Fame-Pius XI

PIUS XI HIGH SCHOOL PROUDLY PRESENTS

November 10-13, 2011

Fame Book by David De Silva and JosĂŠ Fernandez; Music by Steve Margoshes; Lyrics by Jacques Levy Conceived and Developed by David De Silva; Title song FAME written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore Presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials supplied by: Music Theatre International 421 West 54th Street New York, NY 10010

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PRODUCTION NOTES FAME – THE MUSICAL, is a play about a group of talented, dedicated and determined high school performers who are poised to set the dance, music and theater worlds on fire. So, it seemed logical to me to give our talented, dedicated and determined performing arts students here at Pius XI High School a chance to play roles that may only be an inch or two distance from their own lives. The dreams of Serena, Tyrone, Nick, Carmen and Schlomo from the play are shared by Alex, Angi, Armando, James, Jackie, Haley and Jack from our cast.

However, FAME is about more than being an actor or a dancer, it’s about studying your craft as a performer at the same time you’re struggling through the minefield of adolescence.

Neither one is easy; doing both … almost impossible; which is why the story of FAME has fascinated audiences as a movie, a television series, a play and a musical.

Tonight, our stage full of engaging and talented young performers will bring this story to life. Any resemblance between this production and the halls, the Black Box, room 501, the band room, and the dance studio at Pius High School – is strictly intentional.

C H A R AC T E R S THE ACTORS: Nick Piazza...................................................................................................................................... James Lieven Serena Katz..............................................................................................Alexandra Sobczak (11/10, 11/12)

Angi Smolik (11/11, 11/13) Joe (Jose) Vegas................................................................................................................ Anthony Rodriguez THE DANCERS: Tyrone Jackson..........................................................................................................................Armando Saafir Carmen Diaz...................................................................................................Jacquie Haertel (11/10, 11/12)

Haley Haupt (11/11, 11/13) Iris Kelly...........................................................................................................................................Sarah Zolandz Mabel..............................................................................................................................................Sammy Lieven THE MUSICIANS: Schlomo Metzenbaum..................................................................................................Jack Taylor Klingbeil Grace ‘Lambchops’ Lamb..................................................................... Olivia Hammernik (11/10, 11/12)

Mary Caroline Tilton (11/11, 11/13) Goodman ‘Goody’ King...............................................................................................Christon Sykes-Smith THE TEACHERS: Ms. Sherman (English)............................................................................................................. Estée O’Connor Ms. Bell (Dance).................................................................................................................................. Chloe Stirn Mr. Meyers (Acting).................................................................................................................Evan Mirsberger Mr. Sheinkopf (Music)........................................................................................................................Nick Derus OTHER ACTING STUDENTS: Van Johnson Angela Stodola Kate Smokowicz Max Reeves

Morgan Sparks Sara Backstrom Andrew Perry

Dezi Howard Amelia Acompanado Marina Matson

Brianna Prescott Marisa Lindeen

Romond Buggs-Barnett

Simon Lee Rachel Soliday Yasmine Sahid

Cassi Stecker Janssen Gabriella Klotz

OTHER DANCE STUDENTS: Stephanie Mercado Jenna Poulos OTHER MUSIC STUDENTS: Niko Gavran Erin Oberdorf Catie O’Brien

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SONG LIST Action takes place at New York’s High School of Performing Arts on W. 46th Street ACT 1 (Freshman and Sophomore year) Hard Work ............................................................................................................................................. Ensemble I Want To Make Magic................................................................................................................................... Nick Can’t Keep It Cool............................................................................................................................................. Joe Tyrone’s Rap................................................................................................................................................. Tyrone There She Goes/Fame.......................................................................................................Carmen, Ensemble Let’s Play a Love Scene............................................................................................................................ Serena Bring On Tomorrow.............................................................................................................Carmen, Schlomo The Teacher’s Argument...........................................................................................Ms. Bell, Miss Sherman Hard Work Reprise............................................................................................................................... Ensemble 15 minute intermission ACT 2 (Junior and Senior year) I Want To Make Magic Reprise.............................................................................................Nick, Ensemble Think Of Meryl Streep.............................................................................................................................. Serena Mabel’s Prayer......................................................................................................................... Mabel, Ensemble Dancin On The Sidewalk................................................................................. Tyrone, Romond, Ensemble These Are My Children.............................................................................................................. Miss Sherman In L.A............................................................................................................................................................ Carmen Bring On Tomorrow............................................................................................................................ Ensemble Fame........................................................................................................................................Carmen, Ensemble

