Sacred Heart Academy To Present Leader Of The Pack

HAMDEN, CT — Sacred Heart Academy will present Leader of the Pack on Friday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the historic Shubert Theater in downtown New Haven. Read more about the performance from Sacred Heart Academy below:

The original jukebox musical—Leader of the Pack—will open at the historic Shubert Theater in downtown New Haven the second weekend of November. More than 100 cast members are busy rehearsing this show, which features the beloved music of songwriter Ellie Greenwich, including "Chapel of Love,” "Be My Baby," along with the title song.

Director MaryLee Delaney (Wallingford) chose this lovable and empowering musical about a young woman who is “very similar my students.” Based on the true story of Ellie Greenwich, who rose to fame in the 1960s and ’70s, the lead role is played by senior Samantha Dorsi (North Haven).

Ellie follows her dreams until her husband, Jeff Barry, played by Notre Dame senior Ben Nugent (North Haven) breaks her heart. She recovers with the support of good friends, played by senior Jenna Basile (Branford), senior Genesis Brito (Derby), junior Megan Harkins (North Haven) and sophomore Talia Bellucci (North Haven). The show also features many talented dancers including senior Ally Engengro (Hamden), sophomore Casey Nadzam (Hamden) and junior Bradyn Pettway (Hamden). Taking on the Phil Spector styled-role of the producer, Gus Sharkey is Ian McLay (North Branford). Tyler Karasinski (North Haven), Matthew Moody (West Haven), Dillon Glazier (Bethany) and Diego Hernandez (Wallingford) are some of the talented male actors in the show, along with other male actors from 12 different schools.

“Award winning choreographer Janet Gambardella Bracale ’77 (North Haven) and professional music director Matt Durland (Higganum) are certainly bringing their energetic expertise to the rehearsal process,” the director said.

Director MaryLee Delaney and producer Kim Cramer Curbow '81 (Branford) hope you will lead your pack to the Shubert to attend the show and “promise you'll be moved to dance and sing along.” Performances are Friday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are available here at the Academy and through the Shubert Box Office www.shubert.com. As tradition dictates, alumnae at all shows will be acknowledged.

Pictured, from left to right – Leads: sophomore Kelsey Rice as Darlene Love, senior Samantha Dorsi as Ellie Greenwich, sophomore Laniyah Diaz as Tina Turner and senior Jenna Basile as Annie.

Photo credit: Cronin Photography of Branford | Cheryl Cronin ’84 / Contributed photo