A Dramatic Success for Our Lady of the Lake

The Adventures of the Fearsome Pirate Frank featured more than 130 young members of the school and parish.

Our Lady of the Lake’s parish play performed to near sell-out crowds at the end of November. Nearly 900 people enjoyed performances of The Adventures of the Fearsome Pirate Frank, a dramatic comedy that featured more than 130 young members of the school and parish. Director David Malinowski, of Willoughby’s Fine Arts Center, brought out the best in all the performers, and all three shows received rave reviews. 

The actors were backed by a stand-out team of parents and volunteers, who managed everything from costumes and sound to programs and concessions. Their support allowed every one of the players to shine in what may have been one of the best productions the parish has staged.  Father Joe Fortuna said “This was truly a community project. We couldn’t be more proud of our children and their families. And perhaps the best part of seeing this show come to life was the way the students just blossomed before our eyes. We saw them displaying talents we’d never seen before.”

Special thanks go to all the wonderful helpers, particularly Chairperson Dorothy Kane and Co-Chairs Sharon Furlan, Leah McSween and Katie Quinlan. Maryanne Hiti created incredible costumes, and Natalie Jarosz, Janet Paciorek, Shannon Jerse, Sam O’Connell, Marilyn Hahn, Pam Smith, Daren McGarry, Kay O’Donnell, and Lisa Brazytis managed everything from make-up, tickets, props and programs to designing the set. Thanks also to Doug Kaprosy, Kevin Beuck, and Drew and Jen Kime, for managing setup and rehearsals.  We’re particularly grateful to our donors, including Duke Young, Jim Gallagher, Tony Furlan, Dave DeChant, Hosanna Design, Mike McGarry & Sons, VASJ, and Willoughby Fine Arts, who contributed everything from lighting and sound to costumes, flowers and paint. Every single parent helped out in one way or another as well, and it was this wonderful community support that helped to make the students’ production magical.

Thank you all, for a whirlwind success for Our Lady of the Lake’s drama program. We can’t wait for next year!