On the evening of Thursday, December 19th, St. Joseph School students presented their holiday musical extravaganza, A Merry Rock ‘n Roll Christmas. The students performed a variety of songs to a capacity crowd in the Richard A. Nowak Gymnasium. Act I included performances by the St. Joseph School Band, under the direction of Mr. Charlie Cook, as well as songs sung by the Pre-K 3 and 4-year-old students, Kindergarten students, and students in Grades 1 through 3. In addition to some wonderful voices, props included top hats, Santa caps, Christmas trees and attire. The students’ hard work culminated with, Let’s All Do a Little Christmas, that featured the students clapping, jumping, and even dabbing. Finally, there was a Polish Heritage performance and two songs sung in Spanish by the 5th– 8th Grade students.
Act II, choreographed and directed by Fifth Grade Instructor and Drama Club Advisor Ms. Kelly Bailey, featured a presentation of the play, Carol and the Belles, by Steve Moore and Rob Howard. Carol and the Belles is set in 1954 at Big Bill’s Drive-In Restaurant. The waitstaff, who sings your order and decorates for Christmas year-round, has been chosen to host this year’s live telecast of the Rock ‘n Roll Christmas TV Special. While the family eats Jiffy Pop and adjusts the rabbit ears on their tv, they are treated to a big surprise: a simple pageant proclaiming the birth of Jesus. The singing waitresses, cool tunes, and 50’s charm had the St. Joseph School audience cheering in delight. The cast included: Carol: Toriana Baldassari, The Belles: Sara Grupposo, & Samantha Keller, Big Bill: Dominik Gielarowiec, Flo: Catherine Barbale, Donna: Katrina Piekielniak, Ms. Goodman: Maya Podskarbi, Mary: Wiktoria Potem, Joseph: Dale Boudreau, Frankie: Tyler Bushey, Barbara: Amelia Duquette, The Family: Faustina Kohut, Aleksandra Kurowski, Maeve Sullivan, Hannah Watson, & Kamila Zduniak, Angels: Cadence Benes, Leah Boudreau, Marissa Grieco, Gabriela Pianka, Natalie Smith, and Maria Zduniak, Wardrobe: Tessa McCabe & Noalani Perez, Spots: Sophia Buffone & Bridget Carrascal, and Crew: Jordan Kippax, Jacob Sirard, and Robert Broden. Musical Numbers that were taught by Music Teacher Andrew Pariseau, featured the entire cast as well as the 4 – 8th Grade classes singing backup. Songs included, Christmas at the Drive-In, We Just Can’t Wait Any Longer, The Promised One, and more! The show, which came to life on the stage of the Daniel & Catherine Ivascyn Performing Art Center, ended with a standing ovation. It was a spectacular evening that reminded everyone in attendance of the true meaning of Christmas.
