Editorial: A standing ovation for a new Unified Theater production

Posted 2/8/23

Something remarkable happened onstage in the Barrington Middle School auditorium last Friday night. Students performed.

And though it was actually the first live theater performance in the short …

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Editorial: A standing ovation for a new Unified Theater production

Posted

Something remarkable happened onstage in the Barrington Middle School auditorium last Friday night. Students performed.

And though it was actually the first live theater performance in the short history of the “new” middle school, that was hardly the remarkable part. Remarkable was the inspiration behind the show, and the people who made it happen.

Last spring, teaching assistant Melinda Germano told a few folks, including her principal, “I want to start a Unified Theater program at Barrington Middle School.” So she did.

Shortly after the start of this school year, Germano launched the program by recruiting students of all abilities. As they settled into rehearsals, first two per week and then every day as the big night drew closer, the cast rounded into shape with 38 actors and 4 student leaders.

Germano had a lot of help along the way, with members of the middle school staff volunteering countless hours of time. Joining Germano to lead the troupe were Stacy Lema, Kathryn Smith, Becky Trahan, Abby Halnon, Manny Canario, Catherine Ford, Brian Fernandes, Dawn Marcelo and Lynn Vargas.

Together they led the students through script-writing, stage movements, acting, costumes, singing and dancing. On the night of the performance, they had assistance from another half-dozen members of the faculty. The private Arts Alive group assisted with costumes. Parents donated supplies and raffle items. A village made it all happen.

The show itself was perfectly imperfect. Lighting and sound were rough at times, and some of the dramatic pauses were delightfully long, but none of that mattered. The performance was a smashing success. The audience of students, families and faculty loved every second of it. There were cheers and tears. It was a beautiful night of happiness, pride and joy for Barrington Middle School — and really for the entire district.

It was wonderful to see typical students (including boys!) acting as chaperones and leading their peers around the stage. It was magical to see the entire group singing and dancing in their closing numbers. It was touching to see children not normally in the spotlight, beaming and getting high-fives in the hallway after the show.

It was an amazing opening night for the middle school auditorium, and everyone who contributed in ways both big and small should be incredibly proud.

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Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.