Editor's Note: To learn
White Plains, NY (June 2012) Archbishop Stepinac High School Drama Club’s production of Broadway’s longest running hit musical, “The Phantom of the Opera,” captured the top prize (best overall production) at the recent 14th Annual Metropolitan High School Theater (Metro) Awards.
Albert Stanaj of New Rochelle won best leading actor in the title role and Chris Guzman of White Plains captured best supporting actor for his portrayal of Raoul. Stepinac also won the best scenic design award with Joe Lore and June Ricciardi sharing the honor. The school had led the field with 15 Metro nominations when the nominees were announced last month.
Commenting on the achievement of Stepinac’s Drama Club, Frank Portanova, Director, said: “The Archbishop Stepinac High School community is so proud of all of our students and staff members who produced The Phantom of the Opera. We humbly accept the award as a token of Stepinac’s rich theatre legacy and will use this accolade as a mandate - to not rest on our laurels - but to continue to challenge our students and staff to set the bar higher and higher for future productions.”
About 50 students (cast and members of the ballet troupe and ensemble) appeared in five performances of “Phantom” that were staged at Stepinac’s Major Bowes Auditorium earlier this spring. Also contributing to the production was a stage crew of 25 students.
Keith Sunderland is the Drama Club’s Producer and Chloe Sasson is Director of Stepinac’s music programs.
Founded in 1948, Archbishop Stepinac High School’s mission is to offer young men a highly competitive academic and extracurricular program that will prepare them for college and leadership roles. The faculty and staff accomplish these objectives by pursuing excellence and creating a supportive, disciplined atmosphere with a strong sense of camaraderie and Christian values that are unique to the Stepinac experience. For more information on Stepinac High School, please visit www.stepinac.org.
