Aquinas Academy students sing tale of ‘Cinderella’ in Hampton

Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh students performed “Cinderella, The Musical,” written by Michael Mararian, during the evenings of March 31 and April 1.

Mike Flynn chose the play for the school’s 37th performance under his direction.

“This is actually the fifth time I have directed this play,” he said. “It was first performed at the Hampton Playhouse in New Hampshire in 1990. I directed the play again in 2000 at a school in Massachusetts. And this is the third time I have directed Cinderella at Aquinas Academy.

“We add something new to each production, and this performance had many new additions to a wonderful comic piece of theater.”

The relatively short performance, about an hour and 15 minutes, is full of catchy songs, human warmth and good humor.

Lead roles included Nicole Jerich (senior, Cinderella), Ben Tarquinio (senior, Prince), Julia Meland (senior, Fairy Godmother) and Isabella Hite (senior, Stepmother).

The musical included opportunities for the Aquinas students to use their singing talents: “Just You Wait” (senior Gracie Burchill), “You Had a Bad Day” (junior Clare O’Connell and freshmen Brad Moore and Lucy Flynn), “Courier’s Rap” (seniors Oliver Flynn and Hunter Harrison), “Something in Your Smile” and “In My Own Little Corner” (senior Nicole Jerich), “Stepsister’s Lament” (junior Annie Austin and seniors Veronica Mylott and Palma Serrao), “Shy” (senior Isabella Hite), “You Got a Friend in Me” (senior Ben Tarquinio and junior Josh Schlemmer) and “Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Boo” (senior Julia Meland).

Many students contributed help off stage, including Felicity Koble (freshman, accompanist), Ashlin Knox (sophomore, choreography), Marielle Dillner (freshman, choreography), Mia Russell (senior, stage manager), Nick Urban (sophomore, sound), Sam VanVickle (eighth grade, lights), Lara Hainan (freshman, stage crew and set production assistant), Nick Cheddar (senior, stage crew), Nadine Hokaj (sophomore, stage crew, set production assistant and costume assistant), Julia Meland (costumes, makeup and hair), Veronica Mylott (makeup and hair), Clare O’Connell (set production assistant), Lily Santucci (sophomore, set production assistant) and Sarah White (senior, set production assistant).

Adult volunteers included Shari Whitico, who helped as a vocal coach and accompanist; alumnae Kelly Lynch and Bridget Lynch, set production assistants; and the Aquinas faculty members Rosemary Meland (costumes), Ellen Kaffenes (costume assistant), Brady Buchanan (set production), Rachel Neikirk (set production assistant) and CJ Volkwein (stage construction).