizabeth Beach, 773-4960.

Tom Sawyer Production This Weekend

Paintin' the fence during a Tom Sawyer rehearsal are Jacob Paszkiewicz as Ben Rogers, C.J. Englert as Joe Harper, Patrick Towey as Jim Hollis, Lee Becker as Tom Saywer, and Patrick White as Austin

   The Parish Players have announced the opening of Tom Sawyer, their second annual youth production which will be staged this weekend (April 26-28, 2002) in St. Stephen School cafeteria, 2100 Baseline Road. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m. and the Sunday matinee opens at 2 p.m.
   Based on a work of Mark Twain, this delightful version is a toe-tapping musical, written by David Barton and Matt Bond. Kaegebein School student Lee Becker, son of Patti and Michael Becker, portrays the role of Tom Sawyer and St. Stephen School student Andrea DeRosa, daughter of Louis and Laurie DeRosa, plays the role of Becky Thatcher. The young cast of thirty-five has representatives from every school on the Island as well as from several off-island schools. The production is being co-directed by Karen Conboy and Rob Beach.
   Admission is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for Seniors and $5.00 for children. It is strongly suggested that tickets be purchased in advance by calling Lori at 773-6982. A concession stand will offer food and drinks prior to the curtain and at intermission.

Cast of Alice In Wonderland Rehearses For Next Weekend

Tweedle Dum (Brianna Panzica) and Tweedle Dee (Denise Curcio)

"Alice In Wonderland" cast members front left: Flowers Meggie White, Jenna Saltzman, Kaitlin Turner; (top) Gryphon, Lauren Chopra; Cheshire Cat, Melissa Affuso; Duck, Meredith Stone; Dodo, Andrea DeRosa.

Thomas Gebhard plays the White Rabbit, Katie Gibas (right) takes the part of Alice and Gabriella Eodice is playing the Door Mouse.
(Barbi Lare photos)
St. Stephens Parish Players' first children's performance, Alice In Wonderland, is scheduled for next weekend, 7 p.m., Saturday, February 24 and 1 p.m. Sunday, February 25 in St. Stephen School cafeteria. The children are under the direction of Linda Burkhart and Karen Conboy and the costuming and young actors and actresses are delightful. Call Laurie DeRosa, 773-6982 for tickets (adults/$5, seniors/$4 and children/$3). Tickets may be purchased at the door.

St. Stephen Parish Players Production

(Barbi Lare photo)
   St. Stephen's Parish Players, now in its second decade of existence, will offer the two-act comedy "Is There A Comic In the House?" this weekend. Michael Ficorilli is directing the large cast which includes Patricia Czora (Pepper), John Quackenbush (Dewey), Dennis Keefe (Zack), Sharon Priest (Deliah), Robert Priest (Phil), Fran Newton (Ed), Linda Silvestri (Gloria), Mike Cole (Howard),Dave Karb (Huey), Diane Quackenbush (Louise), Kristen DiSalvo (Terri), Amber Tempest (Melora), with the voices of Rob Beach (Al Delgato) and Patty Cornvaca (Melissa Bliss).
   Tickets for the 8 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2001 performance are $8/seniors and $9/adult and include an intermission buffet. The 6 p.m. Saturday, February 10 performance is a dinner theatre ($11/seniors, $12/adults). Tickets for the 2 pm. Sunday matinee (Feb. 11) are $3/children, $4/seniors and $5/adults and maximum cost for family is $20. Saturday dinner reservations are necessary. To check on availability of tickets for any of the shows, call Linda at 774-0447 or Elizabeth at 773-4960.
   St. Stephen's Parish Players is now in its second decade of existence.

Alice In Wonderland Coming To St. Stephen's

Alice In Wonderland, St. Stephen's Parish Players first children's production will be staged on February 24 and 25. Tickets will be sold on the weekend of February 9, 2001 after masses and at the door of the adult production this weekend (Feb. 9-11). Tickets are $3/children, $4/seniors and $5/adults and maximum cost for a family is $20. Call Linda at 774-0447 or Elizabeth at 773-4960 for further information.

If you are a member of this organization we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together". Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE webpage, listing: meeting times location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.