Senior One Act Plays

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After the closing of their recent musical, Cinderella, the CBNA theatre program has promptly gotten back to work. Their new endeavor: Senior One Acts. The One Acts consist of one scene with up to six characters, all directed by seniors. Some are, in fact, senior projects.

I have had the pleasure to interview one of the student directors, Caitlin Reynolds, who’s piece is called Jumping by William Borden, and features a man (played by: Calvin Swett, grade 11) who has just been cheated on by his wife and is about to jump off a bridge when a woman (played by: Ruby Carr, grade 12) approaches him and tries to force her political views onto him, evidently causing them to fall in love. 

Caitlyn says she chose this piece because it, “Really speaks to her,” has a good message, and shows us that, “There is still love in this world.” She says she knows her actors very well and when reading the piece she saw them playing the characters. She says she can’t wait to see it all come together and is very excited for the final show. She also says that although she didn’t choose to do this as her senior project, she has wanted to direct one of the one acts since she was a freshman. Her stage manager, freshman Cassandra Clery, is equally as excited. 

Along with Jumping, there are four additional one acts. Medieval Medicine directed by Madison Bowen, The Meaning of Halloween directed by Patrick Helm, In the Waiting Room of the Ghost Placement Agency directed by Abi Pellitier, and Weekend Warriors directed by Mrs. Lent and assistant directed by Lauren Rose. 

All cast, crew and theatre friends are very excited for this newest endeavor. Please join us on December 11th in the Garrish Gym at 7pm to watch these wonderful and hilarious shows! 

Jingle Bell March

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On December, 6, 2019, the freshman CBNA class government is holding a Jinglebell March up at the track. It is free admission and there will be free hot cocoa available to the people who participate. To participate in the walk we ask you to make a pledge of as low as 25 cents per lap, and  most of the profits are going to the Alzheimer’s community. It is going to be a fun winter event, there will be stringed lights all around the track, as well as your favorite Christmas music playing on the loudspeakers. We hope you’ll be there, it will be a fun event!

CBNA Career Fair

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Coe-Brown has been experimenting with new activities for the past few years. The Career Fair is one of those experiments that they’ve been working on. It’s been two years since Coe-Brown started to host the Career Fair and this year it was better than ever. The Fair was hosted on September 11 and happened between 8:30-10:10 Am. 

The Career Fair has become an annual event at Coe-Brown and every year it gets bigger and bigger. “Every year we try to get more unknown jobs out there and show the students that would otherwise not know of their existence,”Co-organizer Ms.Cox. “There were people from sheriffs and members of the Navy, to folks working in agriculture and architecture”. 

This year’s sophomores were allowed to attend the fair with the juniors and seniors. “We wanted to start introducing them early to these job opportunities, so that’s why we allowed the sophomores to come,” Co-organizer Mr. Bassett said. When asked if they would allow freshmen next year they had this to say: “We have thought of it before and maybe we will do it next year,” Ms. Cox said. 

The fair lasted from 8:30-10:10 and was more successful than last year. When asked if they would host it next year they responded, “Oh yeah definitely,” said Co-organizers Mr. Basset and Ms. Cox. There are already plans for next year’s Career Fair. 

– George Fasulo

CBNA Theatre Presents: Cinderella

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The CBNA Drama Club presented Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella over the weekend. The show opened on October 24th and concluded October 26th. 

Several seniors appeared on stage as well as behind stage in this production. Seniors Ethan Meeker, Kate Blake, Patrick Helm, Brianna Jackson, Shannon Jackson, Caitlin Reynolds, Rylee Rodgers, and Lauren Rose appeared on stage alongside the lead actors Connor Nowak and Mirah Johnston. Not to be forgotten are the amazing seniors behind the magic of the set and tech, stage manager assistant Olivia Fontes, stage manager Madison Bowen, and projection designer Emily Dallaire. Mirah Johnston played Cinderella and Connor Nowak played Prince Topher and their outstanding duet of “Ten Minutes Ago (Reprise)” concluded the first act and left the audience wanting more.

Underclassmen in the cast were Mary Katherine Patteson, Clayton Price, Darin Sweet, Jordan Trahant, Mairead O’Shea, Calvin Swett, Caleb Yates, Christopher Helm, Savannah Laughlin, Sam Marcotte, Allie McGuigan, Christopher Reed, and Katerina Xanthopoulos. Their magnificent performances brought Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella to life before the audience’s eyes. The cast especially shone during their ballroom dance routines, choreographed by Ms. Hume. 

