St. Stephen's Parish Players

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St. Stephen's Parish Players 2009

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2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072

St. Stephen's Church Website

Contact person: Karen Conboy, 716-773-7476

“Willy Wonka” Top Notch Youth Production - 2008

Charlie Bucket shows his Golden Ticket to his poor family.

Charlie and his Grandpa Joe meet Mister Willy Wonka himself.

The huge cast in costume bids their audience farewell to a standing ovation!

James Rutowicz, Jeremy Bobak, Ricky Englert (front)

James Rustowicz, Marielle Buffamonte, Brendan Stone, Jenna DelSignore, Annie Niland

Sean Christian and MaryElisabeth Rustoiwcz

Michael Bobak, James Rustowicz, James Bobak

            Click photos for a larger view.
   St. Stephen Parish Players presented Willy Wonka Junior on April 4, 5, and 6 in St. Stephen School. Young people from the entire Grand Island community thrilled the packed house at each performance with inspiring music, singing, and choreography. From Bill's Candy Shop where Charlie Bucket's search begins for the coveted Golden Ticket, to Wonka's whimsical candy factory, the performers took the audience through the whirlwind exploits of five children given the chance of a lifetime, to meet the great Willy Wonka himself.

"“Willy Wonka” Is Youth Production - 2008

Cast Picture at Rehearsal: Shown from left are the five Golden ticket winners - Zoanne Gebhard as Veruca Salt; Michael Bobak as Augustus Gloop; James Rustowicz as Charlie Bucket; James Bobak as Mike TeaVee; and Jenna DelSignore as Violet Bearegard

Oompas - Meghan McMurrary, Brandon Vidella, Sean Christian Rustowicz, Heather Michki, MaryElisabeth Rustowicz, Laura Bierbrauer, Taylor Internicola and John-Paul Bobak
            Click photos for a larger view.
By Shawn Carey

   He may not actually take a sunrise and sprinkle it with dew, but the Candy Man can and will entertain you. See for yourself when St. Stephen’s Parish Players presents “Willy Wonka” April 4-6th at the St. Stephen School cafeteria, 2080 Baseline Road.
   The all children’s musical production features David Conboy in the title role of Willy Wonka; James Rustowicz as Charlie, the boy with a heart and ticket of gold, and Ricky Englert as Grandpa Joe. A total of 43 student performers from all Grand Island schools round out the cast that is directed by Karen Conboy and Maura Rustowicz. Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, the story of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” needs little introduction to fans of the book and two movie adaptations, but the Parish Players hope to satisfy old fans and new.
   “It’s a good play for the kids, but adults will enjoy all the dancing and singing, too,” predicts David Conboy/Willy Wonka. “And it has many hilarious scenes and performances.” James Rustowicz, 12, says each member of the cast has been well-chosen to match their personalities with the personalities of their respective characters. David Conboy agrees.
   “I don’t want to give away any surprises, but watch for Brendan Stone as Mrs. Gloop, in particular,” Conboy said.
   So, if you want to see who plays Augustus, Violet, Veruca and Mike TV, make sure you get your own golden admission ticket. Seating is general admission and all tickets are $6. Tickets will be on sale in the narthex of St. Stephen’s Church after weekend masses and may also be reserved by calling Karen Conboy at 773-7476 or kikiconboy@aol.com.
Show Time
Friday, April 4 - 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 5 - 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 6 - 1 p.m.
   A snack bar will be open before performances and during intermission.

