Category: Arts & Entertainment

by Kayla Streight 25’ 

As the weather got colder, the Wyoming Seminary Players warmed up their skills for their production of Once Upon a Mattress. Performances were at the beginning of November. The cast and crew worked hard daily to prepare for a live audience. 

Once Upon a Mattress is a theatrical production about a strict queen, Aggravain, (played by Chloe Caputo ‘26), who doesn’t want her son, Prince Dauntless the Drab (played by Jacob Nivert ‘25) to be wed. In order to have Dauntless’ hand in marriage, potential suitors must pass a test, and the musical focuses on one particular suitor vying for his hand, Princess Winnifred (played by Rachel Lewis ‘25). 

The actors have worked hard on the show to ensure an optimal performance for viewers. Practices officially began September 9, only two weeks after the 2024-2025 school year began. After that, there were practices weekly. 

Practices consisted of music rehearsals, choreography sessions, and blocking practices. It was important to work on all of these individual pieces in order to put together the overall image. A constant effort was put into this show, which goes on behind the scenes. 

The cast hit the off-script date for all music lyrics, and the off-book date for lines was also achieved. Students were required to memorize their material a set date in advance to ensure that they were able to have more productive and successful rehearsals. 

The Sem theater department takes effort and engagement seriously. Students were required to attend every rehearsal unless they had a reason that was cleared by the director. If not, the student was at risk for their role to be given to another cast member. The actors were dedicated to giving their all for the benefit of the program. 

by Lily Roberti ’24

Sem Dance Company’s hard work pays off once again! Months of dedicated rehearsals culminated in the forty-third annual Dance Show over the second weekend in May. Dance Works was a result of Bernadine Vojtko’s enthusiasm and commitment and a company of twenty-two talented dancers. 

This year, alumni dancers Samantha Barcia ‘22, Brennan Twardowski ‘10, Robert Zaloga ‘20, and Jennifer Zemetro ‘22 brought their abilities back to Sem. Highlights include Robert Zaloga and Lucy Lew ‘24 as a shockingly talented duo in “Pas de Deux and Coda from Le Corsaire” and Jennifer Zemetro and Sam Barcia performing a moving duet called “Cringe.” The Sem Dance program is lucky to continue to have dancers who return year after year because they love the company so much. 

This year, the dance show brought something different to the table. The entire second act was comprised of Billy Joel songs- all performed by a live singer and band at the back of the stage. Noah Sunday-Lefkowitz ‘14 shared his phenomenal voice on our stage, and Tyler Harvey ‘13 coordinated and played saxophone in the band. Dancer Reece Fisher ‘25 says, “We’re so excited to have worked with live music this year instead of tracks. We know that the uniqueness of Noah’s performance brought many people to the show, and working with a live band is such an amazing opportunity to really feel the music as you’re dancing.” Eight senior girls and boys performed a 50’s-esque couple’s piece to Billy Joel’s “Christie Lee.” Senior athletes Michael Vodzak, Louis Michaels, Que Riggins, and Kwashaun Williams bounced between sports practice and the dance studio to allow this piece to happen. The act closed with “The Entertainer,” where all dancers returned to the stage to perform a heartwarming finale together. 

This year, six upperclassmen were given the opportunity to choreograph their own pieces. Lucy Lew ‘24, Molly Kopetchny ‘24, Lily Roberti ‘24, Kara Perzia ‘24, Abigail Lott ‘25, and Reece Fisher ‘25 shared what they’d learned since the fall in Mrs. Vojtko’s class, ‘Choreographer’s Workshop.’ Kara Perzia, who choreographed a jazz piece to Lady Gaga’s “Applause” with Lily Roberti, says, “I had so much fun with this piece! I was able to work with four talented dancers and it has been so great to watch my vision come together on stage. Creating a dance from scratch has taught me so much about what Mrs. Vojtko does and allowed me to be a part of the other side of the dance show.” All of the choreographers worked with brilliant lighting designer Jonathan Vojtko ‘11 to bring their pieces to life. 

Dance Works was a beautiful testament to the art that can be made when all different people put their talents together. Between diligent alumni, peer and outside choreographers, student athletes, skilled musicians, and, of course, Mrs. Vojtko, Sem’s forty-third annual dance performance was a massive success!

The antics of the cast of The Play that Goes Wrong kept audiences laughing for 3 performances this spring.

Sem performed the the regional premiere of the show! We were the first in the area! No adults or high schools have done it in NEPA!