Aquinas Academy students go for ‘Phantom Tollbooth’ ride in Hampton

Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh’s middle school students performed “The Phantom Tollbooth,” a play by Susan Nanus closely based on the classic children’s novel of the same name by Norton Juster.

The cast of 61 students performed the evenings of March 22 and 23 in the Rhodora J. Donahue Multipurpose Building on the campus of Aquinas Academy in Hampton.

“The Phantom Tollbooth” marks director Mike Flynn’s 39th drama production since joining Aquinas Academy in 2003.

The play presents the adventure of Milo (Annette Bentivegna, eighth grade), a bored child, who is led by Tock (Sam Ennis, eighth grade), a clock-wearing dog, and the vain Humbug (Sarah Hoerster, eighth grade) to the Kingdom of Wisdom to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason.

Flynn’s production team included students, teachers and alumni: Felicity Koble (10th grade, accompanist, musical director and sound effects); Benjamin Stalder (Class of 2022, music consultant); Grace Mlecko and Noemi Labate (eighth grade, stage manager/sound); Alaina McWilliams, Anna Ravotti and River Knox (seventh grade, lights); Lara Hainan (10th grade, head of stage crew).

Members of the stage crew were Caitlyn Abbett (10th grade), Leah Anthony (10th grade), Genevieve Mercer (sixth grade), Kian Miller (eighth grade), Marek Paull (sixth grade) and Aurora Predis (ninth grade).

Art teachers Brady Buchanan and Jenny Fetchko handled set design, construction and painting. Costumes were by religion teacher Rosemary Meland, 2023 graduate Julia Meland and junior Nadine Hokaj. Hair styling was by Juliana Gruber (seventh grade) and Aurora Predis (ninth grade).