ARTPARK THEATRE ACADEMY PRESENTS:

SCHOOL OF ROCK Based on the Paramount movie by Mike White Book by Julian Fellowes Lyrics by Glenn Slater New Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Directed by Paschal Frisina III Choreography by Toni Dentico Musical Direction by Patrick Towey Costumes by Bret Runyon Technical Direction by Susan Stimson, Tim Wrobel Stage Manager: Ella Colbus

FEATURING: ARTPARK THEATRE ACADEMY CLASS OF 2021

Artpark Mainstage Theater July 18, 2021

ARTPARK THEATRE ACADEMY IS SUPPORTED BY ARTPARK SEASON SPONSORS: M&T BANK, CULLEN FOUNDATION and special funding for Artpark Works program from JOHN R. OISHEI FOUNDATION and FIRST NIAGARA FOUNDATION in partnership with KEYBANK

TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED BY NIAGARA FALLS COACH LINES INC.

School of Rock is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. SUMMARY

Rock got no reason, rock got no rhyme…You better get me to school on time! Andrew Lloyd Webber's School of Rock - The Musical is a two-hour, two-act show (plus intermission), based on the hit movie. The tuner follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?

Lloyd Webber produced the stage musical on Broadway and in the West End, penning 14 new numbers for the show, which additionally features all of the original songs from the movie. The composer’s tracks “You’re in the Band” and “Stick it to the Man” are well on their way to becoming rock solid standards, while the finale brings audiences to their Feet!

Directing Team Notes

Welcome to SCHOOL OF ROCK at Artpark! On behalf of Toni, Patrick, and myself, we are so excited to share this special production that has been 16 months in the making! Preparations for this production started pre-covid for the 2020 Artpark season, but the pandemic pushed us to this summer 2021. Some of these students auditioned last year, and all of this anticipation leads us to today’s magical performance. Throughout the winter of 2021, many of the Covid restrictions limited our planning of the production in the scope of wanting large sets, spectacle, extra rehearsal time, and our usual 50 students. Our Academy could only be 3 weeks this year as opposed to the usual 4 weeks. Additionally, social distancing, mask guidelines, restrictions on singing in public, and so much more, all had changing guidelines as we planned this back in winter 2021... My hope is that even without the large sets and spectacle, the focus becomes clear on the students and their amazing performances! This huge, empty theatre becomes a space full of love and positive energy when these students open their mouths and play their instruments and dance their hearts out for you! No set required. I ask you today to let your imagination go free! Focus your energy on suspending your disbelief that we are not in a huge theatre in Lewiston NY, but rather at Horace Green Elementary, meeting these amazing students who learn how to set their Rock souls free!

The young professionals you will witness today have amazed us from the first day when the Academy students were memorized and ready to work! They have waited for 16 months to be this community of actors and put on their performance for you. They have dealt with unbelievable experiences during their past two school years with Covid and its restrictions on even just being a kid. They are ready to explode with a positive radiance that only a child could share, even during one of our country’s darkest times. Their energy on stage is contagious. They have so much to share with you, it’s time we all listen and enjoy the magic they fill our lives with everyday! It has been our greatest privilege directing your children. This has been an epic three week experience. Rock on! Enjoy the show! -Paschal Frisina SONG LIST

Act I

● “I’m Too Hot for You” – Orchestra Overture ● “When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock” – Dewey ● “Horace Green Alma Mater” – Rosalie, students and teachers ● “Here at Horace Green” – Rosalie ● “Variation 7” – Dewey and Ned ● “Children of Rock” – Dewey and Ned ● “Mount Rock (Reprise)” – Patty ● “Queen of the Night” – Rosalie, Dewey and Gabe ● “You’re in the Band” – Dewey and students ● “If Only You Would Listen” – Students ● “In the End of Time (A Cappella Version)” – Dewey ● “Faculty Quadrille” – Teachers ● “In the End of Time (Band Practice)” – Dewey and students ● “Stick It to the Man” – Dewey and students ● “In the End of Time (The Audition)” – Dewey and students ● “Stick It to the Man (Reprise)” – Dewey and students Act II

