More Than Just a Performance: Don’t Drink the Water Captivates CBA Community
November 20, 2017
Pegasus Production Company’s fall comedy, Don’t Drink the Water, became a community-wide hit over its two week run, which ended this past Saturday. From breaking company record to fundraising for disabled individuals, the cast and crew put on a performance no one will soon forget.
Records Broken
Capping off a six-show run, Don’t Drink the Water ended on a high note on Saturday, with the closing night solidifying a new company record. With over 1,000 total attendees, Don’t Drink the Water surpassed the previous Pegasus attendance record for a CBA fall show, while shattering numerous other attendance milestones along the way.
The production also opened to the largest crowd for a fall show in the last five years, thanks to a tactical marketing approach by the Student PR Director Michael Guarino and his dedicated staff.
Perhaps most satisfying for the company, Water was seen by over 200 CBA students, which was also an all-time high.
Funny for Fundraising
Continuing a two-year relationship with Our Special Place, a Matawan non-profit organization that provides enriching opportunities for children with autism and their families, students in Pegasus presented a sensory friendly show on Friday night.
With 130 guests that evening, the cast performed a slightly modified version of the production, including milder lighting and sound effects appropriate for the autistic guests’ sensory capacity. The company donated half of the proceeds from ticket sales, as well as all profits from other merchandise, raising over $800 for the charity.
Connecting the Community
During the school day on Wednesday, the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students of Holy Cross in Rumson traveled to CBA to see a private performance of the show, which was followed by a question-and-answer session where the students were able to meet some of the actors and crew members.
Preceded by a dinner sponsored by the Student Council, Thursday evening’s performance garnered nothing but praise from the student body.
Student Council executive board member Jack Coleman ’18 remarked on the hilarious performances of Johnny Abadir ’20 and Liam Mailley ’19 in the lead male roles and noted outstanding supporting performances from Chris Coleman ’20, Mark Schmitt ’18, Michael Guarino ’18, and Stephen Weihs ’18, among others.
“When I found this show after searching through dozens of other scripts, I thought this show would be a perfect fit for CBA, and I couldn’t have been happier with my peers’ work on the production and the overwhelmingly positive student response. The support from the CBA student body is a testament to the fact that we’re truly a community of brothers who support each other in all of our endeavors – academic, athletic, and artistic,” Guarino said.
Water’s final performance on Saturday night welcomed a heavy alumni presence, with graduates of the Classes of 2013, 2016, and 2017 returning to Henderson to catch a show.
On the Horizon
Pegasus Production Company’s spring musical, Fiddler on the Roof, will take place on March 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10, with auditions on Wednesday, November 29. Students interested in auditioning should prepare 16 bars of a musical theatre song and be prepared to dance at the audition. Any student interested in joining the crew can contact Mr. Marcos Orozco, director of Pegasus Production Company, at morozco@cbalincroftnj.org or by visiting him in room 411.
About Christian Brothers Academy:
Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) is a private, Catholic, academic preparatory school for boys located in Lincroft, New Jersey. Founded in 1959 and taught in the Lasallian tradition, CBA is dedicated to helping students become intellectually mature and morally responsible leaders for society. Through the combined efforts of the Office of Advancement and friends of the Academy, CBA awards over $1.3 million in scholarships and financial aid to current students. Experience the Academy at www.CBALincroftNJ.org.