February 2017

Archmere Academy Dramatics is proud to present its production of Avenue Q School Edition, Winner of the Tony "Triple Crown" for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. Avenue Q School Edition is based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, with puppets conceived and designed by Rick Lyon. The musical runs February 23-25 at 7 PM in the Archmere Theater.

 

Avenue Q School Edition tells the timeless story of a recent college graduate named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his newfound friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. A contemporary musical that is like a Sesame Street for grown-ups, parents should understand that this show contains content they might not consider suitable for children under the age of 13.

With the participation of over thirty students (cast, crew, design, publicity), this show benefits from their talents and enthusiasm. The show features renowned musical numbers including "It Sucks to Be Me", "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist", "There's a Fine, Fine Line", "If You Were Gay", and "I Wish I Could Go Back to College". English teacher Tim Dougherty directs, while Music Department chair David Ifkovits and Music Teacher Damian Demnicki ’86 lead the music and set design/construction, respectively; English teacher and Drama director Brian Manelski oversees the technical aspects of the show. Diane Ciarrocchi, Jennifer Neill and Mary Grace Quinn (current moms) organize costumes. The student production team consists of stage manager Jen Cirillo, set painting by Idana Tang, lights by Emily Jasani, and sound by Helen Laster.

 

Before the Thursday evening performance, Archmere will host the fourth annual charity soup event Welcome to Avenue SQUP! The cost is $10 for the ceramic soup bowl, hand-crafted by art teachers and students.

 

Tickets for the musical production can be purchased at the door, and are $5 for students/staff (any school) and senior citizens; $10 for general admission.  

 

The Darley House, located across the street from Archmere Academy, has invited Art Teacher Terry Newitt to exhibit his artwork, along with selected works by his Archmere students. 

The reception is Friday, February 24th beginning at 5 PM with refreshments and live violin music by Archmere senior Conor McAvinue. The exhibition will continue on Saturday, February 25th from 11 AM -5 PM. 

Mr. Newitt's many paintings will be for sale, as well as raffle tickets for his watercolor rendering of Claymont's Old Stone Schoolhouse (located next door to the Darley House).