Watertown High School Hosts Virtual Performance of “The Crucible”

WATERTOWN — Superintendent Dede Galdston, Drama Teacher Kacie Kirkpatrick and Principal Joel Giacobozzi are pleased to announce students at Watertown High School recently wrapped their fall play with three virtual performances of “The Crucible”.

“The Crucible” by Arthur Miller is the dramatic telling of the Salem Witch Trials that took place between 1692-93 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The virtual performance was available over the Nov. 20-22 weekend. All of the rehearsals and performances were held over Zoom, except for two scenes which were filmed outdoors and all who participated followed the proper COVID-19 safety precautions.

“I am very fortunate to have an administration that is supportive of the drama program and its initiatives, particularly during this unique moment in time,” Kirkpatrick said. “Joel and I started plotting this idea in the summer. We both felt it was essential to have some type of performance this fall, even if it wasn’t our traditional fall play.”

The fall play was organized by Kirkpatrick, senior Ryan Leonard, junior Sadie Currier-Brown and WHS alumna Toni Carton, along with the support of Principal Giacobozzi. The goal was to give students the opportunity to flex their creative muscles, have fun and engage with a narrative, while still following all local and state guidelines to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the community.

“Kacie took on a Herculean task in making this piece of art happen, and wasn’t deterred at any point,” Principal Giacobozzi said. “I’m so proud of her and the students that worked tirelessly, on top of their other commitments, in a time where everything is new and requires so much.”

“This performance was a testament to the dedication of staff to provide our students with a rich learning experience, and to our students’ commitment and interest in the arts,” Superintendent Galdston said. “Great job by all who helped make the performance such a success and for providing an opportunity for our students to showcase their immense talents.”

The cast list was as follows:

• Junior Sadie Currier-Brown, who played Betty Parris and was a featured singer/musician.
• Senior Cavan Catalano, who played Rev. Samuel Parris.
• Senior Angelina Halibian, who played Tituba and Judge Hawthorne.
• Senior Rita Hackett, who played Abigail Williams.
• Freshman Belle Journette, who played Susanna Walcott and Martha Covey.
• Senior Alicia Karunaratne, who played Ann Putnam.
• Junior Phil Centola, who played Thomas Putnam.
• Sophomore Emma Griffith, who played Mercy Lewis.
• Senior Miriam Karachi, who played Mary Warren.
• Senior Seamus Doyle, who played John Proctor.
• Sophomore Alexa Burroughs, who played Rebecca Nurse.
• Senior George Lithotomos, who played Giles Covey.
• Senior Carolyn Gulley, who played Rev. John Hale.
• Senior Lana Taffel, who played Elizabeth Proctor.
• Sophomore Aidan Sheehan, who played John Willard and John Hopkins.
• Senior Iona Fleming, who played Governor Danforth.
• Freshman John Pavlidis, who played Ezekiel Cheever.
• Freshman Leanne Centola, who played Francis Nurse and Sarah Good.

When it comes to future performances, the group is ready to once again mirror the success of their fall production. Plans for the spring performance are in the works. The school has tentative plans to hold a Cabaret night outside with limited performers and attendees depending on any updated gathering restrictions by the state.

“We received so much support from our community and it’s a testament to the resiliency and flexibility of our students,” Kirkpatrick said. “Reactions to the production have been overwhelmingly positive and given our creativity this fall, I’m really excited to see what the students and I can do in the spring and beyond.”

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