Catholic Review Theater program hits new highs at Immaculate Conception

TOWSON – Immaculate Conception School’s production of “Oliver! JR.” opens to the public in less than three weeks, and director Adele Russell is gently reminding her actors of where to place their hands, feet and props.

Seventh-grader Brynn Blair, second from left, who plays Oliver Twist, and fifth-grader Zach Murray, third from left, who plays the Artful Dodger, lead their fellow student cast members in the Immaculate Conception School’s presentation of “Oliver! Jr.” (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

The cast and crew of 50 Immaculate Conception students from grades four to eight has been preparing for this since September – and it shows.

Cast members know their lines, their moves, what notes to hit and when. The crew knows when the lights, sound and curtain need their attention. With the support of dedicated adults, they have formed a symbiotic community where everyone plays a part in putting on a musical production that will prove to their audience that with a little bit of help, children can do anything.

Russell, a parishioner of Immaculate Conception, took over the theater program in 2014. She established a theater company and a performing arts committee at the parish school, both of which allowed her to expand and intensify the program. Russell has an eye for detail and a heart for encouragement.

“Every kid has a character,” Russell says. “I see something in a kid and bring it out.”

In addition to Russell, Suzanne Blair, the producer; Andrew Stewart, the piano accompanist, and Daryl Beard, lighting and sound technician; act as both facilitators and mentors to the cast and crew. Their expertise is an inspiration to students who want to pursue the performing arts.

The secret to the program’s success is “great parent help,” according to Russell. From marketing, to fundraising, to concessions, to managing students behind the scenes, parents contribute to the community by sharing their time and their talents and by encouraging their kids to shine.

Seventh-grader Brynn Blair plays the lead role of Oliver. Brynn, an actor, dancer, pianist and opera singer, aspires to be a professional performer.

“Why not?” she said, “I am doing all those things right now.”

Fifth-grader Zach Murray, who plays the Artful Dodger, and seventh-grader Brynn Blair, who plays Oliver Twist, rehearse an early scene for the Immaculate Conception School’s presentation of “Oliver! Jr.” at the Towson campus. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Brynn’s friend and fellow seventh-grader Mikael Dagnatchew plays the role of Bill Sykes. Mikael was a member of the stage crew last year. As he watched the cast members having fun on stage and saw how close they were starting to become, he decided to join them this year.

Zach Murray, a fifth-grader, plays the Artful Dodger. It’s a big role for such a young actor, but Zach is an eloquent speaker, who read as the voice of Jesus at Stations of the Cross. “My job (in that) was to get people close to Jesus,” he said.

The three said collaboration is at the center of the theater company. Whether they need to feed a friend a line or improv together when things don’t go as planned, on stage they work together for a common goal. Off stage, they offer each other respite from the challenges of school and life, in general.

“We’re blessed to have the opportunity to do this with our friends,” Mikael said.

Six months is a long time for children between the ages of 9 and 14 to devote to something as intricate and demanding as a musical. Just as Russell dedicates her time and her energy to the theater company, the players want to make her proud. They change so much in that span of time and feel blessed that she is able to contribute to their growth.

“I wish I could see a video from our first reading to opening night,” Russell said. “I love seeing the whole thing come to life.”

“Oliver! JR.” will be performed March 31-April 2. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

To view more photos of the event, click below: