Pomperaug Theatre Company Receives Honors at 71^st Annual Spring Festival of the Connecticut Drama Association

The Pomperaug Theatre Company (PTC) recently received honors at the 71^st Annual Spring Festival of the Connecticut Drama Association held at E. O. Smith High School in Storrs.

The PTC produces the dramas, comedies and musicals performed by students from Pomperaug High School (PHS). Staging two productions over the school year, students work in all aspects of theatre as actors, stagehands, technical coordinators, property masters and more.

The annual festival incorporated drama students in productions from eleven high schools across Connecticut. Each school not only presents its own work, but attends the performances of the other schools’ work, and offers feedback to and interacts with the other participants. 

Each participating school performed a 55 minute show onstage, covering a varied selection of plays such as Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”, Tennessee Williams’, “Suddenly Last Summer” and Beth Henley’s “Am I Blue”.

Pomperaug performed their reduced version of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” edited by PHS English Teacher and Drama Director, Paul E. Doniger.  A full length production was performed in the Black Box Theatre at PHS this past November.

Festival awards are presented in all areas of theatre production.  Three PHS students received “Honorable Mention for Acting”.  They are Seniors, Ian J. and Patricia D., in the roles of Ferdinand and Miranda, and Junior, Olivia C., as the clown Trinculo.

 PHS Senior, Adrienne C., who played the role of Ariel, was one of five students to receive an award for “Outstanding Achievement in Acting”.   

 “Anyone who saw the full length production of “The Tempest” last November knows how much Adrienne deserved this prize,” said Mr. Doniger.  “She is a truly gifted actress.” 

  The Theater Company also received a special commendation for “Magical Movement” for the adjudicators. Each school is recognized for its strength in theatrical production, and this year PTC was recognized for the way it used actor movement to help tell the story of the play.

 “The competition was strong,” said Doniger, “but everyone was warm, sharing and friendly.  This is one of the nicest events I have been privileged to attend, and I look forward to bringing us back again next year.”

 Mr. Doniger extended his thanks to fellow English teacher Kathy Wadyka for her assistance as chaperone to the 19 students who attended the Festival.  He also thanks Elizabeth and Michael Manz, parents of crew member, Amber M., for their generous assistance in transporting the set, props and costumes, and for their support of the students.   

 “Lastly, kudos go to the small, but dedicated crew and the other performers for their focused and energetic efforts,” said Mr. Doniger.  “I must give a special pat on the back to our dynamo of a stage manager, PHS Sophomore, Kt R.. 

  I’m really proud of all of my students and what they have accomplished this year,” Mr. Doniger said. The Company looks forward to the production of the spring musical, Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes,” which will be performed May 4, 5 and 6 at PHS.