Rock of Ages Q&A
2020-2021 Nottingham Spring Musical
Ms. Flaherty
Star Status Q1: How did you begin directing?
Ms. Flaherty: I began directing 16 years ago. Mrs. Hall was the director, and she was planning her wedding, so the admin asked me to step in. My first year, I co-directed with Mrs. Walters and Ms. Hall mentored me.
Star Status Q2: What is your favorite part of putting together a show? (Like is it casting the show, rehearsals, the actual performances, or something else?)
Ms. Flaherty: I enjoy watching the auditions because I get excited seeing the talent and visualizing the show, but casting is stressful. Luckily, it was pretty seamless this year. I love acting rehearsals, working with a smaller group and exploring character, experimenting with different ways to deliver lines. I also enjoy watching it come together - when it starts to click and vibe. It gets exciting.
Star Status Q3: What is the process of putting on a musical like?
Ms. Flaherty: The process is very collaborative and involves a lot of planning and prep work. The rehearsals and actual show are such a small part of the big picture. The process requires time management, discipline, and an ability to compartmentalize my brain; it is very important I have a clear schedule. I also need to have a good team of people working on the show - people I can rely on and trust.
Star Status Q4: How does the process of putting on a show this year differ from previous years?
Ms. Flaherty: This year, everything is heightened and accelerated. We usually have 4 months for the show, but this year we have 2 months. That means the students have a lot more responsibility and pressure. I am expecting that they practice on their own too, to stay fresh. Obviously, virtual auditions and vocal rehearsals were not ideal. And of course, the covid procedures -- not having partner dancing, keeping students spaced out, performing in a non-traditional space, and wearing masks to name a few. I want to see their expressions, but that will have to wait a bit.
Star Status Q5: When and where will the show be performed?
Ms. Flaherty: The show will be on the football field. May 20-22. There is a show at 5 pm every night and an additional show at 11 am on Saturday.
Star Status Q6: How can people get tickets to see it?
Ms. Flaherty: Tickets are ten dollars. Right now, the students involved in the show can get 2 tickets per show to disseminate as they sit fit. We are following Gov. Murphy's outdoor gathering allowance for 200 people. The remaining tickets will be dealt with once we have more information. Ms. Tammaro is our producer, so ticket inquiries go to her.
Star Status Q1: How did you begin directing?
Ms. Flaherty: I began directing 16 years ago. Mrs. Hall was the director, and she was planning her wedding, so the admin asked me to step in. My first year, I co-directed with Mrs. Walters and Ms. Hall mentored me.
Star Status Q2: What is your favorite part of putting together a show? (Like is it casting the show, rehearsals, the actual performances, or something else?)
Ms. Flaherty: I enjoy watching the auditions because I get excited seeing the talent and visualizing the show, but casting is stressful. Luckily, it was pretty seamless this year. I love acting rehearsals, working with a smaller group and exploring character, experimenting with different ways to deliver lines. I also enjoy watching it come together - when it starts to click and vibe. It gets exciting.
Star Status Q3: What is the process of putting on a musical like?
Ms. Flaherty: The process is very collaborative and involves a lot of planning and prep work. The rehearsals and actual show are such a small part of the big picture. The process requires time management, discipline, and an ability to compartmentalize my brain; it is very important I have a clear schedule. I also need to have a good team of people working on the show - people I can rely on and trust.
Star Status Q4: How does the process of putting on a show this year differ from previous years?
Ms. Flaherty: This year, everything is heightened and accelerated. We usually have 4 months for the show, but this year we have 2 months. That means the students have a lot more responsibility and pressure. I am expecting that they practice on their own too, to stay fresh. Obviously, virtual auditions and vocal rehearsals were not ideal. And of course, the covid procedures -- not having partner dancing, keeping students spaced out, performing in a non-traditional space, and wearing masks to name a few. I want to see their expressions, but that will have to wait a bit.
Star Status Q5: When and where will the show be performed?
Ms. Flaherty: The show will be on the football field. May 20-22. There is a show at 5 pm every night and an additional show at 11 am on Saturday.
