Stage One Explores 'Alchemy of Desire' and 'Dead Man's Blues'

thespians will perform their next production this weekend as they prepare for the annual state drama festival this spring.

Stage One, the school drama club, will present the Friday and Saturday alongside a to be announced one-act performance by students in an advanced drama course at PVMHS. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Richard Carey will direct the latter piece while 2005 Peabody grad and Stage One alum Stephanie Manning takes the reins on the official entry into the drama festival.

"Alchemy of Desire/Dead Man's Blues" is written by Caridad Svich and set in the present-day Southern Bayou about a young widow, Simone, who recently lost her husband in a war. The play follows Simone as she deals with the loss of her husband, meanwhile he experiences his own journey in a lost limbo of reality. Carey serves as the producer for the play and June Kessel is the club advisor.

"I think when it comes to putting on a play, its either bad or good depending on the amount of hard work that a cast puts in. I believe we all put in an incredible amount of hard work and we've created a really beautiful piece," says cast member Shauna Cunningham.

"This show is very complex, as is most drama festival shows. This one has a really strong message and I think that the cast and technical crew have put everything they have into this production," says Matt Mogavero, who also serves as the club's vice president.

He added that everyone involved in the production has contributed greatly from the acting to building the set and other technical aspects. He said Manning returned last year to direct a play as well, which was very successful.

"Although this is my last drama festival home show, I have enjoyed every minute, seeing it come to life. The hard work and dedication from both cast and crew has paid off. This is going to be a good one" says Rosalie Calder, the Stage One president and stage manager this weekend.

Credits for "Alchemy of Desire/Dead Man's Blues"

• Writer: Caridad Svich
• Director: Stephanie Manning
• Stage One Advisor: June Kessel
• Producer: Richard Carey
• Assistant Director: Justin 'Timmy' Cimon
• Choreographer: Alyssa Branciforte
• Musical Director: Danielle Jenkins

Cast

• Simone: Elainy Mata
• Tirasol: Shauna Cunningham
• Caroline: Leandra Romano
• Selah: Erica Risti
• Miranda: Becky Jo Roland, Jenna Sacromone
• Jamie: Bernie Baldassaro, Matt Mogavero

Production/Technical Crew

• Stage Managers: Rosalie Calder and Rachel Trahan
• Deck Manager: Ross Titelbaum
• Sound Designer: Dana Sheridan
• Light Designer: Devon Dunajski
• Costume Designer: Anna Campbell
• Props Designer: Miranda Barnes
• Dramaturg: Alex Romano
• Sound Board Operator: Jake Lendall
• Light Board Operator: Dalton Delima

Credits for "Advanced Drama Project"

• Director: Richard Carey

Cast

• Zack Grube
• Alyssa Brantiforte 
• Chris Early
• Justin "Timmy" Cimon 
• Shauna Cunningham
• Katie Rodrigueiz Crespo 
• Crystal Murphy 
• Bianca Muscato 
• Vanessa Rouseau 
• Rosie Calder
• Marisa Gallo

Stage One Officers are:

• President: Rosalie Calder
• Vice President: Matt Mogavero
• Secretary: Lea Romano
• Treasurer: Justin Cimon