Drama Club Thrilled with Kodachrome Performances

Thrilled. That’s the best word to describe how Huntington High School drama club members feel last weekend’s three-show run of “Kodachrome” went and audiences will readily agree.

The dramatic comedy took the stage Friday night and twice on Saturday. It was directed by drama club faculty advisor Michael Schwendemann.

“Welcome to Colchester, a small town where everybody knows each other and the pace of life allows the pursuit of love to take up as much space as it needs,” reads an online overview of the play. “Our tour guide is Suzanne, the town photographer, who lets us peek into her neighbors’ lives to catch glimpses of romance in all its stages of development. A play about love, nostalgia, the seasons and how we learn to say goodbye.”

“I enjoyed being part of this year’s play,” Toni Reyes-Sorto said. “It was a long journey and everyone knew to keep their energy levels high. No matter the situation, we collectively made it through all the performances and long hours. It was a great success for the cast, stage crew and our staff. Through these performances, I opened myself up to everyone in the drama club. This club helped me gain confidence in my performances to stand in front of an audience. I am glad to find these people as a family and team. They supported me through my journey in the drama club, and my heart goes out to them.”

The production overcame illness among its cast and still delivered for audiences, which included Principal Rochelle C. Brown, Superintendent Beth McCoy and other district officials and Huntington School Board members.

“Given the circumstances, I really do believe that everyone did an absolutely amazing job,” Kyra Scott said. “I’m so impressed with the cast and crew and I feel extremely proud to be a part of this production. I think that this production brought us all closer and it really did feel like a family. I think that was shown in our performances.”

The cast included Josie Sullivan, Alex Tine, Walter Lopez, James Stensland, Alexa Schirripa, Deveren Flynn, Michael DiVencenzo, Kyra Scott, Maggie O’Toole, Isabelle Gregorio, Isabella Cruz Ponce, Sofia Rodriguez, Michaela Dopico, Sergio Portillo, Toni Reyes-Sorto and Lily Wasoski.

“I feel the show went beautifully,” Sofia Rodriguez said. “I truly believe we did a great job bringing such an important story about love and loss to life. Despite the many challenges we faced throughout this process, we came out triumphant on the other side, with a show that was truly something to be proud of. I’m forever grateful that my last play at Huntington High School was as amazing as it was. I hope audiences enjoyed!”

The stage crew featured Isa Andrade-Ortez, Logan Apesinov, Jordana Boxer, Gianna Brady, Richard Davis, Charles Desrochers, Heather Herman, Matthew Jimenez, Arly Moreira, Alejandro Orjuela, Alexandra Ramos, Christina Ray, Audrey Sherwood, Charlie Stanforth, Logan Tine and Mya Williams.

“I’m really happy with how everything came together for the show,” Walter Lopez said. “Even with the obstacles we faced during rehearsals, the cast and crew pulled through and put on a great performance!”

Most of the cast and crew left Saturday night’s final performance thoroughly exhausted. Sunday was truly a day of rest for everyone.

“Kodachrome was great,” Alexa Schirripa said. “Through perseverance, our cast made each and every performance special. Thank you Schwen for all the help and support.”

Maggie O’Toole summed up in a few succinct words how everyone seemed to feel. “The show went really well,” she said. “Everyone’s hard work truly paid off.”

The spring musical is scheduled for March 28-29. But right now, drama club members are going to savor the fall production just a little while longer.

“The show went amazing,” Michaela Dopico said. “Even though we faced some challenges along the way, it pushed everyone to work harder and perform better. I’m so proud to be a part of this cast and a part of this show!”

The cast and crew will be decompressing this week after countless rehearsals and the pressures associated with three performances.

“Everything went so well,” Lily Wasoski said. “This cast is definitely one of my favorites, everyone worked so hard and we were able to overcome so much. There were times where we were unsure how the show was going to play out, but it came all together in the end. I’m so happy with the result and I'm truly going to miss this show.”

Taking the stage for Kodachrome is something that the drama club members will always remember.

“My experience this year with Kodachrome was truly memorable,” Alex Tine said. “I’m honored to have worked with such a talented cast, And given our circumstances, I’m glad the show was so well received. Once again Mr. Schwendemann has chosen another great and thought-provoking show that makes both cast and audience think. I don’t know what the drama club would be without him.”