York Drama Presents Spring Musical "The Theory Of Relativity"

York Drama Director Rebecca Marianetti had her eye on The Theory of Relativity for years and knew that this was a production she wanted to bring to the York students; she just never imagined it wouldn’t be on the stage. “When it became apparent that anything we would do inside and, on the stage, would be limited, we had to really stretch our creative minds, and embracing the genre of film has done just that.”

Mrs. Marianetti describes the process, “We have filmed outside, in a gorgeous location, and have reveled in the absurdity of sitting at a kitchen table in a forest of trees, or, when our set was rained on, rolling in the mud and using it to the piece’s advantage. Stretching ourselves as artists and storytellers through embracing the obstacles became our goal and ultimately, our joy.”

“We have been incredibly lucky to work with Matt Bourke, York Alumnus, and film director Michael Berry (Frontera, Stuck, Chicago Med) as they have been able to advise us along the way, as well as teach our gifted student directors how to conceptualize, record, and edit everything from group numbers to individual songs and monologues, while keeping the fluidity of film, and most importantly, honoring the story telling at the heart of it all”, adds Marianetti.

“You will soon see that The Theory of Relativity is not a production that was a compromise due to the COVID pandemic; it is a production that was made possible by the pandemic. The cast, crew and directors turned it into an opportunity to stretch their creativity and deepen their determination beyond what anyone could have previously imagined was possible. Fittingly, the musical reflects on how we are all connected, and how we are nothing without each other” reflects Maureen Harmon, parent of a senior in the cast.

“Being a part of the musicals at York is always my absolute favorite part of the year”, reflects Senior Nev Lawless, one of the production’s dance captains. “This year we were able to look through a new lens of performing by filming our show and creating our piece into a movie musical. We have had to switch our gears from a musical brain to a movie brain and have worked through every new struggle that came our way. Filming and directing is a whole new art we took on the challenge and it has been such a special experience that I will always treasure.”

Senior Cast member Olivia Rosenberg is one of the student directors behind the camera too. Oliva shares, “Being on the creative team for the musical has been one of the most impactful learning experiences I’ve had in high school. To be able to see a show come alive from beginning to end has been absolutely remarkable and I am so proud of what we have accomplished!”

“As the rehearsals and filming days went on, I felt an overwhelming sense of support and belonging, something that I’ve really been missing the past few months with transitioning to a new school during the pandemic” explains York Freshman Marguerite DiMarco. “My first York show was certainly unconventional, but the laughs I had, the friendships I developed, and most importantly the incredible art I got to be a part of creating made it well worth it.”

Mr. Bourke adds “It has been an incredible honor to collaborate with such an unbelievably dedicated and talented group of students. Every actor, dancer, technician and student leader brought with them an energy to create art at a level unparalleled since the pandemic began. After viewing The Theory of Relativity, I hope the audience feels moved to seek out connection, share in community, and create something meaningful.”

“In a musical so tied to strengthening relationships and deepening connections, these young artists have made it clear that we all drive each other to be better”, states Mrs. Marianetti. “The Theory of Relativity has been a gift to produce, but the true beauty has been realized in watching the cast and crew lift each other up with love and support, nurturing each other’s talents and strengths to create a truly glorious work. In a time where we are all struggling to find the light, the arts have given us hope and strength. I have no doubt that when the audience sees this production, they will not only laugh with, cry with, and deeply relate to these characters; they will feel the love radiating through their screens. Soon, we will be back on stage; but this time has not been lost, it has been reimagined.”

The Theory of Relativity airs May 21, 22, 23 and May 28, 29, and 30th.

Tickets on sale starting Wednesday, May 12 at www.showtix4u.com/events/YorkDrama

are $15 per viewing link, per device. Donations are welcome and much appreciated, as York Drama continues to create art during this unprecedented year.

This performance will stream each evening at 7:30pm CST. Each performance will require one ticket (access code) per device per night.

Thank you for your continued support of York Drama!