From maniacal monkeys to brokenhearted ballads, PRHS drama students kept audience members on the edge of their seats during the 2022 Advanced Drama Showcase May 18, 2022.
| The showcase of 18 numbers was made up of 11 students from drama teacher Marcy Goodnow’s Acting III class, and 11 students from Goodnow’s Acting IV class. PRHS Drama Club Officers: Cameron Leclair (12), Amani Arellano (11), Dylan Saunders (12), Molli Nicolds (12), and Ella Gomez (11) hosted the event, introducing each number as they were getting ready to perform. |
“It feels great to show the community things we’ve worked on throughout the year; whether it’s running around like a monkey, or singing an emotional song, or truly anything in between. This was a wonderful night with such a loving audience, and I’m so thankful I get these opportunities through PHTC.”
Nine graduating seniors were part of the showcase meaning that these performances were one of their last as PRHS drama students. The seniors, and drama students of every class will enjoy a final hurrah at the upcoming “Phony Tony Awards” on June 9. The awards ceremony acts as a drama senior-night, and will include awards to commemorate students on their successes during the year, as well as performances by students.
A wide range of talent and emotion was presented in the 18 acts. Following an opening number of “Life’s A Happy Song” from The Muppets, students performed in musical theater numbers, original pantomimes, and original scenes.
| “It was really awesome to see our class all come together and perform a little bit of everything,” said senior Cameron Leclair, who recently directed Acting I One-Act “Two-Sided”. “As a senior, it was a great opportunity for some of my last moments on stage with my friends.” |
| One of the acts called “The I Love You Song” from the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee presented the ideas of disconnection between parents and their children. Senior Danny Perez and sophomore Danika Nutile acted as the parents in the emotional ballad. |
“Performing “The I Love You Song” was very challenging. We had to put ourselves in a position we have never experienced firsthand and we were able to transform into these characters through lots of research and practice.”
Danika Nutile
| Many of the actors expressed gratitude to even have the ability to perform in front of a live audience, especially given that this is one of the last opportunities for the graduating performers. Most of the students that participated have been involved with Paso High Theater Company for several years. The performers shared their love for the program and the outlet that it has been for them throughout highschool. |
“The theater program has meant everything to me because anyone can do it. I’m happy I get to be on stage with people who are so talented.”
Danny Perez
Photos by Conner Rocha
