St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School
1170 Montauk Highway, West Islip, New York 11795-4959
Phone: 631.587.8000 Fax 631.587.8996
Principal: Ms. Nan Doherty
Phone: 631.587.8000 Ext. 112
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
March 1, 2016
St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School Students Perform in
Broadway Production of SECRET GARDEN at Lincoln Center
WEST ISLIP, NY – On February 22, 2016 at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall, eight senior choral students
performed in one of two productions of the TONY Award-winning musical The Secret Garden.
This concert performance of The Secret Garden featured a chorus of 200 singers from the across the United
States and Australia. It also combined the forces of the New York City Chamber Orchestra as well as a full
professional Broadway cast which included Sydney Lucas (“Fun Home”), Ramin Karimloo (“Les Misérables”),
Sierra Boggess (“School of Rock”), Ben Platt (“Pitch Perfect”), and many more. Daisy Egan, who originated
the lead role of Mary Lennox and won a Tony award at age 11, returned to perform as the girl’s chambermaid,
Martha, and Barbara Rosenblat (“Orange Is The New Black”) reprised her role as the housekeeper, Mrs.
Medlock. Prior to Monday evening’s performance, students attended three fast-paced rehearsals to prepare for
the show.
Jared Berry, Director of Choirs, stated, “This was the second year our students participated in this Broadway
event produced by Manhattan Concert Productions. The invaluable experience of being in a high caliber
performance with this cast, participating in a Q&A during rehearsals with the performers and production team,
gave students what can only be described as ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.
Based on the 1911 novel of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the musical’s book and lyrics are
by Marsha Norman, with music by Lucy Simon. Orphaned while living in India, 10 year-old Mary Lennox
returns to Yorkshire, England to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald, whom she has never met.
There, the ill-tempered and lonely Mary meets Martha, a chambermaid, who tells her of a secret garden which
belonged to her aunt Lily before she died. Mary's search for the garden introduces her to a slew of other
characters including Dickon (Martha's brother), Ben (the head gardener), Neville (her other uncle), and a
spirited robin that seems to be trying to talk to her. This compelling tale of forgiveness and hope reveals that
even the cruelest of environments can blossom with new life.
Photo caption:
Front (L to R): Nicolette Minella, Maggy Pollicino, Kelsey Smith, Brigid Fitall
Back (L to R): Olivia Maynard, Alanna Mahon, Benny Kwon, Skylar deBoer, Director of Choirs Jared Berry
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About St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School
About St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School: 1,700 students attend St. John the Baptist DHS, a college preparatory Catholic High School located on the south
shore in West Islip. As part of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, St. John’s offers a value-centered education that recognizes the unique talents and abilities of each
child, while fostering a school environment that challenges students to reach their true potential. Open since 1966, St. John’s offers a rigorous curriculum and
extensive activity and athletic programs. Students have the opportunity to take numerous Advanced Placement classes and 99% of St. John’s graduates continue on to
higher education. For Mission Statement and additional information: http://www.stjohnsdhs.org/
Contact: Mrs. Sarah Murphy
631.587.8000, ext. 117