After months of preparation and anticipation, it has finally arrived: The opening night of Cardinal O'Hara's production of Footloose. If you like the 80s, dancing, fun, music, laughing, or me, you should probably be there. Come on out and support the cast, band, and crew and I guarantee you'll be dancing in the aisles (hopefully during intermission or after the show...it's a bit distracting otherwise).
Based on the classic 1980s movie starring Kevin Bacon, Footloose is the story of one, well, footloose Ren McCormack, a Chicago transplant in the small (and small-minded) town of Bomont. Dancing is illegal in Bomont thanks to Reverend Shaw Moore, the ironfisted preacher who can't control his own rebellious daughter. Ren aims to shake things up by challenging Reverend Moore's rule, with surprising results.
I can personally vouch that our production of Footloose is fantastic. It's not just the catchy music or the incredible dancing that makes this show a joy to watch: A lot of heart and soul went into this, and it's very evident. As a cast member of Footloose, I have had a great time, made a lot of new friends, and even learned a few steps (though I'm still a pretty terrible dancer). And the real fun is just beginning!
The show opens at 8:00 PM in O'Hara's auditorium. Tickets are $12 for tonight, tomorrow night, and next Friday and Saturday (December 2 and 3). They are $10 for Sunday's matinee at 2:00 PM. How can you beat that? Professional-grade high school theater at a fantastic price.
You can get some more info about O'Hara's production of Footloose here, and you can buy tickets online here! (Tickets are also available at the door, don't worry!)
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
"I went down to buy a turkey tree, and all they have are things for Christmas." - Sally Brown
Another Thanksgiving, come and (almost) gone. It was a good one this year.
Finally, after weeks - months, really - of going, going, going nonstop, I finally had the chance to sit down, chill out, and think about how lucky I really am.
Truthfully, I have a lot to be thankful for.
I'm thankful for my mom and dad, who bend over backwards with a smile to make sure my brother and I are happy and healthy. Speaking of the devil, I'm thankful for my brother, who is wise beyond his years, hilarious, and way cooler than me. I'm thankful for my extended family, my ever-present cheer squad and support network. (A special shout-out to my cousin Sam, who, well, wanted a shout-out. Hey, Sam!)
I'm thankful for my friends, my second family. They teach me something new every day, and they make me strive to be a better person. Whether we've been buds since Little Church School or since last month, my friends are more often than not my light, joy, and tether to sanity, and for that I'm eternally grateful.
I'm thankful for my school and what I've learned there. Truly, O'Hara has given me lessons, challenges, relationships, ideas, and opportunities that have changed me for the better. Whether it's Kairos leadership, being in the shows (more on that tomorrow), or just learning to always walk on the right side of the hallway, I've gained indispensable knowledge and experience at COHS.
I'm thankful for a little time off. Having some time when I don't have to do anything - when there's no agenda or schedule - is a much-needed break. Today, I sat down and actually read a book that wasn't school-required for more than five minutes. It was amazing.
Well, with the mushy stuff out of the way, a few odds and ends: I have been accepted to Temple Honors! Wahoo! Now I have about a month of jittery waiting for more acceptances (well, hopefully they're acceptances).
Footloose opens tomorrow night at O'Hara. If you want a good time, you'd do well to show up.
Back to Thanksgiving, kind of. It's officially the start of the Christmas season, hooray! I can't wait to listen to/sing Christmas music, decorate, watch Christmas Vacation, light candles, et cetera. After all, it is officially The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Welp, this has been a doozy of a post. I hope you've all had a fantastic Thanksgiving.
"But Thanksgiving is more than eating, Chuck. You heard what Linus was saying out there. Those early Pilgrims were thankful for what had happened to them, and we should be thankful, too. We should just be thankful for being together. I think that's what they mean by 'Thanksgiving,' Charlie Brown."
- Marcie, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Finally, after weeks - months, really - of going, going, going nonstop, I finally had the chance to sit down, chill out, and think about how lucky I really am.
