Youth production raises money for church fund

BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

MARLBORO – The children of St. Gabriel’s Church, Route 79, lent their talents to raisemoney for the St. Vincent de Paul fund by performing the musical “Godspell Jr.” over the weekend of April 19.

The St. Vincent de Paul fund is a church organization that providesmoney to parishioners who are experiencing financial difficulties, according toAmy Scotti.

Scotti and Lilly Torrente, who direct St. Gabriel’s children’s choir, volunteered their time to guide the children in a younger version of the 1970s musical “Godspell.”

“Godspell” is based on the Gospel of St. Matthew and “is a celebration of the life and teachings of Christ,” Torrente explained.

With two performance dates, the talented youngsters raised $1,200 for the St. Vincent de Paul fund, both directors reported. Torrente said the money will be put to good use helping families in the Marlboro area.

The 15 young performers who made up the cast are students in grades three through eight. Scotti said a majority of the cast for the play are also members of the children’s choir.

Consisting mainly of an ensemble cast, the production had two main characters, Jesus and Judas. Billy Kluge performed the lead as Jesus while Amanda Gagliano took on the role of Judas.

The ensemble members included Gabrielle Alioto, Elizabeth Cangialosi, Samantha Colditz, Camille Crawley, Nicole Fasano, Sophia LoMonaco, Anjelique Luca, Lauren Pelaia, Brianna Perumpail, Brittany Perumpail, Brandon Perumpail, Amber Torrise and Catia Twal.

Volunteers Alexandra Simione, Patricia Simione and Gina Torrente worked as the stage crew for the production. Since this was the first time parish children performed a musical production to benefit a charitable organization there was a lot of work to be done to set the stage.

Scotti’s and Torrente’s families helped design the sets and wired lighting to illuminate the stage. With the help of the directors and parish deacons Rich Scotti and Steve Sansevere, the young actors were able “to understand, explore, and bring to life the parables of Jesus Christ,” Torrente said.

The directors said St. Gabriel’s pastor, the Rev. Eugene Roberts, would like to see more events such as the play in the future.

“It was a most fulfilling and unique experience for all involved,” Torrente said.