Star Status Q6: How can people get tickets to see it?
Ms. Flaherty: Tickets are ten dollars. Right now, the students involved in the show can get 2 tickets per show to disseminate as they sit fit. We are following Gov. Murphy's outdoor gathering allowance for 200 people. The remaining tickets will be dealt with once we have more information. Ms. Tammaro is our producer, so ticket inquiries go to her.
Mrs. Klek
Star Status Q1: When you first heard that this year’s play would be Rock of Ages, what emotions flooded your mind? Was there any excitement, or anxiety? Were there even any notable emotions to begin with?
Mrs. Klek: I was thrilled to be back in the conductor's seat again. I really did miss that. There was a little bit of anxiety that we would not have the time or resources to pull it together. I am feeling much more confident after working with the kids.
Star Status Q2: Were there any troubles finding students for the pit band this year, considering the tolls of COVID 19?
Mrs. Klek: Not as much as you would think. Students were happy to be part of it. We knew a larger group would be a challenge logistically, with social distancing regulations, so we tried to keep the numbers manageable.
Star Status Q3: What is your opinion of the music in this play? Do you enjoy it, or does it not match your personal tastes?
Mrs. Klek: I love the music for this show. It is the music of my high school years. What's not to love? It is so much fun.
Star Status Q4: If any, were there any diversions from the source material that needed to be made, but you and the other organizers didn’t want to make? Are there aspects that you wish you COULD change, be it from the music or otherwise?
Mrs. Klek: Not really. The music is a pretty close copy to the original hits. I wouldn't change it.
Star Status Q5: What’s the biggest fear or insecurity that you have concerning this year’s performance? What aspects of the play are you most confident about?
Mrs. Klek: Biggest fear is that we have pit members fall ill. With a small group, every member is extremely important. I am confident in our students' talents and abilities. They can rock!
Star Status Q6: If you had the opportunity to choose ANY play to be performed next year, which would you choose and why?
Mrs. Klek: There are too many to list. Little Shop of Horrors, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Memphis, would all be awesome.
Star Status Q1: When you first heard that this year’s play would be Rock of Ages, what emotions flooded your mind? Was there any excitement, or anxiety? Were there even any notable emotions to begin with?
Mrs. Klek: I was thrilled to be back in the conductor's seat again. I really did miss that. There was a little bit of anxiety that we would not have the time or resources to pull it together. I am feeling much more confident after working with the kids.
Star Status Q2: Were there any troubles finding students for the pit band this year, considering the tolls of COVID 19?
Mrs. Klek: Not as much as you would think. Students were happy to be part of it. We knew a larger group would be a challenge logistically, with social distancing regulations, so we tried to keep the numbers manageable.
Star Status Q3: What is your opinion of the music in this play? Do you enjoy it, or does it not match your personal tastes?
Mrs. Klek: I love the music for this show. It is the music of my high school years. What's not to love? It is so much fun.
Star Status Q4: If any, were there any diversions from the source material that needed to be made, but you and the other organizers didn’t want to make? Are there aspects that you wish you COULD change, be it from the music or otherwise?
Mrs. Klek: Not really. The music is a pretty close copy to the original hits. I wouldn't change it.
Star Status Q5: What’s the biggest fear or insecurity that you have concerning this year’s performance? What aspects of the play are you most confident about?
Mrs. Klek: Biggest fear is that we have pit members fall ill. With a small group, every member is extremely important. I am confident in our students' talents and abilities. They can rock!
Star Status Q6: If you had the opportunity to choose ANY play to be performed next year, which would you choose and why?
Mrs. Klek: There are too many to list. Little Shop of Horrors, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Memphis, would all be awesome.
Ms. McDermott
Star Status Q1: What is it that you do specifically for the show?
Ms. McDermott: For this year's show I am working with the crew and helping put together costumes. It has been a real team effort this year.
Star Status Q2: What were the struggles you had during the play due to covid? Such as restrictions.