PRODUCTION CREW Director........................................................................................................................................ Kevin Schwartz Musical Director...........................................................................................................................Michelle Klotz Orchestra Director.......................................................................................................................Michelle Klotz Lighting............................................................................................................................. Lori Voca, Erin Poulos Choreographer...............................................................................................................................Debbie Berry Choreographer Assistant........................................................................................................... Rachel Hirsch Costume Coordinators.....................................................................................Ally Sekula, Addie McCauly Student Directors.................................................................................................. Erin Poulos, Dezi Howard Rehearsal Pianist....................................................................................................................Paula Foley Tillen Video Engineers............................................................................Terry Harvey, Steve Pantaleo, SP Video Video Design..............................................................................................Terry Clark Bauman, Erin Poulos,

Kevin Prebish, Dane Bauman Technical Director..........................................................................................................................Terry Harvey Stage Crew Coordinator.....................................................................................................Jeanne Lindstadt Black Box House Manager.............................................................................................................. Betty Hunt Program Content and Poster Design......................................................................................Donna Bailey Photography...................................................................................................................... Terry Clark Bauman Lobby Boards.................................................................................................................................. Alan Burczyk FAME Board Design....................................................................................................................Cesar Salgado Publicity..................................................................................................................... Brian Meehan, Celtic, Inc.

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FA M E P I T O R C H E S T R A Flute.............................................................................................................................................Katie Nguyen Alto Saxophone........................................................................................................................Aubrey Klein Tenor Saxophone......................................................................................................................... Nick Jonas Trumpet.................................................................................................... Kevan Oberdorf, Matt Castelaz Trombone.......................................................................................................................................Jay Sullivan Violin/Cello......................................................................................................................................Alex Spors Drum Set.............................................................................................Andy Blochowiak, Donnie Warren Percussion..........................................................................................................Nick Wayne, Aubrey Klein,

Nick Jonas, Katie Nguyen Bass...................................................................................................................................... Jason Skowronski Keyboard I.......................................................................................................................... Paula Foley Tillen Keyboard II.................................................................................................................................. Elna Hickson

S TAG E C R E W

From left to right, starting at bottom left Row 1: Danielle Sulk, James Taticek, Alexia Kiram, Hannah Brown Row 2: Alexander Hazen, R ebecca Sottile, Abigail Griffin, Amber Schalk, Emily Watters Row 3: Colin Kubiaczyk, Erin Poulos, Collin Stoltz Not Pictured: Angela Cunnington, Adrianna Gilganbach, Damaris Guzman, Eamonn Higgins, Nora Kubiaczyk, Dylan Ljujic, Thomas J Pipines, John Webber

BIOGR APHIES AMELIA ACOMPANADO – Senior (Acting Student) Previously seen in Hairspray, Amelia is a member of Cross Country, Basketball, Track and Field, SCOPE, Student Activity Council, Student Ambassadors and Campus Ministry. She notes,“The various styles of music throughout the musical excite me very much.

I love sharing my talents and being able to be in the presence of so many spectacular young people that I go to school with.”

BACKSTROM, SARA – Sophomore (Acting Student) “It’s the privilege of balancing who you are, and who your character is to make 4 Pius XI High School

the perfect blend that makes me feel whole.

The community of people here is what keeps me going and loving what I do. To share a passion with others and create something together is an amazing experience!” Last seen in The Secret Garden and on the hair and make–up crew for Hairspray, Sara is also a member of the Performing Arts Society and is a Pius XI Student Ambassador.

ROMOND BUGGS– BARNETT – Junior (Music Student) Romond made his acting debut in Hairspray last season.

He is a member of Drill Team, Multicultural Club, Performing Arts Society and Student Ambassadors. He particularly likes this play because it deals “with music, dancing and acting. I just love doing this, it is my life.”

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

NICK DERUS – Junior (Mr. Sheinkopf ) Nick’s Pius XI High School acting credits include Collaborations, Titanic, The Secret Garden, Hairspray and Student Play Festival.

When asked what excites him most about this play, he stated, “Training my voice so as to create a realistic German accent was a fun challenge. Theater lets me step into some one else’s shoes.”

NIKO GAVRAN – Sophomore (Music Student) Niko says he is excited about this play! “It has singing, acting and dancing in it. I love theater because ever since I was little, I loved to dress up and pretend to be a character in a movie.”