Parish Players To Present Classic Murder Mystery - "The Mousetrap" - 2008

Director Linda Burkhart
   With a production combining live, local theater, a classic murder mystery, a familiar and talented cast and great food, the St. Stephen Parish Players will present Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap on March 28, 29 and 30. Linda Burkhart directs a cast of eight enthusiastic Islanders, all drawn from the St. Stephen Church community. Patti Becker is the stage manager.
   The longest-running play in the history of theatre (it has been staged in London continuously since 1952), The Mousetrap has been called “a truly entertaining classic thriller” and “the cleverest murder mystery of the British stage.” Trapped inside of a remote guesthouse by a snowstorm are the owners and guests of Monkswell Manor. Someone has committed a terrible crime. But who? The audience will sit at the edge of their seats pondering “whodunit.” Giles Ralston (Ron Smith) and his wife, Mollie (Lisa Mazurek), are the operators of Monkswell Manor. The last thing they thought they would be dealing with was a stormed-in murderer. Can Detective Sergeant Trotter (Jeff Stone) figure out the crime? Can you? Hint: The butler didn’t do it (there isn’t one).
   Rounding out the cast are the guests themselves: a retired army officer (Dave Karb), a magistrate who is very hard to please (Chris Mongielo), a neurotic man with a taste for interior decoration (Steve Olszewski), a sullen woman with a mysterious past (Rachel Olszewski), and a mysterious foreigner who seeks shelter from the storm after his car overturns (Mike Lombardo).
   The play will be performed in the St. Stephen School cafeteria on Grand Island. Tickets may be obtained through Karen Conboy (773-7476 or 848-5038). The March 28 (7 p.m. Friday evening) performance is priced at $12 and includes a complimentary hors d’oeuvre buffet before the show. The March 29 (6 p.m. Saturday evening) show is priced at $17 and includes a full, sit-down pork tenderloin dinner with wine. The March 30 (1 p.m. Sunday afternoon) show is priced at $6. A full concession stand including a light lunch menu will be available before the performance and during intermission.
   The Mousetrap is just the latest in a series of excellent spring productions by the Parish Players, which have included most recently The Robe (2007), Godspell (2006), Dial M for Murder (2005), Oklahoma (2004) and Arsenic and Old Lace (2003).
   Those interested in becoming involved with the Parish Players should get in touch with Karen Conboy.
• Friday, March 28 - buffet - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 29 - dinner - 6 p.m.
• Sunday, March 30 - matinee - 1 p.m.

January Auditions Announced For St. Stephen's Parish Players Productions - Dec. 2007
   Youth auditions for the St. Stephen's Parish Players production of "Willy Wonka Junior" by Roald Dahl will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2008 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in St. Stephen's School cafeteria. Auditions will also take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, January 5th in the hospitality room. Directors Karen Conboy (773-7476) and Maura Rustowicz (773-1335) are looking for children of all ages who are eager to perform. The show will be staged April 4, 2007 through April 6th.
   Adult auditions for "The Mousetrap" by Agatha Christie will be held on Monday, January 7th from 7-9 p.m. and on Tuesday, January 8th from 7-9 p.m. in St. Stephen's School cafeteria. Director Linda Burkhart is looking for adults ages 18 and up. The show will be staged on March 28, 29 and 30.
   For additional information contact Mrs. Burkhart at 774-0447.

Islanders Embracing “The Robe”
Parish Players Production - April 2007
   The St. Stephen Parish Players are barely keeping up with the ticket requests that are pouring in for The Robe--the Easter season classic which they will stage on April 20, 21 and 22. The Friday evening show featuring a buffet has been completely sold out for over a week and, while a few tickets remain for the Saturday evening dinner theater performance, they have been selling briskly and that evening is sure to be a complete sellout also. The Sunday afternoon show has the largest seating capacity, so that is where the best chance for seats still remains.
   When asked about the extraordinary level of interest in this production, Karen Conboy of the Parish Players mentioned the nature of the story and the large and interesting cast--almost 30 familiar Grand Islanders--including Kevin Rustowicz as the tribune, Lou Panzica as his faithful Greek slave, Linda Burkhart as the woman he loves, Jim Watz as his father--a Roman senator, Shawn Carey as Simon Peter, the Reverend Paul Nogaro as Pontius Pilate, Robert Priest as Emperor Tiberius and the Reverend Mark Illig (formerly of St. Stephen’s) as Caligula.
   The play tells a dramatic story of the Roman tribune who crucifies Jesus, and then experiences the transformative power of Christ’s robe, which the tribune wins at the foot of the cross.
   Directed by Islander Jeff Stone, the play is based on the best-selling novel by Lloyd C. Douglas and the Academy Award-winning movie starring Richard Burton, Victor Mature and Jean Simmons.
   The play will be performed at St. Stephen School. Tickets can still be obtained through by calling Karen Conboy (773-7476). The April 21 (Saturday evening) show is priced at $17 and includes a full sit-down Italian dinner with wine. The April 22 (Sunday afternoon) show is priced at $6. A snack bar will be available before and during intermission of the Sunday show.