Ms. McDermott: The major struggle was knowing if the play was going to happen. Once we knew that we were good to go ahead, the restrictions were similar to what we were doing during school hours. Keeping distance, making sure everything is sanitized, wearing masks, etc.
Star Status Q3: How have you and the students been adapting to covid restrictions?
Ms. McDermott: I think that this year's crew has done a great job adapting to the changes. By now we know that we have to wear gloves and masks and just generally make sure that everyone is at its safest. The one change that is very exciting is the change of stage. Being on the field is going to feel like we are witnessing an outdoor rock concert. Perfect for the late spring show dates.
Star Status Q4: How would you describe being part of this play, and what's your favorite part?
Ms. McDermott: Being a part of the play is an experience like no other. It is a lot of hard work, but always feels worth it when we see the show come together. My favorite part is watching the progression from lines and blocking to full performance. I also love watching the students get to show a different side of themselves than we see in the classroom!
Star Status Q5: How many years have you been involved in the school play?
Ms. McDermott: I have been involved with the school play for 3 years. Each year I have gotten the opportunity to contribute in a different way. I feel really lucky to work with an amazing staff who has helped me adapt to each new role.
Star Status Q6: Would you recommend participating in the play for students who want to be involved, but don't want to be on stage.
Ms. McDermott: I would definitely recommend getting involved in the play in any way you can. Each role is important!
Star Status Q1: What is it that you do specifically for the show?
Ms. McDermott: For this year's show I am working with the crew and helping put together costumes. It has been a real team effort this year.
Star Status Q2: What were the struggles you had during the play due to covid? Such as restrictions.
Ms. McDermott: The major struggle was knowing if the play was going to happen. Once we knew that we were good to go ahead, the restrictions were similar to what we were doing during school hours. Keeping distance, making sure everything is sanitized, wearing masks, etc.
Star Status Q3: How have you and the students been adapting to covid restrictions?
Ms. McDermott: I think that this year's crew has done a great job adapting to the changes. By now we know that we have to wear gloves and masks and just generally make sure that everyone is at its safest. The one change that is very exciting is the change of stage. Being on the field is going to feel like we are witnessing an outdoor rock concert. Perfect for the late spring show dates.
Star Status Q4: How would you describe being part of this play, and what's your favorite part?
Ms. McDermott: Being a part of the play is an experience like no other. It is a lot of hard work, but always feels worth it when we see the show come together. My favorite part is watching the progression from lines and blocking to full performance. I also love watching the students get to show a different side of themselves than we see in the classroom!
Star Status Q5: How many years have you been involved in the school play?
Ms. McDermott: I have been involved with the school play for 3 years. Each year I have gotten the opportunity to contribute in a different way. I feel really lucky to work with an amazing staff who has helped me adapt to each new role.
Star Status Q6: Would you recommend participating in the play for students who want to be involved, but don't want to be on stage.
Ms. McDermott: I would definitely recommend getting involved in the play in any way you can. Each role is important!
Mr. Gary Meinhardt
Star Status Q1: Would you say this was the hardest play you had to stage?
Mr. Meinhardt: Ms. Flaherty is the one that actually blocks and designs each set, but I spend time organizing and trying to execute her wants for the show to the best of my ability. This year I have been working in tandem with Ms. McDermott who has taken on quite a bit of the responsibility as well, which has made it a little bit easier. Also, this year is actually a little bit easier in this aspect because we are not working on a limited stage with curtains that keep us from hearing the cast and director. We also have minimal sets to move compared to the massive sets that Mr. Shulman tends to build year in and year out.
Star Status Q2: How do you get your shows to run so smoothly? Does it take yelling or calm motivation?
Mr. Meinhardt: I don't get the shows to run smoothly. It is definitely the cooperative work of all the faculty involved... Ms. Flaherty, Ms. Tammaro, Ms. Hall, Ms. McDermott, Mrs. Klek, Mr. Susswein, Mr. Shulman, and myself. We have also had numerous other faculty members each year that I had not named, such as Ms. Pustay, due to change in positions or unfilled positions due to Covid who also contribute extraordinary skill and talent to help each show run smoothly.
