Dramatic Debuts in SLS Theater

SLS students took the stage this fall in two completely different yet equally captivating shows. The Upper School moved audiences with the whimsical romantic comedy Almost, Maine, while the Middle School delivered a moving performance of the heartfelt drama The Hundred Dresses. These performances also marked the first productions for our new theater and performing arts faculty: Vincent Sagona and Emily Pambianchi.

Almost, Maine, directed by Vincent Sagona, SLS’ new Director of Performing Arts, transported audiences to a remote, fictional town where the seemingly ordinary residents fall in and out of love in the most extraordinary ways. "I was so proud of how the cast embraced the quirkiness of the world of the play," said Sagona. "They developed rich, nuanced, and complex characters which resulted in a world of love, contradictions, and even some unexpected magic." The dedicated student crew also collaborated to create a beautifully realized set, costumes, lighting, and sound design. “This, being my first show at SLS, introduced me to the commitment and care the school puts into each production. I was profoundly impressed,” Sagona shared. 

In the Middle School play The Hundred Dresses, students explored a poignant narrative revolving around bullying, friendship, and forgiveness. As a new sixth grader, Wanda is relentlessly teased by her classmates for wearing the same faded blue dress every day despite her claims of owning one hundred dresses. New SLS Middle School Theater Director Emily Pambianchi shared, "I was incredibly proud of each student on and off stage. They embraced a story they were initially uncertain about but made it their own." Emily continued to share that the actors grew more familiar with their characters through each rehearsal, bringing them to life. The student-led tech team also worked hard behind the scenes, creating all the props and managing the lighting, projections, and sound.

View photos from The Hundred Dresses here.

The fall theater productions at St. Luke's School showcased talent and highlighted the dedication and creativity of the students and faculty involved. Congratulations to all on a successful season of storytelling and performance.