● “Time to Play” – Summer and students ● “Amazing Grace” – Tomika ● “Math Is a Wonderful Thing” – Dewey and students ● “Where Did the Rock Go?” – Rosalie ● “School of Rock (Band Practice)” – Dewey and students ● “Dewey’s Confession” – Dewey, Rosalie, Patty, Ned and Parents ● “If Only You Would Listen (Reprise)” – Tomika and Other Students ● “I’m Too Hot for You (Reprise)” – No Vacancy ● “School of Rock” – Dewey and students ● “Stick It to the Man (Encore)” – Dewey and students CHARACTERS

Leads Dewey Finn (Guitar): Ben Leahy Rosalie Mullins: Courtney Beals Ned: Liam Post Patty: Liz Hopkins

Kids Zack (Guitar): Stephen Wesolowski Katie (Bass): Grace Ludwig Lawrence (Keyboard): John Perno Freddy (Drums): Jude Wabick Summer (Band Manager): Ana Marciniak Tamika (Head Back-Up Singer): Lourdes Johnson Marcy (Back-Up Singer): Liliana Frisina Shonelle (Back-Up Singer): Emily Harrigan Billy: Jack Stillman Mason: Gabriel Frisina James: Tim Whipple Madison: Maeve Garvey Sophie: Addie Garvey Ben: Walker Woods Julie: Maggie Hassett Ricky: Clark Garvey Michelle: Eloise Eagan Kris: Hayden Lively Suzy: Alexa Kowalski

Teachers Ms. Sheinkoff: Megan Bevilacqua Mr. Gabe Brown: Andrew Jasinski Mr. Noble: Vincent Murphy Mr. Green: Kellen O’Connor Ms. Gordon: Rebecca Posses Mr. Bingham: Ryan Bevilacqua Ms. Macapugay: Laila Pincas Mr. Woodard: Liam Post Mrs. Wagner: Liz Hopkins

Parents Mr. Mooneyham (Zack’s dad): Andrew Jasinski Mrs. Hathaway (Summer’s mom): Rebecca Posses Mr. Williams (Tamika’s dad): Ryan Bevilacqua Mr. Spencer (Tamika’s dad): Vincent Murphy Mrs. Hamilton (Freddie’s mom): Laila Pincas Mr. Sanford (Billy’s dad): Kellen O’Connor Mrs. Turner(Lawence’s Mom): Megan Bevilacqua Other Characters

Jeff (Host of Battle of the Bands): Vincent Murphy Security Guard: Laila Pincas Policeman: Tim Whipple

Rival Band: “No Vacancy” Theo (lead singer): Ryan Bevilacqua Doug (back-up): Andrew Jasinski Bob (back-up): Kellen O’Connor

DIRECTORS AND STAFF

Ella Colbus (Stage Manager) Ella is a recent graduate of Mount St. Mary Academy and will be attending University of North Carolina School of the Arts to continue her career in stage management. She has spent time stage managing many shows at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Artpark, Niagara County Community College, Shea's, Subversive Theatre Collective, and MusicalFare and most recently worked on the Buffalo Quickies at Alleyway. Ella is infinitely thankful for everyone who supports her endeavors, especially her fellow stage manager and mother Susan Stimson and her boyfriend Ben. She hopes you enjoy this production of School of Rock!

Patrick Towey (Music Director) Patrick has worked with Artpark Theatre Academies and Camps since 2013. He has served as the Music Director for the 2018 production of The Odyssey and the 2017 staged reading of Elephant in the Room. Outside of his Artpark activities, he has music directed and conducted countless musical theatre productions. After serving as Director of Bands at Plattsburgh Senior High School for six years, Towey is now pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University.

Paschal Frisina III (Academy Co-Director) Paschal completed his Master’s degree in Education with NYS certifications in Social Studies and Theatre Arts in 2014. He also completed an additional Master’s degree in Business Arts Management. Paschal teaches Government, Public Speaking, and the Theatre Arts courses during the day at St. Joe’s in Buffalo, NY. 100+ professional credits including the European Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR as Peter/Annas, the US National Tour of COPACABANA as Rico Castilli, five production contracts with cruise lines, multiple years at Artpark, Off-Broadway production of BECOMING SOMETHING: CANADA LEE, and a Broadway workshop of CAIRO, directed by Baayork Lee (A Chorus Line, original).