Star Status Q3: Now that the play is outside this year do you think it will be harder to move stage items, the same, or easier?
Mr. Meinhardt: Moving props and sets this year are more about timing and placement than anything. Since the sets are smaller, the challenge is definitely not quite as difficult as normal. I would have to say that one of the more intriguing things about this year is that the stage crew isn't hiding behind curtains or in wings, everything is out in the open for the audience to see. This makes it a little bit less incognito.
Star Status Q4: Would you have preferred the play to be inside this year?
Mr. Meinhardt: There is always an excitement about having my crew, and the show as a whole, on stage. Having to abide by the Covid rules is definitely frustrating at times, but we do what we can. I definitely miss the atmosphere of packed wings with sets, actors, and crew members. It really isn't the same right now.
Star Status Q5: What made you pursue being a stage coordinator?
Mr. Meinhardt: Initially I never even considered becoming Stage Manager, which is now called Assistant Director, which in my opinion overstates my importance in the whole scheme of things. Back in 2003 - 2004 I was asked to help with the flying contraptions for the show "The Wiz." Little did I know that the Stage Manager at the time was leaving the position. I was asked by Bonnie Cusack, the director at the time, to take the position since I enjoyed helping with "The Wiz" so much. So sure enough the next year was the beginning of my tenure as Stage Manager. So my first actual taste of running the Stage Crew was with the show "Oklahoma!" in 2004 - 2005.
Star Status Q6: If you could have chosen a different position what would it be?
Mr. Meinhardt: I know this is a little bit of a different take on your question, but I cannot say I would have wanted any other position. I did take on Props Manager for a couple of years, in-particular for "Tarzan" and "Aida". That being said, if there was anything I could do in the show, it would be to act and sing in them. Obviously I cannot because I am faculty, not a student, but when I was much younger I had a great voice. Guarantee it is now nowhere near what it used to be due to lack of practice. Back then my choir teacher, Sister Anne Jose, even recommended me to join the Philadelphia Boys Choir. I never went through with it due to peer pressure, and even stopped singing at church for the same reason towards the end of 8th grade. I look back and wish at times that I never gave it up and that I would have put my talents to use in my own high school's musicals back then, but my time away from all of that did allow me to focus on my other talents, in-particular baseball and bowling.
Star Status Q1: Would you say this was the hardest play you had to stage?
Mr. Meinhardt: Ms. Flaherty is the one that actually blocks and designs each set, but I spend time organizing and trying to execute her wants for the show to the best of my ability. This year I have been working in tandem with Ms. McDermott who has taken on quite a bit of the responsibility as well, which has made it a little bit easier. Also, this year is actually a little bit easier in this aspect because we are not working on a limited stage with curtains that keep us from hearing the cast and director. We also have minimal sets to move compared to the massive sets that Mr. Shulman tends to build year in and year out.
Star Status Q2: How do you get your shows to run so smoothly? Does it take yelling or calm motivation?
Mr. Meinhardt: I don't get the shows to run smoothly. It is definitely the cooperative work of all the faculty involved... Ms. Flaherty, Ms. Tammaro, Ms. Hall, Ms. McDermott, Mrs. Klek, Mr. Susswein, Mr. Shulman, and myself. We have also had numerous other faculty members each year that I had not named, such as Ms. Pustay, due to change in positions or unfilled positions due to Covid who also contribute extraordinary skill and talent to help each show run smoothly.
Star Status Q3: Now that the play is outside this year do you think it will be harder to move stage items, the same, or easier?
Mr. Meinhardt: Moving props and sets this year are more about timing and placement than anything. Since the sets are smaller, the challenge is definitely not quite as difficult as normal. I would have to say that one of the more intriguing things about this year is that the stage crew isn't hiding behind curtains or in wings, everything is out in the open for the audience to see. This makes it a little bit less incognito.
Star Status Q4: Would you have preferred the play to be inside this year?
