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04/19/2018 12:01 AMBranford Public Schools is an incredibly busy school district with many exciting school-sponsored events providing entertainment to the community. The annual spring musical productions of the Branford High School (BHS) and Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) are two events we all look forward to. Recently, Colin Sheehan and Mike Martone, Jr., directed their first BHS musical performance after taking the reins from Toni Cartisano and Cathyann Roding. Their leadership and student-centered focus ensured each performance of Shrek was fabulously engaging and memorable for everyone who attended the performances.
I had the pleasure to attend the Saturday matinée performance of Shrek. I was amazed by the beautifully painted set, meticulously crafted costumes, and wonderful orchestra. Collectively they created an afternoon of fun, laughter, and relaxation. Perhaps the most striking twist of the new musical leaders was their vision to have an understudy performance. Their vision to provide aspiring performers the opportunity to perform for their families, friends, and community only added to the program’s impressive reputation.
This year’s Walsh spring musical production of The Little Mermaid was led by Mr. Jeffrey Rizzo. The intermediate school’s production was incredible! Like the high school, a cast of students, staff, and volunteers were adroitly coordinated by the director to create a production far surpassing expectations. Our students performed to sell-out crowds with each audience treated to poised performers who transformed the WIS commons in to an underwater paradise.
The entire district is proud of each student’s involvement in the musicals and the dedication they demonstrate by committing an exorbitant amount of time to the productions, which were wildly successful. The annual musical productions are supported by a cast of volunteers that is second to none. When the enthusiasm, passion, and talent of the students is combined with the devotion of the volunteers, the annual musicals are enjoyed by the entire shoreline community.
With so many talented students in the shoreline area, Sheehan and Martone are working to expand summer opportunities for students to become involved in the performing arts. The new directors plan to run a summer theater camp to bring back summer performing opportunities for children and adults. The Shoreline Theatre Company, under the direction of Sheehan and Martone and in coordination with Branford Parks & Recreation Department and Branford Public Schools, will debut with a production of Hairspray at the end of June and a theater camp for students from 4th- to 8th grades from June 18 to July 11, culminating in a performance of Aladdin Jr.
As a school district, we value and recognize the importance of offering opportunities in the arts to children. Our vision is to make the arts part of every child’s school experience.
For more information and to sign up for either program, please call 203-488-8304 or email shorelinetheatrecompany@gmail.com.