This past weekend, over 30 talented students took to the stage to perform “Hello Dolly!” for the first time at Verona High School since 1978.
When it comes to the Spotlight Players, however, talent isn’t just confined to singing or dancing on stage. The set was designed by senior Caitlyn Heimerle. The show’s poster was designed by senior Emma DePaul. And there were countless others behind the scenes running the lights and sound, moving sets, overseeing hair, make up and costumes and managing the show’s props. Even the Fashion Design class, taught by Helen McKelvey-McLaughlin, supported the production by decorating the school’s lobby with their design boards of costumes for specific characters in specific scenes in the show.
As part of their community outreach, the Spotlight Players and Spotlight Players Parent Association invited two special groups to attend a performance. Eighth graders at H.B. Whitehorne who are interested in theater were given a “Backstage Pass” at the show’s Saturday afternoon performance. In addition to seeing the show, the group was able to get a peak behind the curtain and view first-hand all the pre-show preparations.
The second group consisted of cast and crew members from the 1978 production. Alumni were invited to attend opening night for free or any other performance at a discounted rate. On Saturday night, 1978’s Horace Vandergelder (Tom Lynch), Cornelius Hackl (Gregg Thomas), and Barnaby Tucker (Tim Conlon) were able to view their 2023 counterparts on stage. The alumni group also included ensemble members Lori Lynch and Richard Carson and pit band trombone player Marty Wilson. Some of the group even took the time to speak to their counterparts after the show, with Lynch sharing some memories with 2023 Horace, James Shorten.
Gregg Thomas, Lori Lynch, Tom Lynch, Marty Wilson and Tim Conlon
The Spotlight Players next undertaking will be a Festival of One-Act Plays in early May followed by their beloved annual Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser in late May or early June.
For more information on all Spotlight Players happenings, visit their website.