"The Robe" - April 2007
Parish Players Production
   St. Stephen's Parish Players will present The Robe on the following dates:
• Friday, April 20 (7:30 p.m. show time--$12 ticket includes complimentary hors d'oeuvre buffet at 7:00; cash bar)
• Saturday, April 21 (6:00 p.m. dinner 7:30 show time--$17 ticket includes sit-down Italian dinner and wine; cash bar)
• Sunday, April 22 (1:00 p.m. show time--$6 ticket; cash snack bar before show and during intermission)
    All performances are staged at St. Stephen School, 2080 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY Take the I-190 and cross over the bridge to Grand Island. Exit at Whitehaven Rd, go EAST. At first light turn right on Baseline. School is .4 miles down on the right.
   The Robe tells the story of Marcellus, a Roman tribune, charged with the duty to crucify a Galilean. Although he believes the man innocent, he obeys, and also tosses dice for the simple homespun robe which the Galilean wore. Marcellus then becomes a desperately troubled man, so that even though permitted to return to Rome, where his family and the woman he loves await, he is restless, obsessed with thoughts of the Galilean and the persecuted Christians. He turns more and more to the Galilean, but hesitates at accepting him as divine. Then, at last, in a final scene of tremendous redemption and power, he is forced to make a fateful decision between his emperor and his new-found faith. The play is based on the best-selling novel and Academy Award-winning movie (starring Richard Burton, Victor Mature and Jean Simmons) of the same name.

"The Adventures of Robin Hood" - April 2007
Parish Players Production
   St. Stephen Parish Players' production of "The Adventures of Robin Hood": an all youth production with amazing fight scenes and lively dance numbers will be presented in St. Stephen School cafeteria, 2080 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY.
• Friday, April 13 - 7 p.m. show time - $6 ticket (Cash snack bar before show and during intermission)

• Saturday, April 14 - 7 p.m. show time - $6 ticket (Cash snack bar before show and during intermission)

• Sunday, April 15 - 1 p.m. show time - $6 ticket (Cash snack bar before show and during intermission)

   For tickets, contact Karen Conboy, 773-7476 or 848-5038 (kconboy@mandtbank.com) See Robin Hood" for cast and more information.

"The Adventures of Robin Hood" Is Youth Production - 2007

Cast Picture at Rehearsal: (front left) Zoanne Gebhard, MaryElisabeth Rustowicz, Nick Panepinto, Jodie White; (middle) Tyler Cooney, Liz Restey, Annie Niland, Emily Wynne, Marielle Buffamonte, Kaitlynd Howell; (top) PJ Lemme, Brendan Stone, David Conboy, Brian Bobak, Luke Burkhart, Emilie Kovacs, Maura Bobak, Katie Rustowicz, Seth Carey

Ahh! Where is Robin Hood! (left) Emily Wynne, Brendan Stone, Tyler Cooney, and PJ Lemme
            Click photos for a larger view.
   St. Stephen's Parish Players present the classic play "The Adventures of Robin Hood" Friday, April 13th and Saturday, April 14th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 15th at 1 p.m. at St. Stephen School. The cast includes many talented local Grand Island children. Brian Bobak stars as Robin Hood, Tyler Cooney as Little John, Luke Burkhart as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Marielle Buffamonte plays the role of Maid Marian. This is a fun, spirited classic that the whole family will enjoy. Come join us for a great adventure! Tickets are $6 each. Advanced tickets may be purchased at St. Stephen's Parish Office at 773-7647, or by contacting Karen Conboy at 773-7476, kikiconboy@aol.com.
   Click "More Information."