Mr. Meinhardt: There is always an excitement about having my crew, and the show as a whole, on stage. Having to abide by the Covid rules is definitely frustrating at times, but we do what we can. I definitely miss the atmosphere of packed wings with sets, actors, and crew members. It really isn't the same right now.
Star Status Q5: What made you pursue being a stage coordinator?
Mr. Meinhardt: Initially I never even considered becoming Stage Manager, which is now called Assistant Director, which in my opinion overstates my importance in the whole scheme of things. Back in 2003 - 2004 I was asked to help with the flying contraptions for the show "The Wiz." Little did I know that the Stage Manager at the time was leaving the position. I was asked by Bonnie Cusack, the director at the time, to take the position since I enjoyed helping with "The Wiz" so much. So sure enough the next year was the beginning of my tenure as Stage Manager. So my first actual taste of running the Stage Crew was with the show "Oklahoma!" in 2004 - 2005.
Star Status Q6: If you could have chosen a different position what would it be?
Mr. Meinhardt: I know this is a little bit of a different take on your question, but I cannot say I would have wanted any other position. I did take on Props Manager for a couple of years, in-particular for "Tarzan" and "Aida". That being said, if there was anything I could do in the show, it would be to act and sing in them. Obviously I cannot because I am faculty, not a student, but when I was much younger I had a great voice. Guarantee it is now nowhere near what it used to be due to lack of practice. Back then my choir teacher, Sister Anne Jose, even recommended me to join the Philadelphia Boys Choir. I never went through with it due to peer pressure, and even stopped singing at church for the same reason towards the end of 8th grade. I look back and wish at times that I never gave it up and that I would have put my talents to use in my own high school's musicals back then, but my time away from all of that did allow me to focus on my other talents, in-particular baseball and bowling.
Mr. Shulman
Star Status Q1: What´s your role in helping with the play?
Mr. Shulman: I am the Tech supervisor. I will oversee the students who are running the sound system.
Star Status Q2: Who's your favorite character in the play and why?
Mr. Shulman: Lonny because she gets to break the fourth wall several times throughout the show and I always find that funny.
Star Status Q3: What's it like trying to make a play happen during a pandemic?
Mr. Shulman: There is nothing typical or "normal" about this year. The play is no different. Since my role is very focussed on right before the performances start, I have not felt the time crunch that most of the others have experienced. I do know that with the shortened rehearsal time, there is a greater sense of urgency than in other years.
Star Status Q4: Do you think a lot of people will come see the play?
Mr. Shulman: I am hopeful we will fill as many seats as we can. It's a great show with awesome music!!!!
Star Status Q5: Do you have a favorite broadway play?
Mr. Shulman: It's a tie between A Chorus Line, Billy Elliott, and In The Heights. I saw the first two on Broadway, we did In The Heights here and I thought it was one of the best we've done.
Star Status Q6: What play do you look forward to Nottingham doing in the future?
RENT
Star Status Q1: What´s your role in helping with the play?
Mr. Shulman: I am the Tech supervisor. I will oversee the students who are running the sound system.
Star Status Q2: Who's your favorite character in the play and why?
Mr. Shulman: Lonny because she gets to break the fourth wall several times throughout the show and I always find that funny.
Star Status Q3: What's it like trying to make a play happen during a pandemic?
Mr. Shulman: There is nothing typical or "normal" about this year. The play is no different. Since my role is very focussed on right before the performances start, I have not felt the time crunch that most of the others have experienced. I do know that with the shortened rehearsal time, there is a greater sense of urgency than in other years.
Star Status Q4: Do you think a lot of people will come see the play?
Mr. Shulman: I am hopeful we will fill as many seats as we can. It's a great show with awesome music!!!!
Star Status Q5: Do you have a favorite broadway play?
Mr. Shulman: It's a tie between A Chorus Line, Billy Elliott, and In The Heights. I saw the first two on Broadway, we did In The Heights here and I thought it was one of the best we've done.
Star Status Q6: What play do you look forward to Nottingham doing in the future?
