It’s getting down to the wire for the members of the Archbishop Carroll Theater Society (ACTS), as the curtain will rise soon on the spring musical, The Music Man.
The Music Man, a classic production, is a musical that revolves around Harold Hill, a traveling con-man, and his journey as he forms a children’s band in Iowa. Along the way, he meets many amazing kids, and even falls in love with the town’s local librarian, Marian Paroo. The show was first performed in 1957 at the Majestic Theatre in New York City before soon beginning its run on Broadway in 1961.
Students of all grades are in both minor and leading roles; however, the leading two roles are played by two seniors. These students in ACTS are beginning to wind down their time in the shows, and at Carroll.
Senior Jake Aversa, who plays Harold Hill, shared his feelings about the musical, and about how he feels about it being his last.
“It’s very surreal and emotional,” he said. “I know I’ll probably keep doing theater in the future, but ACTS is what made me fall in love with the art form in the first place, so knowing it’s almost over is really sad.”
Aversa has been in every ACTS show since Pippin, when he was a freshman. He had an ensemble role, and has worked his way all the way up to the leading role in his senior show.
Additionally, Immacolata Capone is playing Marian, and has had a similar journey as Aversa. She expressed her excitement about her final show, and her leading role.
“I’m so beyond excited to play this iconic role for my last show with some of my best friends!” she said.
Finally, Daniel Peterkin, who students may recognize from occasionally conducting Masses and playing the piano, is taking the spotlight for his first onstage role at Carroll. He’s been dedicated to Carroll music for all of his years at Carroll, and he shared his feelings on his final show, and his first and final role.
“I feel like it’s bittersweet, because I’m not a big theater person, even though I like music,” Peterkin said. “I’ve definitely gained a greater appreciation for what goes into it, and the artistry, and I’m grateful for the experience.”
In this show, Peterkin (along with a few other pit members) is splitting his time between playing in the pit orchestra, and being onstage as a quartet member.
Carroll students can see their fellow peers in the show over the span of two weekends: April 25 and 26 at 7p.m., April 27 at 2p.m., and May 2 at 7p.m., and May 3 at 2p.m. and 7p.m.. Tickets are $15, and can only be bought through this link: https://acts.booktix.com/. However, any Carroll student and faculty member can get in free with a school ID.