He made his Pius XI acting debut in The Secret Garden, and is also active in the Tennis and Swim teams, Ski Club, Student Ambassadors, Student Forum, Performing Arts Society and Mock Trial.

JACQUIE HAERTEL – Senior (Carmen Diaz – Thursday/Saturday) A veteran on the Pius XI stage, Jacquie has appeared in Hairspray, The Crucible, Titanic, Honk! Jr., Madrigal Dinner, and two Dance Shows. “I’ve had the opportunity to play people completely different from me. And only theater has given me the opportunity to travel to Scotland and perform!” She is a member of Hands Against Hate, National Honor Society and an officer in the Performing Arts Society. Jacquie hopes to attend UW Madison and study Actuarial Science.

OLIVIA HAMMERNIK – Junior (Grace ‘Lambchops’ Lamb – Thursday/Saturday) You may remember Olivia from Hairspray.

She is a member of Performing Arts Society and is on the Track and Field Team. What excites Olivia most about this play is “how lively and fun it is! I

love all the energy everyone brings to their character in this play. Theater is just amazing – I can experience and learn new things from all of the characters I have the privilege of becoming.”

HALEY HAUPT – Senior (Carmen Diaz – Friday/Sunday) Haley’s acting credits include Titanic, Hairspray and three Dance Shows.

She is president of Student Activity Council and a member of National Honor Society.

Haley notes that she is excited “for the unique stage design, acting in present day, and singing the Fame theme song.” She plans to study Musical Theater in college.

DEZI HOWARD – Sophomore (Acting Student) A member of Key Club, Art Club, Ski Club, Multicultural Club and Hands Against Hate, this will be Dezi’s very first Pius XI performance.“Theater is a way to express myself in every emotion possible.”

CASSI STECKER JANSSEN – Sophomore (Music Student) Previously seen in Beauty and the Beast and The Secret Garden, Cassi is a Pius XI Student Ambassador, and active in Student Activity Council, Performing Arts Society, Academic Decathlon and Mock Trial. “I cannot wait to perform this musical! I love being on stage with all these wonderfully talented people! They have become like a family to me.”

VAN JOHNSON III – Freshman (Acting Student) This will be Van’s very first Pius XI production.

Van likes theater because he likes becoming a different person and then using that person on the stage. “Acting has been my thing since first grade. Acting is my passion.”

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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

JACK TAYLOR KLINGBEIL – Sophomore (Schlomo Metzenbaum) This will be Jack’s debut performance on the Pius XI stage.

He is a member of the Pius XI House Band and Hands Against Hate. He states, “Pius XI is determined to make thespians better at what they do and have a great time doing it. They care just as much about the individual as the whole play!”

GABRIELLA KLOTZ – Freshman (Music Student) Gabriella, a member of the Pius XI Performing Arts Academy while in middle school, was last seen in The Beauty and the Beast Summer Musical Theater Workshop. She is a member of Performing Arts Society, Student Activity Council, Tri–M Society, and is on the Golf and Track and Field Teams. Gabriella loves to sing, dance and act and says that she has met many new people. “As a freshman, I am honored to be working with these directors and fellow performing artists.”

SIMON LEE – Sophomore (Music Student) Last seen in The Secret Garden, Simon is also a member of the Gaming Club. “What I enjoy most about theater is that you can be as weird and silly as you want and it’s the way you are supposed to be.”

JAMES LIEVEN – Junior (Nick Piazza) James is a member of the Tennis team, Student Activity Council, Tri–M Society, Student Ambassadors, Madrigals and Rube Goldberg. His acting credits include Titanic and Hairspray. When asked what excites him most about his production, he responded, “I’m excited to sing some fun music with some super–fun people and to get some experience under my belt.”

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SAMMY LIEVEN – Senior (Mabel) President of both Tri–M Society and Pius XI Student Ambassadors, Sammy is also a member of National Honor Society. You may remember her from Titanic, Hairspray or Madrigal Dinner. What Sammy loves best about theater is “working with students and seeing how we grow and develop into an amazing cast!” She plans on attending college in the fall where she will enter into the Pre–Physician Assistant program.

MARISA LINDEEN – Junior (Acting Student) This is the first musical that Marisa has been involved in and she says it has been a great experience. Previously performing in all Pius XI Dance Shows, Marisa is also on the Varsity Poms Squad and is a Student Ambassador.

