COS theater returns with 'Little Mermaid'
COS students perform in Disney's "The Little Mermaid, JR."
Photo credit: Frank Mathias
Following two seasons of darkened lights and shuttered curtains, Communion of Saints School’s (COS) drama program returned to the stage in May, when 49 children in grades K–8 sang and danced in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid, JR.”
Sea animals, seagulls, merpeople and royals all took to the spotlight. Bright costumes flashed before painted sets. The student stage crew behind the scenes helped ensure that everything ran smoothly. After months of rehearsing, the show went off without a hitch.
The production was directed by Kelly Monaghan, with support from drama coordinators Carlita Skok, Beth Sluzewski, and Jeanne Gordon, and numerous volunteers.
“Communion of Saints drama program is a family affair,” said Sluzewski, a parent and volunteer.
Parents, grandparents, alumni, and parishioners came together to design and build sets and sew costumes. The result transported theater-goers from the school gym to King Triton’s court.
The drama program builds on the arts foundation established by Fr. John Mary Powers, founder of St. Ann’s School and Parish (now COS). Powers, an avid theater and music fan, formed the parish theater troupe, The Power Players, more than 50 years ago. For decades, students have learned and honed their skills on the Power Players stage.
Eileen Ewen
Eileen Ryan Ewen is a children's book illustrator and volunteer librarian at Communion of Saints School. Her children attend COS School.