Truthfully, I have a lot to be thankful for.
I'm thankful for my mom and dad, who bend over backwards with a smile to make sure my brother and I are happy and healthy. Speaking of the devil, I'm thankful for my brother, who is wise beyond his years, hilarious, and way cooler than me. I'm thankful for my extended family, my ever-present cheer squad and support network. (A special shout-out to my cousin Sam, who, well, wanted a shout-out. Hey, Sam!)
I'm thankful for my friends, my second family. They teach me something new every day, and they make me strive to be a better person. Whether we've been buds since Little Church School or since last month, my friends are more often than not my light, joy, and tether to sanity, and for that I'm eternally grateful.
I'm thankful for my school and what I've learned there. Truly, O'Hara has given me lessons, challenges, relationships, ideas, and opportunities that have changed me for the better. Whether it's Kairos leadership, being in the shows (more on that tomorrow), or just learning to always walk on the right side of the hallway, I've gained indispensable knowledge and experience at COHS.
I'm thankful for a little time off. Having some time when I don't have to do anything - when there's no agenda or schedule - is a much-needed break. Today, I sat down and actually read a book that wasn't school-required for more than five minutes. It was amazing.
Well, with the mushy stuff out of the way, a few odds and ends: I have been accepted to Temple Honors! Wahoo! Now I have about a month of jittery waiting for more acceptances (well, hopefully they're acceptances).
Footloose opens tomorrow night at O'Hara. If you want a good time, you'd do well to show up.
Back to Thanksgiving, kind of. It's officially the start of the Christmas season, hooray! I can't wait to listen to/sing Christmas music, decorate, watch Christmas Vacation, light candles, et cetera. After all, it is officially The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Welp, this has been a doozy of a post. I hope you've all had a fantastic Thanksgiving.
"But Thanksgiving is more than eating, Chuck. You heard what Linus was saying out there. Those early Pilgrims were thankful for what had happened to them, and we should be thankful, too. We should just be thankful for being together. I think that's what they mean by 'Thanksgiving,' Charlie Brown."
- Marcie, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Lunch with Mom and an Important Letter
It was a very exciting weekend.
On Saturday, I got to spend some quality time with my mom at O'Hara's annual Mother-Daughter Luncheon at the Drexelbrook. Funny story about the Mother-Daughter Luncheon: my grandmother is a member of the Springfield Lioness Club, which always hosts its annual fashion show on the same date and at the same time as the Mother-Daughter Luncheon. I have attended the fashion show each year, always noting that in three years, then two years, then just one year, I'd be skipping it to attend the Mother-Daughter Luncheon. It was pretty weird (but pretty great) to actually go to the Luncheon this year after seeing it for so long.
Needless to say, it was a lovely occasion for all and a nice memory to share with my mom!
In other exciting news, I received my first official college acceptance! Yes, I have been accepted to Temple University as a journalism major, with a scholarship! Yay! After writing essays and filling out applications and requesting transcripts, it's a bit surreal to hold the piece of paper that says, "Congratulations! You're in!" As more letters (hopefully letters of acceptance) arrive in the next month or so, I'll be sure to keep you posted.
Last but certainly not least, I finished off my weekend with show rehearsal. My excitement for O'Hara's production of Footloose increases exponentially with each day! It's going to be a really fun (and funny) show so come on out and enjoy it! Prepare for major plugging in the next two weeks, because Footloose opens on the St. John Vianney Hall stage next Friday, November 25!
On Saturday, I got to spend some quality time with my mom at O'Hara's annual Mother-Daughter Luncheon at the Drexelbrook. Funny story about the Mother-Daughter Luncheon: my grandmother is a member of the Springfield Lioness Club, which always hosts its annual fashion show on the same date and at the same time as the Mother-Daughter Luncheon. I have attended the fashion show each year, always noting that in three years, then two years, then just one year, I'd be skipping it to attend the Mother-Daughter Luncheon. It was pretty weird (but pretty great) to actually go to the Luncheon this year after seeing it for so long.
 |
| My mom and I |
In other exciting news, I received my first official college acceptance! Yes, I have been accepted to Temple University as a journalism major, with a scholarship! Yay! After writing essays and filling out applications and requesting transcripts, it's a bit surreal to hold the piece of paper that says, "Congratulations! You're in!" As more letters (hopefully letters of acceptance) arrive in the next month or so, I'll be sure to keep you posted.
