Crystal Theatre Congratulates the 2014 Matthew Chiappetta Memorial Scholarship Recipients

7th grader Even Fernandes of Stratford, CT is the winner of the 10th annual Matthew Chiappetta Memorial Scholarship award at Crystal Theatre. 8th grader Katie Arpino, 5th grader Javier Gonzalez, 5th grader Max Morfoot and 7th grader Sandy Remson, all of Norwalk, CT, were runners-up.

The winner receives a full year's tuition to all Crystal Theatre camps and classes. Each runner-up receives free tuition to one Crystal camp or class.

The Matthew Chiappetta Scholarship is funded by donations from family and friends of the Chiappetta’s as well as the Shining Angel Bowl-a-thon which was held last month at the AMF Rip Van Winkle Lanes in Norwalk, CT.  Matthew Chiappetta was a much-loved student at Crystal Theatre who participated in more than 25 productions in his short life.  He passed away suddenly on March 6, 2004 and this scholarship was established in his memory.

The scholarship was presented at the 10th annual Matthew Chiappetta Memorial Concert at Crystal Theatre's Ben Franklin Theatre in Norwalk on Monday, March 10, 2014. Hosted by Crystal Theatre Alumni and Matt's best friends, Benjamin Simpson of Wilton and NYC and Samantha Tuozzolo of Norwalk and NYC, the evening was a tribute to the late Chiappetta.

The concert began with a heart-felt video about Chiappetta's love for Crystal Theatre which was compiled by Crystal Theatre alumni and Yale student, Douglas Streat, followed by the scholarship award recognitions. The concert continued with Crystal Theatre students performing musical excerpts from upcoming productions---“Mother Holle”, “The Counterpoints”, “Perseus the Dragon Slayer” and “Mother Jones and the Children's Crusade”---  shows in which Chiappetta had once performed. For the finale, all 80 cast members sang “The Heart Will Go On” which was Matthew's favorite song.

Crystal Theatre Inc. is an independent, not-for-profit performing arts school founded by Cheryl and Alexandrea Kemeny, David Jackins and Mariner Pezza in 1987. Its mission is to train students in the techniques of musical theater, produce and promote original works and provide performance opportunities for those who might otherwise not have a chance to sing, dance and act on stage.

Each year the group teaches an average of 700 students ages 4 to 21 and has entertained more than 100,000 audience members by producing 15-20 shows annually. The material for all productions is written to fit the ability levels of the youngsters in each class and to allow them to explore different roles and to try on new personalities. During productions, each student has the opportunity to participate as both a principal player and in a supporting role.

Photo Caption: 2014 Matt Chiappetta Scholarship Winners at Crystal Theatre.  Fr. Row, left-rt:  Sandy Remson, Katie Arpino, Max Morfoot, Javier Gonzalez (all from Norwalk) & top winner, Evan Fernandes of Stratford.  Back row includes judges Samantha Tuozzolo (Norwalk, NYC) and Benjamin Simpson (Wilton/NYC).