RENT
Mr. Meinhardt
Star Status Q1: Has there been any students that were hesitant in fully engaging with their roles within the upbeat style of this play, but later grew to really enjoy it?
Mr. Meinhardt: All of the students approached their roles with a high level of excitement! I am sure the students who may have been unfamiliar with their roles became even more excited when they read through the script and began to fully understand the importance of their roles.
Star Status Q2: Was there any increased difficulty in casting and filling character positions due to covid?
Mr. Meinhardt: Although covid has had an impact on everything, it didn't affect our casting of the show in any way. Nottingham is known for its talent and the talent still came out to participate and work hard to put on an amazing show in a shorter period of time.
Star Status Q3: Have you ever been a part of another play like Rock of Ages that has been so upbeat and lively?
Mr. Meinhardt: I have been fortunate to have been part of several upbeat shows at Nottingham. Hairspray, Footloose, Fame, and In the Heights, just to name a few. The wonderful thing about Rock of Ages is the music is familiar. It is the show where the audience is going to be tempted to sing along with their favorite old pop-rock hits from back in the day!
Star Status Q4: Have there been any underclassmen who you are excited to see more of moving forward based on their performance in this play?
Mr. Meinhardt: I am always excited to meet students who have never been in my class before. We have underclassmen and upperclassmen who are in the play for the first time and I have really enjoyed seeing them grow in this period of time.
Star Status Q5: Has anything stood out from this play when compared to the others you were a part of?
Mr. Meinhardt: The thing that stands out about this show compared to any others, would be the outdoor aspect of it. I have never been part of a play at Nottingham that required us to perform outside on the football field. Of course all the covid safety guidelines have been unique to this show. It was a challenge doing vocal practices virtual and then to sing with masks on. However, it also is a testament to the talent and strength of every single person involved with this production. It shows that we can rise up to any challenge!
Star Status Q6: Have you felt the students have been able to bring out the full potential of this play?
Mr. Meinhardt: The students involved with every aspect of this production have proven hard work pays off! They have done an amazing job putting this production together and I am sure the audience will love it!!!
Star Status Q1: Has there been any students that were hesitant in fully engaging with their roles within the upbeat style of this play, but later grew to really enjoy it?
Mr. Meinhardt: All of the students approached their roles with a high level of excitement! I am sure the students who may have been unfamiliar with their roles became even more excited when they read through the script and began to fully understand the importance of their roles.
Star Status Q2: Was there any increased difficulty in casting and filling character positions due to covid?
Mr. Meinhardt: Although covid has had an impact on everything, it didn't affect our casting of the show in any way. Nottingham is known for its talent and the talent still came out to participate and work hard to put on an amazing show in a shorter period of time.
Star Status Q3: Have you ever been a part of another play like Rock of Ages that has been so upbeat and lively?
Mr. Meinhardt: I have been fortunate to have been part of several upbeat shows at Nottingham. Hairspray, Footloose, Fame, and In the Heights, just to name a few. The wonderful thing about Rock of Ages is the music is familiar. It is the show where the audience is going to be tempted to sing along with their favorite old pop-rock hits from back in the day!
Star Status Q4: Have there been any underclassmen who you are excited to see more of moving forward based on their performance in this play?
Mr. Meinhardt: I am always excited to meet students who have never been in my class before. We have underclassmen and upperclassmen who are in the play for the first time and I have really enjoyed seeing them grow in this period of time.
Star Status Q5: Has anything stood out from this play when compared to the others you were a part of?
Mr. Meinhardt: The thing that stands out about this show compared to any others, would be the outdoor aspect of it. I have never been part of a play at Nottingham that required us to perform outside on the football field. Of course all the covid safety guidelines have been unique to this show. It was a challenge doing vocal practices virtual and then to sing with masks on. However, it also is a testament to the talent and strength of every single person involved with this production. It shows that we can rise up to any challenge!
Star Status Q6: Have you felt the students have been able to bring out the full potential of this play?
Mr. Meinhardt: The students involved with every aspect of this production have proven hard work pays off! They have done an amazing job putting this production together and I am sure the audience will love it!!!