NJSDA Grows Talent on ‘The Apple Tree’

“The Apple Tree” is an eclectic musical to say the least. The story spans nearly all of human history jumping from the Bible to history to fantasy; something that is not easy to wrangle into one play. Yet the challenge for the audience, is finding the connections in these disparate tales.

Despite the complex story the students of Bloomfield's remarkably and marvelously exceeded expectations.

“The Apple Tree” is a story told in three playlets. The first, entitled “The Diary of Adam & Eve” begins as Adam awakens in the Garden of Eden. He is soon joined by Eve. The two grow up and slowly fall in love all the while finding new discoveries in themselves and the world around.

The second part, “The Lady or the Tiger”, follows the forbidden love affair between Princess Barbara and Captain Sanjar. The last story, “Passionella: A Romance of the 60s” takes place relatively recently with Ella, the chimney sweep wishing to become a movie star. When her wish is granted, she finds out that love is the only thing in Hollywood that isn’t predicated on looks.

Each performance during Friday’s show was phenomenal, however, there were a number of players who derseve added recognition.

Stephanie Mautone, Young Eve, has a voice beyond her years. She handled the challenge of “Feelings” with stunning prowess.

The “Balladeers” of the second playlet, Olivia Broderick and Rachael McDonough, also hit some dangerously high notes with perfect pitch, in songs such as “I’ll Tell You the Truth” and “Make Way”. In flawless harmony no less!

Two of the most noteworthy acting performances belonged to the blossoming comedic talent found in Joey Santillo, the Young Adam, and Gerardo Mastrolia, the Narrator of the “Passionella” portion. Santillo displayed the discomfort of burgeoning love in the most hilarious ways. Like a young Nathan Lane, Mastrolia put his veteran chops on display with the ad libs that got some of the biggest laughs of the night.

Afterwards, co-director, Beth Baur, said, “I thought they did fantastic. I think that there’s a great joy and energy…I think it went really well.”

Terri Gorgone, the musical director, said, “These kids are super-talented and that makes my job easier. They come and sing and act well and putting it all together is the hard part.”

Corinna Sowers-Adler, the director and choreographer, said, “It’s like a brand new experience every time, as it should be, for me, too, and for the actors and for the audience. You prepare as much as you can and then there’s magic that happens. It’s live theater!”

“The Apple Tree” hosts its final performance this afternoon at 2 p.m. at the in Maplewood. The New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts’ next show will be “Suessical: The Musical” which is slated to run at the end of July.