MARINA MATSON – Junior (Dance Student) Previously seen in two Pius XI Dance Shows, Marina is excited because “this is my first theater production.

Although I may be dancing, it is a whole new environment to be around talented singers and actors all at once.” A member of Hands Against Hate and Students Against Destructive Decisions, Marina is also involved in soccer and wrestling.

STEPHANIE MERCADO – Senior (Dance Student) “I love the energy needed to put on this play and the diversity of the cast. This play differs from other plays because of its ‘realness’ and ability to relate to the characters.” A member of Multicultural Club, National Honor Society, Student Activity Council and a Pius XI Ambassador, Stephanie is also a Spanish tutor. Last seen in Hairspray and all of the Pius XI Dance Shows, she hopes to attend UW–Madison where she will major in Pre–Law.

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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

EVAN MIRSBERGER – Senior (Mr. Meyers) A member of the Ski Club, Evan made his debut on the Pius XI stage in Collaborations.

“This is my last Pius XI production. Theater is being able to literally put yourself in someone’s shoes and mentally be them.”

Although undecided on a major, he plans to attend UW–Oshkosh or Eau Claire.

ERIN OBERDORF – Junior (Music Student) Erin is excited about this production because she has the opportunity to create and develop her own character. She is enjoying exploring all of the areas of performing arts that this show has to offer. A member of Performing Arts Society and Hands Against Hate, Erin was last seen in Madrigal Dinner, After Image Dance Show, Secret Garden, Hairspray and Student Play Festival.

CATIE O’BRIEN – Freshman (Music Student) Making her debut with this production, Catie is a member of Key Club and is on the Pius XI Cross Country Team. “The thing I like about Fame is how much fun all the songs are to sing. I like participating in theater because of how nice every one is to each other.”

ESTÉE TANEL O’CONNOR – Senior (Ms. Sherman) Familiar with both sides of the curtain, Estée has student directed Hairspray and Student Play Festival.

Her performances include Madrigal Dinner, The Crucible, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Titanic. An officer in both Tri–M and Performing Arts Societies, Estée loves participating in theater “to give people a chance to witness things in their lives they’ve never thought or heard of – to open their minds to new ideas and experiences.” She plans on attending 8 Pius XI High School

college somewhere on the East Coast where she will major in Vocal Jazz Studies and Musical Theater.

ANDREW MOSBY PERRY – Senior (Acting Student) Previously seen in Madrigal Dinner and Enemy of the People, Andrew says, “The energy and sense of importance the mixed cast displays (is like) the raw facets of an uncut diamond – they are rough and smooth, coarse, grungy, clean cut, dull – but with a spark within.

Underneath all the grit and mismatched pigments – there is a sparkling jewel. That is what Fame is to me.” Andrew plans on attending college next fall where he will major in Visual Arts.

ERIN POULOS – Senior (Student Director) While not on the stage, Erin is a veteran behind the scenes, including student directing The Importance of Being Earnest, Hairspray and Student Play Festival, and technical crew for Titanic, Waiting for Godot and the Complete Works of William Shakespeare. She is also a member of Tri–M Society, Hands Against Hate, Stage Crew, and a board member of Performing Arts Society.“There’s a feeling that you get when you finally see the show coming together, and you can’t help but smile. I like getting to know the actors and watching not only yourself improve, but the actors improve and produce an amazing performance.” Erin hopes to study Stage Management/Technical Theater at the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

JENNA POULOS – Sophomore (Dance Student) A photographer for Yearbook, member of the Pius XI Varsity Poms Squad and Hands Against Hate, Jenna is excited “for the arrangement of dances we have – and the different styles of music that are used in this play.” Her last stage appearance was a dancer in New Beginnings Dance Show.

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

BRIANNA PRESCOTT – Senior (Dance Student) A member of Varsity Poms and performing in 4 years of Pius XI Dance Shows and Hairspray, Brianna says, “It’s the vibe, and the real–life struggle that some go through which makes us have a passion for the arts.” She plans on attending college in California next fall where she will major in Dance.

YASMINE SAHID – Freshman (Music Student) This is a whole new experience and a first step for Yasmine.

“Everything feels so professional! I am working with great people – they care so much for this play.” A member of Key Club, Ski Club, Cross Country, Forensics and Track and Field, Yasmine will be making her theatrical debut with this production.

MAXWELL REEVES – Junior (Acting Student) To be involved in a show that is centered on the performing arts is what excites Max the most. A member of the Performing Arts Society, Yearbook and SCOPE, Max’s acting credits include Enemy of the People, Collaboration, Student Play Festival, The Secret Garden and The Crucible.