This production allowed the full talent of the costume crew to shine with all of the breathtaking dress transformations.The lighting crew created spectacular imagery and added to the beauty of the set. Stage crew helped with fast paced transitions that moved Cinderella effortlessly from one scene to the next. 

Accompanying the cast was a live orchestra consisting of  Mr. Ludwig, Mr. Baker; guest performers Ms. Amanda Ludwig and Mr. Eben Hearn; and CBNA students Sylas Aucella and Hazel Dellario. Often in the past, recorded music has been used to accompany the annual musical. The decision to use a live ensemble was appreciated by both cast members and the audience alike. Having student musicians share their abilities in this capacity served as a wonderful reminder of all the amazing talent the Coe-Brown community houses. Mr. Baker and Mr. Ludwig continue to prove their dedication to our music program by bringing in outside talent and sharing their own. 

Much to the delighted surprise of the audience, Mrs. Lent, beloved director and teacher, lent her own talents to the production. Appearing as Marie, Cinderella’s godmother, Mrs. Lent left the crowd smiling and applauding as she transformed from a mysterious old woman in the forest to a magical fairy donning a splendid ball-gown. The strategic costuming was made possible by Gay Bean. Mrs. Lent’s acting and singing abilities were on full display throughout the duration of the show, and reminded the audience why we are so fortunate to have her at the helm of our drama department. Mrs. Lent wished to be humble about her appearance in the show, even leaving her name out of the program, but her heartfelt performance and the obvious joy the students felt about sharing the stage with her proved to be two of the biggest highlights of the production. 

The CBNA Today staff would like to congratulate all of the cast and crew of Cinderella on a truly magical show! Make sure to see their next production, Radium Girls, in March 2020.

 

CBNA Theatre Students to Present: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

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Coe-Brown Northwood Academy Theatre will proudly present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless Cinderella on Thursday, Friday and Saturday October 24, 25 & 26, 2019, in the Gerrish Gym on the CBNA campus. This production, the 2013 Broadway adaptation of the classic musical, is a contemporary take on the classic tale which features some of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” alongside a hilarious and romantic libretto by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane as well as some new characters, and surprising twists.  The cast includes seniors Kate Blake, Patrick Helm, Brianna Jackson, Shannon Jackson, Mirah Johnston, Ethan Meeker, Connor Nowak, Caitlin Reynolds, Rylee Rogers, and Lauren Rose; juniors Mary Katherine Patteson, Clayton Price, Darin Sweet, and Jordan Trahant; sophomores Mairead O’Shea, Calvin Swett and Caleb Yates; and freshmen Christopher Helm, Savannah Laughlin, Sam Marcotte,  Allie McGuigan, Christopher Reed, and Katerina Xanthopoulos . Production stage manager senior Madison Bowen and able assistant Olivia Fontes will be leading an experienced production team of skilled theatre technicians who will bring Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella to life. The production is directed by faculty member Elizabeth Lent with music direction by faculty member Colby Baker choreography by faculty member Kolby Hume. Reserved tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors and are available at http://cbnanh.booktix.com. For further information, call 942-5531, ext. 237, or email elent@coebrown.org . Hope to see you there.

 

Comedy Hypnosis Comes to CBNA

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Steve Wronker Comedy Hypnosis appearing at CBNA on September 13

Steve Wronker’s Funny Business, a comedy hypnosis extravaganza, will arrive at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy on Friday, September 13, 2019, at 7 pm in the Gerrish Gym on the CBNA campus.  Steve Wronker is a unique entertainer with a unique slant on the most hilarious, the most outrageous, and the funniest form of comedy available in today’s entertainment market, and the SWFB comedy hypnosis show is extremely different from any other hypnosis show available. Audience members become the stars of the show. A true entertainer, Steve puts audience volunteers into his show and orchestrates a program of absolute hilarity! With over 300 family friendly routines to choose from, no two shows are alike! The show is sponsored by CBNA Theatre and kicks off CBNA’s annual CBNA Homecoming. Tickets are $10 general admission and are available at www.cbnanh.booktix.com or at the door on the night of the show. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained when you attend Steve Wronker’s Funny Business at CBNA on September 13!

