Second, I would like to thank our principal Jann Amato for all she has done to ensure this production went on, and in the safest way possible for both students, faculty, and families. Thank you so much for working with me every single step of the way, navigating new challenges on an almost daily basis, and remaining positive, genuine and grateful – you have been a shining beacon for not only this program, but the entire school. I would like to thank Nnenna Podkalicki for always working with the students and I; we are all very glad to have you as a part of the Notre Dame family.
A huge thank you to Laura Ventre for all her help (and again, patience) with tickets, seating and the playbill– we appreciate all you do for Notre Dame so very much. I would like to thank Nick Senise for his help coordinating the usage of Ryan Hall– I do not envy the impossible task of trying to schedule all the many activities that take place in this shared space, and we all deeply appreciate your help securing time on stage. I would like to thank Jessica Vulpis, as well as the entire finance department, for their help (and yet again, patience) with the endless influx of receipts (and all the missing ones too). There are always a great many thanks to be had for Carmine & Dan, without whom I believe the campus would metaphorically, and possibly literally, fall apart– you two are the glue that holds us all together, and we as an entire school are very grateful for both of your tireless and endless work.
Last but not least, I would like to thank Joseph Barral for pretty much everything you see on the stage. There always comes a time in the beginning of the year when i wander down to the art studio and say, “Sooooooooo….want to build [a door/a piano/an attic/another door/another piano/a ten foot ramp/an 8 foot man-eating plant]?” Not only is the response met with a smile and an oh-so-knowing laughter, but is accompanied by long nights, a lot of trial and error, and a lot of interesting solutions. I'm so grateful for all your knowledge, and all you’ve taught me and the girls along the way… but mostly, I am grateful for your willingness and help with whatever insane thing I ask of you. I’m very glad to have you as my building partner.
There are many people in the Notre Dame community who I would like to personally thank. First, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation for Dennis McKeon. Dennis' non-profit organization, Where to Turn, organizies countless community outreach initiatives. One of his latest endeavors has been a massive prop, costume and set warehouse that he has generously been lending incredible pieces to all the highschools on Staten Island (and beyond), free of charge. I cannot
thank you enough for being the thoughtful and kind human being that you are– it has been an absolute pleasure working with you. Please, if anyone has anything they would like to donate to the Prop Shop, see the information in the playbill about how to contact him. Next, I would like to thank Doreen Cugno at the St. George Theater for her unending support of Notre Dame Academy. Your support of the arts on Staten Island has been astronomical. You are such an incredible human being– I am so grateful to know you, and all of Staten Island is so grateful to have you and your team.