Last but certainly not least, I finished off my weekend with show rehearsal. My excitement for O'Hara's production of Footloose increases exponentially with each day! It's going to be a really fun (and funny) show so come on out and enjoy it! Prepare for major plugging in the next two weeks, because Footloose opens on the St. John Vianney Hall stage next Friday, November 25!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Let the Games Begin
It began today.
The season of incredibly specific details, constant Shakespeare reading, buzzers, art history textbooks the size of paving stones, 15-second timers, Southeast Asian geography, and the Quizmaster.
A veritable Delco tradition, the 64th season of Delco Hi-Q began today with practice rounds at Springfield High School. It paved the way for the many matches in the months to come. (O'Hara will participate in three, so look for updates!)
This year is my second as a member of O'Hara's Hi-Q team. I finally found an outlet for my collection of random knowledge. (Also, I never complain about a get out of class free card.) It's what I like to do for kicks: study art history and geography on top of my already comprehensive workload.
Really, though, Hi-Q is a great organization and a great tradition. I really appreciate the celebration of academic achievement, hospitality, and sportsmanship.
Stay tuned for updates on the Lions' Hi-Q season - for sure, it will be quite exciting.
The season of incredibly specific details, constant Shakespeare reading, buzzers, art history textbooks the size of paving stones, 15-second timers, Southeast Asian geography, and the Quizmaster.
A veritable Delco tradition, the 64th season of Delco Hi-Q began today with practice rounds at Springfield High School. It paved the way for the many matches in the months to come. (O'Hara will participate in three, so look for updates!)
This year is my second as a member of O'Hara's Hi-Q team. I finally found an outlet for my collection of random knowledge. (Also, I never complain about a get out of class free card.) It's what I like to do for kicks: study art history and geography on top of my already comprehensive workload.
Really, though, Hi-Q is a great organization and a great tradition. I really appreciate the celebration of academic achievement, hospitality, and sportsmanship.
Stay tuned for updates on the Lions' Hi-Q season - for sure, it will be quite exciting.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween!
I have to get back to my super-secret Halloween stuff (coughcoughhomeworkcough) but I just wanted to wish YOU an extra-happy and safe Halloween. I'll be posting pictures of this All Hallow's Eve very soon!
Also, all my love to the KLXVII crew...I know some of you are reading this. You guys are the best.
Now stop reading this and go get lots of candy.
Also, all my love to the KLXVII crew...I know some of you are reading this. You guys are the best.
Now stop reading this and go get lots of candy.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Home of the Red and Blue
Senior year is, naturally, a year of lasts.
This past week was my last, and favorite, Homecoming Week.
I've always felt that Homecoming is one of the prime weeks of the school year. It's almost like Christmas. Everyone is just very jolly. I have to give a huge thumbs-up to O'Hara for an awesome Homecoming Week. Everything from a pep rally to a contest to be the mascot to Clash Day (look for pictures tomorrow) to Spirit Day was a blast.
I tried to take in as many of the Homecoming festivities as I could, this being
(sadly) my last chance to do so. After a lovely Homecoming Mass last night, a jovial student section crowded into the bleachers for a bonfire and then migrated into the cafeteria for the annual Homecoming Dance. I shuffle up a storm with my friends before retiring home for the night.
Unfortunately, I had to skip the football game this afternoon. (Way to go, Lions! a 60-24 win over Carroll does a student body good.) I'm leading a Kairos retreat this week and I have a lot (a lot, I mean a lot) to do. Speaking of which, I'd better get back to that. Until the future!
This past week was my last, and favorite, Homecoming Week.
