SJC Long Island’s Clare Rose Playhouse kicks off its 35th anniversary season this month with a student production of the jubilant musical “Godspell.”
Longtime playhouse Executive Director S. Grace Rowland, CSJ, said she is thrilled that most of the cast and production staff and crew are either students or alumni. S. Grace — who directed the play along with 1988 SJC Long Island graduate Claudia Bonavita and Bonavita’s husband John — is also excited about the addition of a new awning installed at the playhouse entrance. The addition was made possible by a $6,170 gift from Clare Rose Inc.
Since its debut in 1971, “Godspell” has been performed on stages across the globe. The high-energy musical is structured as a series of parables, primarily based on the Bible’s Gospel of Matthew. It draws from various theatrical traditions, including clowning, pantomime, charades and vaudeville.
The Clare Rose Playhouse “Godspell” production includes five performances: Aug. 22-24 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 24 and 25 at 3 p.m. General admission tickets are $15; the student and senior citizen price is $12. The playhouse is located at the north end of SJC Long Island’s campus in Patchogue. It is reachable via the Sunrise Highway service road.
St. Joseph’s alumnae Noelle Eichenlaub ’17 (choreographer) and Sabrina Greaves ’15 (lighting) are part of the production staff. SJC Long Island students Jaclyn Crowe, Danielle De Girolano, Angela Iervolino, Annie Loria, Gabriella Montanaro and Isbella Sciarra — all members of the St. Joseph’s College Theatre Program — are part of the production crew.
Here’s who’s who in the cast:
Melissa Barbera graduated from SJC Long Island in May with a degree in therapeutic recreation. She was president of SJC Sharps and the music coordinator for SJC Shockwaves Show Choir.
Christopher D. Fretto makes his debut on the Clare Rose Playhouse stage. He has performed in many productions between New York and Hawaii. He is married to a St. Joseph’s alum.
Kristy Gange is an SJC Long Island senior majoring in child study with an area of concentration in communication studies.
Allyssa Krum is an SJC Long Island sophomore double majoring in business administration and hospitality and tourism management. She is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon.
Thomas Lownds is a therapeutic recreation major and a junior at SJC Long Island.
Mark Morales is a senior majoring in political science at SJC Long Island.
Kate Shields is a senior at SJC Long Island pursuing a degree in English adolescent education.
Alexa Stegmeier graduated from SJC Long Island in May with a degree in business administration. Alexa was vice president of SJC Sharps and secretary and choreographer of the SJC Shockwaves.
Elizabeth Triolo is a senior at SJC Long Island majoring in human relations.
Lauren Tyrie graduated from SJC Long Island in May. She is a past member of the Drama Society.
