Seniors look back on magical times on Clarke stage

As classes ended last week, W.T. Clarke High School thespians looked back on the fond times they had on the school’s stage.

This spring, Clarke students staged Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “Cinderella.” Several students involved in the production — Tori Kalberer, Michaela Vivona, Andrew Mavrogeorgis, Christina Petkanas, Krystyn Pe Aguirre, Juliet Rafanelli, Rikki Hernandez, Akira Rose, Allie Michaelis, Deborah Agopian, Sam Reiser, Cynthia Ayala and Nicole Hallett — will graduate on June 26.

Kalberer starred as Ella in the 2016 spring musical, which community members flocked to see in March. Forced into the servitude of her stepmother and two daughters, Charlotte and Gabrielle, Ella dreams and achieves a better life with the help of her friends: revolutionary student Jean-Michel, the animals in the woods and Crazy Marie. Marie, played by Erin Carlin, reveals herself to be Ella’s fairy godmother.

Another central character in the show is Prince Topher, who was played by Mavrogeorgis at Clarke. The prince is slated to become king, but he still struggles to find his purpose in life. When Sebastian, the prince’s scheming advisor, suggests hosting a ball for him to meet potential brides, Ella and Topher’s different worlds collide.

Under the direction of Kristen Norwark — and with the musical assistance of choral teacher Robin Hall and orchestra teacher Adrianna Schaefer — the cast and crew received standing ovations from their audiences. Kalberer said it was so much fun to work alongside peers she called her best friends on the show.

Kalberer, who has been performing in East Meadow School District plays since sixth grade, said she recently realized how much the seniors have grown during their years working together on productions. She advised Clarke students with interest in music, dancing or acting to get involved in the plays produced at the school in the future so they can have the fun and fulfilling experiences she and her peers had in recent years.

“I’ll forever cherish the memories we made and I am proud of the hard work and dedication we put in over the years,” she said. “I look forward to supporting one another in our future artistic pursuits. I believe our experience in theater enhanced our confidence, public speaking and creativity which will have many benefits in whatever college majors we pursue.”