I've always felt that Homecoming is one of the prime weeks of the school year. It's almost like Christmas. Everyone is just very jolly. I have to give a huge thumbs-up to O'Hara for an awesome Homecoming Week. Everything from a pep rally to a contest to be the mascot to Clash Day (look for pictures tomorrow) to Spirit Day was a blast.
I tried to take in as many of the Homecoming festivities as I could, this being
(sadly) my last chance to do so. After a lovely Homecoming Mass last night, a jovial student section crowded into the bleachers for a bonfire and then migrated into the cafeteria for the annual Homecoming Dance. I shuffle up a storm with my friends before retiring home for the night.
Unfortunately, I had to skip the football game this afternoon. (Way to go, Lions! a 60-24 win over Carroll does a student body good.) I'm leading a Kairos retreat this week and I have a lot (a lot, I mean a lot) to do. Speaking of which, I'd better get back to that. Until the future!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
I Shipped Up to Boston
Well, it's been a crazy two weeks.
I'll start at the beginning: My Kairos retreat was an awesome experience, and I really can't say much more than that except that I can't wait to go back as a leader in a few weeks!
When I got off the bus from Kairos, a few people gave me hearty congratulations. I was a bit confused until someone pointed out the sign in front of O'Hara - my name is on it! I was so thrilled to find out that I've been named a National Merit Commended Student! I'd like to thank the College Board, the O'Hara faculty, Mr. Jim Arnold for putting up the sign....ahem. Sorry. Back to business.
So yeah, enough of the self-serving stuff. I've been swamped with make-up work pretty much all week, but I've had quite a pleasant weekend so far.
My dad and I had a marathon 30-hour trip up to Boston for a college visit! We hopped on 3:15 flight to Boston Logan and haven't stopped since. Last night we ate some delicious clam chowder at Legal Sea Foods and then poked around Faneuil Hall and Long Wharf for a few hours. My favorite store was definitely Newbury Comics: we spent at least 20 minutes admiring The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 Facts About the World's Greatest Human and an Awkward Family Photos calendar (and if you don't know what Awkward Family Photos are, you're welcome). After that, we stopped for ice cream at Emack & Bolio's before retiring to the hotel room to watch the Phillies blow it. (Too soon?)
After visiting the college which shall remain anonymous at this time, we headed back to Long Wharf for a final lunch, hopped on the T, and headed home.
Well, that does it for Boston (and my college visits). As application deadlines draw ever nearer, stay tuned for updates!
I'll start at the beginning: My Kairos retreat was an awesome experience, and I really can't say much more than that except that I can't wait to go back as a leader in a few weeks!
When I got off the bus from Kairos, a few people gave me hearty congratulations. I was a bit confused until someone pointed out the sign in front of O'Hara - my name is on it! I was so thrilled to find out that I've been named a National Merit Commended Student! I'd like to thank the College Board, the O'Hara faculty, Mr. Jim Arnold for putting up the sign....ahem. Sorry. Back to business.
So yeah, enough of the self-serving stuff. I've been swamped with make-up work pretty much all week, but I've had quite a pleasant weekend so far.
My dad and I had a marathon 30-hour trip up to Boston for a college visit! We hopped on 3:15 flight to Boston Logan and haven't stopped since. Last night we ate some delicious clam chowder at Legal Sea Foods and then poked around Faneuil Hall and Long Wharf for a few hours. My favorite store was definitely Newbury Comics: we spent at least 20 minutes admiring The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 Facts About the World's Greatest Human and an Awkward Family Photos calendar (and if you don't know what Awkward Family Photos are, you're welcome). After that, we stopped for ice cream at Emack & Bolio's before retiring to the hotel room to watch the Phillies blow it. (Too soon?)
After visiting the college which shall remain anonymous at this time, we headed back to Long Wharf for a final lunch, hopped on the T, and headed home.
Well, that does it for Boston (and my college visits). As application deadlines draw ever nearer, stay tuned for updates!
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