Toni Dentico (Academy Co-Director) Toni trained at the David DeMarie Dance Studio where she studied jazz, tap and ballet for 17 years. While a student of his, she was awarded the title of Miss Junior Dance of WNY, Miss Dance of WNY and Miss Dance of America. She was a member of his core group of dancers that performed at Artpark, Kleinhan’s and the M and T Plaza and won many competitions regionally and nationally. During her reign as Miss Dance of America she taught and performed all over the US, and was able to model and dance in Osaka, Japan. She attended University of NY at Buffalo where she minored in dance. Toni has spent the last eleven summers working at Artpark as choreographer for the Academy. She spent ten years as choreographer at the Academy of Theatre Arts in Williamsville. Currently Toni can be found working as the St. Joseph Collegiate Institute's Music Department Choreographer. It is her great joy to share her passion for the arts with so many great students! She would like to thank all the students and production staff for their hard work and dedication. Love to Michael, Mikey, Mitch and Adam for their patience and support!

Abby Karaszewski (Counselor) Abby is a camp counselor and had a great time working with these super talented kids. She attended Mount St. Mary Academy and has been working with Paschal and Toni for years, most notably playing the role of the Fiddler in the SJCI production of Fiddler on the Roof. Abby is a rising sophomore at the University of Notre Dame studying physics.

Ben Whipple (Counselor) Ben enjoyed helping the kids put together such an amazing show. He recently played the role of the Beast in the St. Joe’s Production of Beauty and the Beast and he attends Belmont University in Nashville for audio engineering. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Cole Quarantillo (Counselor) Cole is a counselor/stage crew for the show. He attended the camp when he was younger and has also done shows at St. Joes in Buffalo, NY.

PIT BAND

Keyboard- Tim Dyet Guitar- Jared Tinkham Oscar Woodrich Madison Gibbs Bass- Stephen Gagnon Drum Set- Colin Sperazza

CAST BIOS

Laila Pincus A rising 9th grader, Laila Pincus came all the way from NYC to be part of Artpark’s Theater Camp. She loves to study acting as well as to read and write; she’s also on the flying trapeze team at Streb Lab for Action Mechanics in Brooklyn.

Vincent Connor Christoph Murphy Robison He discovered the theater with the help of his mother when he saw Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s 2012 showing of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He would first get into theater when he played one of the three bears at 79th Street Elementary’s 2015 showing of The Granny Awards. In 2018 he would have his first starring role as Buddy the Elf in Elf Jr, put on by the Niagara Falls Prep Drama Initiative. That summer he would also be able to pay tribute to his Shakespearean heroes when he worked as an intern during King Lear, joining them the following year for Love Labour’s Losts. When he had to choose where to go to High School, he chose to go to Saint Joseph Collegiate Institute, where he has worked as an actor in the fall drama, and worked backstage for their musicals. But lately Vincent has been trying to extend his work to other theaters, by working with Sacred Heart Academy, Starry Night Theater, among others. He is currently working on a play on Vincent Van Gogh for his acting class, hoping to use the play to educate people on the troubled life of the famous artist, as well as to spread awareness of mental illness. He would like to thank his mother Joy Murphy, and his father Kraig Robison for their unmerited support, and for their help through his struggles.

John Perno John is ten years old and lives in Niagara Falls with his parents, two cats and a fish. He is going into sixth grade this year and is homeschooled. John has been playing piano for almost four years, he mainly plays classical but can play other types of music. In his free time, John likes to play video games, listen to music, and play card and board games with his parents. John is very excited to be working with everyone at Artpark on this production!

Ryan Bevilacqua Ryan is very excited to be here and perform. He will be a senior at St. Joe's at the beginning of the school year. He has been in or involved in all the St. Joe's shows since he was a freshman. These include both the Fall Dramas and Spring Musicals. He also did Aladdin Jr. in 2019 at Artpark. He is very proud to be here, and wants to thank those who came to support him and the show

Tim Whipple Tim is a recent graduate of Christ the King and will be heading to St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in the fall. Tim has been involved in theatre since first grade and has performed in shows at theaters including CTK and Encore Experience. His most recent role was Artie in Lost in Yonkers at Desiderio’s Dinner Theater. Tim would like to thank his family, Ella Colbus, and anyone who has helped him in his endeavors. He is excited to be in his first show at Artpark and hopes you enjoy this performance of School of Rock!

