Play Cancellation Letdown
Note to readers:
This is the first in what is planned to be a continuing blog tracking the highs and lows of life in the St. Benedict’s community as its members weather the effects of a worldwide coronavirus outbreak.
Newark, N.J., Friday the 13th, March, 2020
Today, Headmaster Fr. Edwin Leahy, O.S.B., announced that all classes would be taught online starting Monday, March 16, and that the Newark Abbey property, which includes St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, would be closed to students for the next two weeks, to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. School officials cancelled many events including the spring play, “American Night: The Ballad of Juan Jose.”
In an interview by Podcast Editor James Hunt SY, SBP Drama Guild members Malcolm James SY (at left) and Israel Small UD1 express how the cancellation of the school play affected their school year, while acknowledging the severity of the global situation. Small is also the Design Editor of The Benedict News and James is a designer. The video was filmed by Video Editor Christian Browne-Mixon.
Didier Jean-Baptiste • Mar 14, 2020 at 9:05 am
Great interview. I feel the Drama Guild’s pain and wish I could have seen what sounds like what would have been a really fun and funny show.
Pat Flynn • Mar 13, 2020 at 9:40 pm
I appreciate the B News covering this story. Because of the speed w/ which we needed to close up shop – striking the set and cleaning the theatre, we as a company had very little time for reflection together. I am, therefore, grateful to be able to hear the thoughts and reactions of two company members who were so integral to the production. Only now, that it is over, do we have time to grieve what we were not able to share. However, as I said yesterday, to the ensemble, work is never lost. No one and nothing can rob the Drama Guild members of the creative experience they shared, the learning and growth that took place, or the friendships that developed. I am so sorry that our seniors: Angel, Malcolm, and Na’im lost the opportunity to do their last show at the Hive, but we have the memories of their other performances. Until next time…..Ms. Flynn