Parish Players To Present Easter Classic - April 2007

Pictured are The Robe cast members: Lou Panzica (Demetrius), Kevin Rustowicz (Tribune Marcellus) and Jeff Stone (Director).
   With a production combining live, local theater, a classic and powerful story from the time of Christ, a familiar and talented cast and great food, the St. Stephen Parish Players will present The Robe this Easter season - on April 20, 21 and 22.
   The play tells the story of an exiled Roman tribune who is ordered to crucify a Galilean. Although he believes the man innocent, he obeys, and also tosses dice for the simple homespun robe which the Galilean wore. Then he becomes a desperately troubled man, so that even though permitted to return to Rome, where his family and the woman he loves await, he is restless, obsessed with thoughts of the Galilean and the persecuted Christians. He turns more and more to the Galilean, but hesitates at accepting him as divine. Then, at last, in a final scene of tremendous redemption and power, he is forced to make a fateful decision between his emperor and his new-found faith.
   Adapted by John McGreevey and directed by Islander, Jeff Stone, the play is based on the best-selling novel by Lloyd C. Douglas and the Academy Award-winning movie (starring Richard Burton, Victor Mature and Jean Simmons) of the same name. There is a talented cast of more than 25 Islanders, including Kevin Rustowicz as the tribune, Lou Panzica as his faithful Greek slave, Linda Burkhart as the woman he loves, Jim Watz as his father - a Roman senator, Shawn Carey as Simon Peter, Reverend Paul Nogaro as Pontius Pilate, Robert Priest as Emperor Tiberius and Reverend Mark Illig as Caligula.
   The play will be performed at St. Stephen School on Grand Island. Tickets may be obtained through the St. Stephen Church rectory (773-7647) or through Karen Conboy (773-7476 or 848-5038). The 7 o’clock, April 20 (Friday evening) performance is priced at $12 and includes a complimentary hors d’oeuvre buffet before the show. The 6 o’clock, April 21 (Saturday evening) show is priced at $17 and includes a full sit-down Italian dinner with wine. The 1 o’clock matinee on April 22 (Sunday afternoon) is priced at $6.

Parish Players To Present "The Robe" - April 2007
St. Stephen Parish Players' production of "The Robe" will be presented in St. Stephen School cafeteria, 2080 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY.
• Friday, April 20 - 7:30 p.m. show time - $12 ticket includes complimentary hors d'oeuvre buffet at 7 p.m with cash bar

• Saturday, April 21 - 7:30 p.m. show time - $17 ticket includes sit-down Italian dinner and wine at 6 p.m. with cash bar

• Sunday, April 22 - 1 p.m. show time - $6 ticket, cash snack bar before show and during intermission

For tickets, contact Karen Conboy, 773-7476 or 848-5038 (kconboy@mandtbank.com) See St. Stephen Parish Players" for cast and complete information.

Parish Players Announce Audition Dates - January 2007

Directors Tara Lawton, Katie DeFerio and Director Jeff Stone in front

   It’s show time and the audition dates for St. Stephen’s Parish Players upcoming productions of The Robe and The Adventures of Robin Hood have been set!
   Adult auditions for the classic religious drama The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas, will be held from 7 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 25th and Friday, January 26th. The Thursday audition will take place in the St. Stephen school cafeteria, 2100 Baseline Road, while the Friday audition will be held in the church hospitality suite. Director Jeff Stone is looking for performers who range in age from late teens to the elderly. The cast calls for 13 men and 9 women, plus extras. The show will be staged on April 20-22, 2007.
   Auditions for the youth only production of The Adventures of Robin Hood by Michele L. Vacca will be held on Saturday, January 27th in the church hospitality suite and on Wednesday, January 31st in the school cafeteria. The Wednesday auditions will run from 3 to 5 p.m. and then another session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. that same evening. Directors Tara Lawton and Katie DeFerio are looking for children of all ages who are eager to perform. Children unable to read should come prepared to recite a nursery rhyme. All others will be asked to read from a script. The show will be staged on April 13-15, 2007. Children who are cast for this show MUST be able to attend the final rehearsals during Easter Vacation, April 9-12th. This show is produced by special arrangement with Classics on Stage! of Chicago.
   The Parish Players also welcome inquiries from anyone wishing to volunteer in a non-acting position. These include: Set builders and designers; Stage hands; Costumers; Light and sound technicians; Caterers; and Ushers 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 17th season of bringing quality theater to Grand Island? For additional information about the Parish Players or any of the non-acting positions, contact Karen Conboy at 773-7476.

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.