The energy in the auditorium was palpable during the dress rehearsal for the Ossining High School Fall production of Almost, Maine. Just minutes before showtime on November 16, Derek Rudley, Co-President of the Ossining Drama Club, led the cast and crew in reciting the word “energy,” building from a subtle whisper to a spirited chant.
The rousing routine certainly motivated the young actors, as each member of the cast delivered a stellar performance ahead of opening weekend.
“We’re trying to nurture the arts and make it accessible to everyone at OHS,” said Derek, who plays the role of “Jimmy.”
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“The play has themes of love, loss, and grief. I really love the set and the lighting, it’s very beautiful,” added the actor.
Ossining Theater Teacher Drew Dirienzo directed the play and chose it due to its wide range of scenes and characters.
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“[The play] is done in vignettes, which allows the audience to remain interested and gives the actors a full story to portray in one scene,” said Mr. Dirienzo.
“There’s 18 different roles, so it provides the opportunity for more students to be involved,” he continued.
This is Mr. Dirienzo’s first year teaching and directing at OHS. Prior to his career in education, Mr. Dirienzo worked for a New York City theater company and performed in various off-Broadway plays and musicals, including the national tour of Cats the Musical.
He said that he hopes his students learn how to act professionally and understand what it takes to be part of a theater company.
Senior Frank Marrero plays the role of Pete and is excited to be performing in another John Cariani production.
“My role has very few words and relies more on facial and body expressions, so it’s neat to explore that in a character,” said Frank.
Frank has performed in every OHS drama production since a freshman and hopes to pursue theater in college.
For junior Yoni Garcia, starring in Almost, Maine is a first.
“It’s fun to be performing for the first time. English is my second language so being on stage and speaking to a large audience will be very exciting,” said Yoni.
House manager and OHS senior Ralph Go has a behind-the-scenes role, designing the poster and helping with photo and graphical elements.
“Open dress rehearsals are fun because teachers and students come and it’s nice to see them routing for the cast,” he noted.
Senior Tay Bentley, Stage Manager and Drama Club Co-President, said she appreciated how the students worked well together and connected with their new director.
“Theater immerses you in this artform, you can watch it and feel it. I love seeing the audience happy and smiling.”
The Ossining High School Production of Almost, Maine will run November 17 – 19 at 7 p.m. in the OHS Auditorium. The play is free and open to the public.