KATE SMOKOWICZ – Freshman (Acting Student) This will be Kate’s first Pius XI production.

She is very excited to be in this production because “of Pius’ high prestige and professionalism. I like to participate in theater because I like to be around people who like to do what I do.”

ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ – Sophomore (Joe ‘Jose’ Vegas) New to theater, Anthony will be making his acting debut with this production. He is a member of the Pius XI Swim Team. “What excites me about this play is meeting new people and just making a name for myself at Pius XI.” ARMANDO JUAN CARLOS SAAFIR – Senior (Tyrone Jackson) Armando is really looking forward to the performances.

“I like participating in theater because it allows me to be a different person while at the same time putting my own personality into it.” Last seen in Hairspray and Student Play Festival, Armando hopes to attend UW–Madison where he will major in Business Law.

ANGI SMOLIK – Junior (Serena Katz – Friday/ Sunday) Collaborations, Dance shows, Student Play Festival, Scotland cast of The Crucible, The Secret Garden, Titanic and Hairspray are included in Angi’s acting credits. She is a member of National Honor Society, Hands Against Hate and Performing Arts Society. When asked about the play, Angi responded, “In theater, you get to portray and become characters that have personalities and traits that are much different than yours…and if you work that difference in your favor, you’ll learn a lot about yourself in the process.”

ALEXANDRA SOBCZAK – Senior (Serena Katz – Thursday/Saturday) No stranger to the stage, Alexandra’s acting credits include all of the Pius XI Dance Shows, Honk, Jr., Titanic, The Crucible, Hairspray and Student Play Festival. A Member of National Honor Society, Hands Against Hate, Performing Arts Society and vice–president of Tri–M Society, Alex says, “This play is one of my favorites! It’s FAME 9

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) a great show to do my final year and I couldn’t have asked for a better cast!” While undecided where she will be attending college next fall, Alex plans to major in Musical Theater.

RACHEL SOLIDAY – Freshman (Music Student) A member of Performing Arts Society, Rachel will be making her debut with this production.

She is honored to be part of the cast and notes, “Fame has such larger than life characters that are still relatable. Theater is so powerful – it can make you cry in happiness or pain so that you feel for each character. I love it – and I had to be a part of it.”

MORGAN SPARKS – Sophomore (Acting Student) “The good thing about theater is there are no rules or limitations. You can be whoever you want to be without being judged.” Last seen in Hairspray, Morgan is also a member of Multicultural Club.

CHLOE STIRN – Senior (Ms. Bell) Chloe has been in every dance show since her freshman year – and her acting credits include Beauty and the Beast, Titanic, Hairspray and Student Play Festival. She is a member of National Honor Society and Performing Arts Society. Chloe really loves the dancing and the excitement of this show. While not yet decided where she will be attending college, she plans to major in Dance.

ANGELA STODOLA – Junior (Acting Student) “I love the idea of it being a performing arts school. What we are saying in the play is so true to our lives.

I love being able to sing and act in this musical with all of my friends,” says Angela.

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A member of Student Activity Council, her acting credits include Titanic, The Secret Garden, The Crucible and Student Play Festival.

CHRISTON SYKES– SMITH – Junior (Goodman ‘Goody’ King) A member of Pius XI Pep Band, Writing Club and Volleyball, Christon was last seen in Hairspray. All of the twists people put into their characters is what excites Christon the most about this play. “I can’t wait to see it all come together! I like participating in theater to feel all of the energy everyone brings to the performance.”

MARY CAROLINE TILTON – Sophomore (Grace ‘Lambchops’ Lamb – Friday/Sunday) You may remember Mary Caroline in The Secret Garden and Hairspray. She is active in Hands Against Hate, Mock Trial, SCOPE, Performing Arts Society and is a Student Ambassador. “I love that there are so many similarities between Pius and La Guardia – both schools bring forth talent and hard work from their students and have an exciting fast–paced environment.” MC feels blessed to be a part of Performing Arts at Pius XI. SARAH ZOLANDZ – Senior (Iris Kelly) Sarah has performed in every dance show since freshman year – making this production her first theatrical debut. She is excited to learn what goes into making a musical so fantastic – and is grateful for the acceptance of the cast. “Everyone treats each other like family!” Sarah plans on attending college in Minnesota where she will major in Business Management and Culinary Arts.

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