Latest news with #St.MotherTeresaHighSchool
Ottawa Citizen
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Ottawa Citizen
St. Mother Teresa presented a 'brilliantly executed' production of The Play That Goes Wrong
Article content Alexander James, who plays the flippant but endearing Cecil Haversham, conveyed a dynamic and enthusiastic performance. James's passionate delivery of an over-the-top attention-seeking actor enhanced the delightfully chaotic performance. Cecil's exaggerated, childlike expressions were consistently maintained throughout the performance, and the role's physically demanding slapstick movements and comedic actions were executed with remarkable ease, seamlessly adding to the character's charm and humour. Alongside Cecil, Charlie Nowak Bella delivered an incredible performance as Florence Colleymoore, the melodramatic and demanding widow of Charles Haversham (Vinny McMillan), the unfortunate murder victim of Haversham Manor. Nowak Bella embodied Florence's poise and elegance by capturing her exaggerated posh accent and aristocratic flair. Each ensemble member personified their character's quirks, from Chris's edgy demeanor to Annie's quiet yet unexpectedly competitive nature; the acting showcased remarkable talent. Article content Article content Article content The Cornley Drama Society Stage Crew wholeheartedly embraced the chaos within the play through their steadfast commitment to the humour and spontaneity of the mishaps, which contributed to the layers of comedy and elevated the absurdity of the performance. Article content Every action was impeccably performed, spotlighting the blunders that added fuel to the chaos and frenzy of the play. As the performance continued, a marvellous but accident-prone set, designed by The Nearly Nailed It set team, went down in shambles as the cast performed. The paintings, props, and decor were meticulously designed to collapse at the precise moment, enhancing the show's impeccable comedic timing. The manor also perfectly reflected the sophistication of the 1920s, with intricately crafted features of the crest above the main door entrance and antique wallpaper on the walls. The revolving bookcase was discreetly hidden, and the portable grandfather clock was impressively robust, especially as it held the unconscious Florence Colleymoore. Article content Article content St. Mother Teresa High School delivered a riotously entertaining production of The Play That Goes Wrong (High School Edition), proving that humour can indeed thrive in the realm of absurdity! Article content The St. Mother Teresa High School production was reviewed by 33 critics representing 8 schools. The critic discussions were mentored by teacher Natalie Simard of Merivale High School and student reviews were edited and selected for publication by teacher Rebeca Ricardo of St. Francis Xavier High School, who could see only the reviews, not the names or schools of the reviewers. Article content The Citizen and 23 high schools are participating in the Cappies, a Washington, program that uses high school critics to review high school theatre. The program is a unique partnership between the Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Two schools from other boards in the region and two private schools have also joined. The Cappies season culminates with an awards Gala in June graciously hosted by the National Arts Centre. Follow Canada's Capital Cappies on Instagram @OttawaCappies. Article content
Ottawa Citizen
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Ottawa Citizen
Holy Trinity's production of Shakespeare in Love was a graceful blend of wit, emotion, and theatrical charm
Article content Article content Janet Do,Critic St. Mother Teresa High School Article content Parting is such sweet sorrow when the one you love remains just out of reach—divided by class, yet united in soul. Though tender moments must remain unspoken, all the world's a stage for love, loss, and longing in Holy Trinity Catholic High School's stirring production of Shakespeare in Love: The Play. Article content Article content Based on the 1998 Oscar-winning film by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, Shakespeare in Love follows a young Will Shakespeare as he battles writer's block. However, when he meets Viola De Lesseps – a noblewoman disguised as a man to chase her forbidden dream of acting – words begin to flow like a river. Their love, daring and drenched in poetry, blossoms despite gender constraints and an arranged marriage, ultimately inspiring the soul of Romeo and Juliet. As passion and poetry intertwine, the play reminds us that true love, like theatre, is full of risk, beauty, and heartbreak. Article content The cast brought the story to life with striking theatricality and emotional depth. Jacob Dylan's Will Shakespeare brimmed with ambition and inner turmoil, expressed through clenched fists, a tense jaw, and bold, persuasive delivery. Dylan's expressive gestures, feather-light touches, and intense eye contact with Viola revealed both poet and lover. By his side, Sophie Mora as Viola De Lesseps and in disguise as Thomas Kent exuded longing and quiet rebellion. Mora's soulful gaze, breathy speech, and fluttering hands captured grief and passion in equal measure. Article content Article content Ryan Groulx's nervous flinching and awkward fidgeting made the character of Philip Henslowe delightfully anxious, while London Cash's Queen Elizabeth I held firm with regal restraint; the clipped delivery, upright posture, and piercing honesty embodied royal command. Article content Article content The technical team transported audiences to Elizabethan England with vivid detail. Sets by Jacob Dylan and Len Morin-Chartrand featured an intricate balcony, a canopied bed, and a crafted boat that added depth to a poignant scene. Lighting and sound by Jonathan Okenwa, Harrison Eckersley, and Victoria Seto Acevedo enhanced the tone with pink hues for romance, dramatic spotlights for tension, and comedic cues that landed with perfect timing. Props by Isabella Mackenzie and Len Morin-Chartrand, such as parchment, quills, and rapiers, added authenticity, with the rapiers especially enriching the choreography of the fight scenes. Costumes and makeup, chosen and tailored by Samantha Clattenburg, Toby O'Connell, Alexx Stecher, Rowan Daley, and Len Morin-Chartrand, reflected the era's elegance and social hierarchy.