Kellen O’Connor Kellen is returning for his second year at Artpark, after playing Babkak in Aladdin in 2019. He is entering his senior year at St. Joe's, where he performs in Varsity Singers, Swing Choir, the Fall Drama, and the Spring Musical. His personal favorite role was Louden Downey in A Few Good Men, in 2019.

Courtney Beals Courtney is a senior at Mount St Mary. Past productions include, Godpsell, A Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast, A Few Good Men (Joanne Galloway), Fiddler on the Roof, and You Can’t Take it With You (Gay Wellington). Courtney is also a fourth year member of the SJCI Swing Choir. She would like to thank her family and the entire cast and crew of School of Rock.

Megan Bevilacqua Megan is super excited about being in this year’s ARTPARK production of SCHOOL OF ROCK. In the past she has been in 5 other musicals including: Seussical Jr., Frozen Jr., Xanadu Jr., Aladdin, and the Little Mermaid. Her hobbies include painting, singing and reading. Megan would like to thank her Mom and Dad for letting her do this and for driving her everyday. She hopes they as well as everyone else will enjoy the show! Liliana Frisina Liliana is in the 6th grade at St. Christophers School. She was last on stage in Artpark’s production of Aladdin Jr. This is her 4th year participating in the Theater Camp. She has been in previous productions of The Odyssey as the little girl, and Fiddler on the Roof Jr, she also was in the St. Joseph Collegiate Institute production of Fidler on the Roof. She would like to thank her parents and brother and her extended family for always supporting her.

Gabriel Frisina Gabriel is a 7th grader at St. Christophers school. He was last seen on-stage as Chip in St. Joseph Collegiate Institute’s 2020 production of Beauty and The Beast. This is his 4th season at Artpark and was in past productions of Aladdin Jr, Fiddler on the Roof Jr., and he was Junior stage manager for Artparks production of the Odyssey. He also was in St. Christophers production of Frozen Jr. He would like to thank his parents, his sister and his extended family for always being his biggest fans.

Stephen Wesolowski Stephen will be entering his junior year at Williamsville South High School and has been playing guitar since 3rd Grade. His other theater credit includes the part of Meyer Wolfsheim in The Great Gatsby at Nardin Academy in 2020. When not shredding guitar, he is the Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 440 at St. Gregory the Great and is currently working on his Eagle Scout rank. He enjoys movies and music, with the Rocky Horror Picture Show and Megadeth being his favorites. Stephen will be attending Guitar Sessions at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA in August to perform and engage with other young guitarists from around the world. “I would like to thank my parents and guitar teacher, Greg Skulicz at Crossroads Music, in supporting my passion for music.”

Walker Woods Walker is very excited to make his acting debut in School of Rock at Artpark. He attends Lew-Port at the Intermediate Education Center where he will start fifth grade in the fall. Walker enjoys playing soccer with his travel team the Niagara Pioneer Militia and learning the Ukulele. He wants to thank his family for all their support.

Alexa Kowalski After my first adventure doing a play in elementary school, I had so much fun that I wanted to continue to grow in the art. This has been a great experience to learn all the effort that goes into a production. I would like to thank my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and my friends for supporting me. I’m glad to be a part of the show.

Lizzie Hopkins Lizzie is really happy to be working on theatre again after the shutdown! Paschal, Toni, and Patrick have done a wonderful job at making this return thrilling. Patty certainly is a fun character to play after the past show-less year! Her favorite previous credits include: Sophie in “Mamma Mia”, Wednesday in “The Adam’s Family”, and Miss Sherman in “Fame Jr”. She would like to give a special thank you to Drew Burke for continuously putting his all into his teaching, and being a bright light in and out of the classroom. And a very very special thank you to Mom, Dad, Jack, Sarah & Katie, her 3 lovely Grandma’s, Grandpa, and the rest of her big family for never ceasing to cheer her on in doing what she loves. Grace Ludwig Grace is thrilled to be making her debut at Artpark as Katie in “School of Rock “. She has previously performed as a featured dancer in “Beauty and the Beast”, “The Little Mermaid”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, and a featured soloist in “Better Together.” She has just completed her sophomore year at Williamsville South where she was a member of Exec Board, South Dance Line, Drama Club, Varsity Gymnastics and the Historian of Philharmonia. She would like to thank all the Directors for the opportunity to perform and her family for always supporting her.