 

 

CBNA Theatre to Present Peter and the Starcatcher

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Molly (left) played by Braelin Ash and Boy played by Mairead O’Shea in a scene from Peter and the Starcatcher at CBNA this week

Molly (left) played by Braelin Ash and Boy played by Mairead O’Shea in a scene from Peter and the Starcatcher at CBNA this week

March 14, 15 & 16, 2019

“When I was a boy, I wished I could fly.” So begins the story of the ingenious musical Peter and the Starcatcher being produced by the Coe-Brown Northwood Academy Theatre Program on March 14, 15 & 16, 2019, at 7 pm in the Gerrish Gym on the CBNA campus. The play by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker and based on the novel by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry,  tells the exciting story of a young orphan and his mates who are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They know nothing of the mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin, which contains a precious, otherworldly cargo. At sea, the boys are discovered by a precocious young girl named Molly, a Starcatcher-in-training, who realizes that the trunk’s precious cargo is starstuff, a celestial substance so powerful that it must never fall into the wrong hands. When the ship is taken over by pirates – led by the fearsome Black Stache, a villain determined to claim the trunk and its treasure for his own – the journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure. The talented cast is lead by freshman Mairead O’Shea as Boy/Peter and senior Braelin Ash as Starcatcher Molly Aster. The rest of the ensemble features seniors Brian Downer, Mackenzie Flanders, Cooper Leduke, Mason Lobello, Lily Marston and Cody Peck; juniors Ruby Carr, Patrick Helm, Brianna Jackson, Shannon Jackson, Mirah Johnston, Ethan Meeker, Connor Nowak, Caitlin Reynolds, Rylee Rogers and Lauren Rose; sophomores Alex Davidson, Mary Katherine Patteson, Clayton Price, Ben Poirier, Darin Sweet, Jordan Trahant and freshmen Calvin Swett, and Caleb Yates. The production stage manager is junior Madison Bowen. Faculty member Elizabeth Lent directs, with assistance and choreography from Ms. Kolby Hume. Music direction is by Mr. Colby Baker.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students/seniors and are available through www.cbnanh.booktix.com. For further information email elent@coebrown.org or phone the school at 603-942-5531.

 

 

CBNA FBLA Volunteers

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CBNA FBLA members serving at New Horizons Soup Kitchen - left to right: Riley Smith, Hailie Holland, and advisor Dr. JoAnn Zylak

CBNA FBLA members serving at New Horizons Soup Kitchen – left to right: Riley Smith, Hailie Holland, and advisor Dr. JoAnn Zylak

Members of Coe-Brown Northwood Academy’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), along with their advisor Dr. Joann Zylak, recently volunteered at the New Horizons Soup Kitchen in Manchester serving food to homeless housed at the shelter over the holidays and were also able to donate five boxes of food donated by the CBNA community.  FBLA members were also able to donate a number of donated/collected items including clothes, blankets, toys, shoes and boots to Angie’s Shelter for Women in Manchester as part of the FBLA goal of helping the community.

 

Coe-Brown Northwood Academy High School Information Nights

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Coe-Brown Northwood Academy will be holding Information Nights for parents who are interested in learning more about the school. Although these nights are focused on Strafford, Northwood, Nottingham, and Barrington anyone is welcome to attend either night. This is an opportunity to learn more about the curriculum and what programs are available at Coe-Brown as parents make their decisions about where to send their children to high school. The night will include an information session presented by the Administration and Guidance, opportunity to ask questions, as well as a tour of the campus. The Northwood/Strafford Night will be Thursday, November 1 at 6:30 and the Nottingham/Barrington Night will be Thursday, November 8 at 6:30 in the Gerrish Gym (main building).

CBNA Forensics Students Remotely Access Electron Microscope

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Students seated at lab tables learning about forensics

Students, from left Jacob Rich, Emma Tobbe, and Olivia Roach, looking at forensic samples on a conference call with Mrs. Nancy Cherim of the UNH Instrumentation Center.

Recently, Coe-Brown Northwood Academy Forensics students had the opportunity to remotely access a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) courtesy of the University of New Hampshire’s Instrumentation Center through the collaboration of science faculty member Mrs. Tiffany Thompson and Mrs. Nancy Cherim, an Analytical Instrumentation Scientist at UNH. Forensic students and science faculty members had the opportunity to submit forensic samples to be analyzed. Through a video conference call with Mrs. Cherim, students were able to examine and measure the size of many different samples such as dog hairs, human hair, and other plant and animal specimens. From this opportunity, students were able to experience what is like to be a forensic scientist in the real world and see the difficulty in matching hair evidence to a single person or animal.