Thursday, October 1, 2026
To celebrate its 70th anniversary in style, Holy Name of Mary School is putting on a big show. “Broadway on Grove” will hit the school stage this Thursday and Friday night.
The performance will feature more than two dozen musical numbers from 10 Broadway shows. Fifth-grader teacher Eileen McEnaney, the director, said she chose numbers from musicals the school has performed in past years, plus some plays they haven’t tried before. She also picked several numbers from “The Wizard of Oz,” which is also celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
The production will feature more than 100 students, which represents about half of the school’s K-8 population. In addition, 20 former students have roles. Rehearsals began in September.
Sixth-grader Ryan Leighton will serve as the emcee of the production and introduce each play. He said he is also trying to work a few jokes into his repertoire.
For Leighton, this role was perfect. “I just like to speak in front of people,” he said. “I don’t really sing.”
Amanda O’Sullivan, a gradate of Holy Name of Mary School in 2008, is participating in several of the musical numbers. Though she now attends Sacred Heart Academy, she fondly remembers he time doing the plays at Holy Name and was excited to get a call asking her to come back. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” she said. “I was involved with this for so many years and it was so much fun.”
O’Sullivan predicts the show will be a success. “I think everyone is going to be really impressed with it,” she said.
So does the school’s Principal, Richard McMahon. He noted that all the performers are really working hard and enjoying the experience.
The play will be open to the public and performances are free. McMahon said seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis and he said the gymnasium will fit about 300 people.
The school has also reached out to its alumni, sending out personal invitations to graduates as far away as Texas to come see the show.
McMahon said that McEnaney has put in at least 100 hours of her own time to prepare for this play. Parents have made or donated props and the piano player, Marianela Santurio, is donating her time.
The principal said although there is no charge to see the play, that is not the only reason to go. “You’re going to be entertained at a very high level,” McMahon said. “This is not a kids show. This is quality, quality music you’re hearing.”