Maggie Hassett Maggie is a member of the Buffalo Academy of Sacred Heart's Class of 2025. She is an accomplished dancer and guitarist. Maggie enjoyed playing many supporting roles in each of the the past 7 school musicals put on by her elementary school alma mater, St. Joseph's University School. Maggie made her stage debut in Lewiston as a participant in the ensemble cast for the Artpark Theatre Camp's 2019 performance of Aladdin Jr. Maggie is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the ensemble for this year's production of "School of Rock."Maggie resides in North Buffalo with her dad and their pet poodle, Charley.

Lourdes Alise Johnson I am currently a 10th grader at Nardin Academy and I am so excited to be a part of Artpark for the first time! So far, I have performed at Nardin Academy in the musical “Grease” as Patty Simcox. I also performed in the play “A Christmas Carol“ and “Godspell” at St. Joseph Collegiate Institute. Recently, I was accepted into the Swing Choir at St. Joseph Collegiate Institute! I plan to continue my love for singing, dancing, and acting and later in life want to teach kids the joy and happiness theatre and music can bring to them.

Jude Wabick Jude’s love for music started when he sat behind a drum set at the age of 4 for the first time. He thought that he was just banging; however, his banging had a beat to it. Since that moment, Jude has added other loves into his musical life. He has been taking professional vocal and guitar training since the age of 9, and most recently, piano. Jude has enjoyed performing in front of people as a solo artist at local venues as well as performing in his school musicals Aladdin and Frozen. Last year, Jude was selected to participate in the Erie County Music Educators Association band and chorus. Next year, he will be entering the 9th grade at Orchard Park High School where he plans on continuing his music journey by joining the Quaker Marching Band’s drumline and becoming a participant in the theater program.

Ben Leahy Ben is a senior at St. Joe’s. He is playing the role of Dewey Finn. This is his third musical and he looks forward to doing more in the future.

Becca Posses Becca is a junior at Williamsville North High School. They have danced at American Academy of Ballet for 12 years. They have also done shows such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and now School of Rock! They are so thankful for the amazing cast and the directors Toni, Paschal, and Patrick. Enjoy the show! Andrew Jasinski Andrew is a Senior at St. Joe’s Collegiate Institute and is excited to be a part of the School of Rock cast. Andrew performed in Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof, and in A Few Good Men. Andrew would like to thank Paschal, Toni and Patrick for making the show possible, as well as the cast for being such a good family. Also, Andrew would like to thank his mom and dad for the positive encouragement. Please enjoy the show!

Ana Marciniak Ana is excited to be a part of her first Artpark production! She’s done musicals in the past, such as Mamma Mia, Beauty and the Beast, and Godspell. Ana would like to thank her mom for driving her every day, and for supporting her through her performances!

Jack Stillman Jack is a ninth grade student at St. Joseph Collegiate Institute. He has appeared in two previous Artpark productions, including The Odyssey and Aladdin. He participated in Theater Club at St. Joseph University School, and he was in numerous musical productions there. Jack has earned his second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He also enjoys Legomasters.

Maeve Garvey Maeve is thrilled to have been given the amazing opportunity to be a part of “School Of Rock”. Maeve took part in all of her elementary school musicals, and as much as she loved those, this is a whole new experience. Maeve is a rising sophomore at Mt. St. Mary Academy.

Adelaide Garvey Adelaide just completed her 8th grade year, where she was able to play Grace Farrell in their production of Annie. This is Addie’s third production with Artpark, and she’s looking forward to her freshman year at Mt. St. Mary Academy.

Clark Garvey Clark is so happy to be part of his first Artpark production. He’s no stranger to the stage, however, and is looking forward to his 5th grade year at St. Joseph University School.

Eloise Eagan Eloise is thrilled to be a part of Artpark Theater Academy this year! When she’s not on stage, you can find Ellie playing lacrosse, swimming in the pool, and participating in Buffalo Girlchoir.

Liam Post Liam plays Ned Schneebley in School of Rock. They have been in many other productions ever since they played a role in Fiddler on the Roof Jr. also at Artpark and soon after joined the St. Joes theatre department under the direction of Paschal Frisina. Liam would like to thank Paschal, Toni, and all of the people who make both Artpark and St. Joe's great places to experience and perform theatre. Outside of theatre Liam enjoys cooking and collecting antiques. But they always come back to the theatre due to its communal nature and because of how fun it is to be someone else, even if it is only for one show. Cast Photos