Nazareth Academy Renames Theatre, Inducts New Members to Fine Arts Hall of Fame

Submitted by Nazareth Academy.

On April 23, 2015, Nazareth Academy celebrated the fine arts and those who have made a significant contribution to the arts while at Nazareth when the school welcomed new members into the Fine Arts Hall of Fame. The Induction Ceremony took place prior to the opening night of Nazareth’s spring production of Mary Poppins.

This year we welcomed Outstanding Graduates Megan Doyle ‘03 and Ellen Doyle ‘09 as well as Outstanding Friends of the Arts Sandy Larson and the Michael and Benita Romano Family, including Florence Ann ‘04, Gabrielle ‘09 and Christiana ‘14. As we honored and applauded the generosity of the Romano Family, we unveiled our newly-named theatre: the Benita and Michael Romano Family Theatre.

“The Arts have been important to Nazareth since its foundation in 1900. Mother Alexine (foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph of La Grange) was also an artist. She most certainly knew and understood that the Arts are the heart and soul of society. She fostered the Arts in the lives of the sisters and it is her legacy that lives on today in the students and teachers involved in the Nazareth Academy Fine Arts Program. We congratulate and thank the many women and men who have served our school in this capacity and whose lives continue to support the beauty of the Arts,” says Deborah Tracy, Nazareth Academy Principal.

We proudly welcome the following individuals:

Megan Doyle ‘03 (originally from La Grange): Soon after graduating from Nazareth Academy in 2003, Megan graduated from Miami University with a degree in American Studies. She then moved to Los Angeles, where she has worked in production roles on Emmy-winning NCIS: Los Angeles and Glee television shows, was the Assistant Tour Manager for the Glee Live! Tour in the United States and the United Kingdom, and is currently working for the Co-Creator and Executive Producer of Emmy-winning American Horror Story and the upcoming Scream Queens television show, which is currently filming. Megan plans on becoming a successful writer and producer.

Ellen Doyle ‘09 (originally from La Grange): Ellen performed all through high school at Nazareth, including her favorite role as a spastic, singing, lanky Penny Pingleton in Hairspray at the All-State Theatre Festival at University of Illinois. Her senior year closed with playing Cosette in the touching Naz production of Les Miserables in the then-new theatre. After graduating from Naz in 2009, she was off to Indiana University where she studied both theatre & drama and communications. After college she was off to intern at the Ellen DeGeneres Show and from there, she learned the ropes of casting while she interned at Fox. Meanwhile, she discovered improv, the right fit for her energetic quirks to live. Ellen completed the very competitive core track improv program at the Groundlings Theatre & School. She is continuing to work and study improv following the rigorous program. Ellen’s day to day activity involves working at the Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts in West Hollywood, directing children aged 5-18 in musical theatre productions, workshops, and private lessons.

Sandy Larson (Downers Grove): Back in 1999, Sandy received a phone call from Kim White, director of our plays and musicals, asking for help as a backstage supervisor for Alice in Wonderland. Sandy thought it would be for one show. Sixteen years later, she’s still helping out at Nazareth as the Assistant to the Director. Sandy has worked over 42 years in theatre, but working here at Nazareth with Kim and the students has been her most rewarding experience. She is proud to have the chance to give back her knowledge of theatre to our students and loves being a part of the Nazareth drama program. From audition panels to rehearsals to overseeing the set crew and everything that goes on backstage, Sandy wears many hats but has the knowledge and experience to excel in all areas. She works closely with our technical crew, props and costume directors, as well as our student directors.

The Romano Family (Hinsdale): Benita and Michael Romano have been a part of the Nazareth family for quite some time. Their three daughters, Florence Ann, Gabrielle and Christiana all graduated from Nazareth over the course of ten years. During their time at Nazareth, all three girls were heavily involved in our theatre department for each of their four years of high school. Right alongside their girls were Benita and Michael. From attending every performance, to helping with homework, hosting cast parties and shuttling them back and forth to their commitments, Benita and Michael were there. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to, and they wanted to be a part of what was important to them, which was Nazareth to its core. Florence Ann, a graduate from the class of 2004 is herself a Fine Arts Hall of Fame Inductee, Gabrielle, from the class of 2009 was the lead in every musical for all four years at Nazareth, and Christiana, who graduated in 2014, participated in lead and dance roles all four years as well. When they weren’t involved with theatre, they actively participated in endless extra-curriculars including tutoring, National Honor Societies, The Announcer, Student Council (Florence Ann was even Student Council President), FISH, Snowball, Eucharistic Minister, Retreat Leader and Roadrunner Club.

In presenting the new signs for the Romano Family Theatre, Deborah Tracy said, “Benita and Michael have raised truly terrific daughters and we are forever thankful for the many ways in which they have contributed to our school without seeking anything in return. The Romano family is a compassionate one, and we are so blessed to have them in our Nazareth family.

Benita and Michael, we can’t accurately put into words what your constant and continued support means to Nazareth; but, we know just how important and valuable the theatre and Fine Arts department is to you and your daughters. As a small gesture to show you how much we value your family and the impact you each have left on Nazareth, we would like to introduce and officially welcome you all to The Benita and Michael Romano Family Theatre!”

Photo 1 left to right: Gabrielle Romano, Ellen Doyle, Sandy Larson, Florence Ann Romano, Christiana Romano, Benita Romano and Michael Romano.

Photo 2 left to right: The Romano Family accepts the new Romano Theatre recognition from Dennis Moran, Deborah Tracy and current Nazareth seniors Carl Robst and James Haggerty.