Fall Musical "Newsies" Strikes Up Rave Reviews
November 20, 2022

Montini Catholic's newly renovated auditorium was buzzing with excitement on Friday, November 18th for the opening night of "Newsies," a high energy musical, based on the Disney Film by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White and based on the New York City newsboy strike of 1899. The first of three weekend performances was nothing short of flawless according to fans.

No strangers to the stage, seniors Francesca Spizzirri (Oak Brook) and Nathan Camba (Burr Ridge) took on lead roles as Katherine Plumber and Jack Kelly respectively.  Nathan last made his stage appearance this past spring in Montini's production of "The Video Gamapalooza" and was excited to take on the role as Jack.  As a student at Immaculate Conception in Elmhurst, Francesca played Specs, so she was quite thrilled to be able to step up her game with her new role in this current production.   Her first role on the Montini stage came as a freshman in "Tune In To Murder."

Senior Maya Alikpala (Lombard) tackled the supporting role as Crutchie (her debut on the Bronco stage).  Her past credits include Daughter ('Mulan Jr.'', Lioness ("The Lion King Jr.') and Birdgirl ("Seussical Jr.") with St. Mary of Gostyn Theatre!  Maya is also a member of Montini Catholic's Chamber Choir.   Freshman Xhaiden Ian Manalaysay also made his debut and nailed his supporting role as Davey.   Xhaiden was previously an ensemble member in Beauty and the Beast at St. Matthews.

Montini history teacher, Mr. Andrew Weisenburger, made a cameo appearance as Teddy Roosevelt, surprising many of his fellow colleagues.

The play was directed by Theater Director, Jackie Martin. This is her first year as Theatre Director at Montini Catholic.  She also teaches at St. Isaac Jogues School in HInsdale.  Jackie has directed the Summer Theatre Program at St. Francis High School for the past six years and is also the director of the SIJ Theatre Program.  She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Theatre Directing from the Chicago College of Performing Arts within Roosevelt University. "I am very thankful to the students and staff at Montini for making me feel so welcome in this great community!"

Assisting Ms. Martin was Music Director, Mr. Donnie Glowinski, in his 8th musical at Montini  "I am so excited and proud of the work this cast has put in and was so excited to help them 'seize the day' for this production!"

Choreographer, Ms. Mandy Modic, works professionally in musical theatre as a performer, choreographer, director and educator.  She performs in various Chicago theaters including Drury Lane, The Paramount and The Marriott.   "

It is truly a joy to share my passion for musical theatre with these students and to see them radiating with confidence on stage," says Martin.  "I have been so grateful for their enthusiasm and for their embarking on this musical journey.  The story of "Newsies" still inspires us today to speak against injustice and to stand together for positive change.  This group (both cast and crew) has given all of their effort to not only authentically tell this story, but to also support each other every step of the way!"

Next up, Montini Catholic's always anticipated Spring Musical in March!

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By Barb Dawson March 27, 2025
Montini Catholic in Lombard congratulated the newest inductees into their Spanish​, Chinese and French Honor Societies. This year's ceremony was held on ​W​ednesday, March 2​6th in the ​l​Lasallian college preparatory high school's auditorium. Members and families were welcomed by Montini's Foreign Language Department Chair, ​M​rs. Jennifer Block along with French teacher, ​M​rs. Beth DiMarco, Chinese teacher Mrs. Sumin Xu and Spanish teacher, ​M​rs. Makenzie Long. ​The ceremony began with select language students reciting the 'Hail Mary' prayer in Chinese, French, and Spanish. ​"Tonight, we recognize an extraordinary group of students​ - young scholars who have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also perseverance, curiosity, and a deep commitment to language learning​,​" said Mrs. Block. "Over the past three or four years, they have risen to the challenges of mastering a new language all while navigating its complexities with determination and enthusiasm. More than just excelling in their studies, they have embraced the beauty of communication across cultures: fostering connections that extend far beyond the classroom. Their dedication to linguistic and cultural understanding is both inspiring and commendable, and we are so proud to celebrate their achievements tonight. We as their teachers get to see them taking risks every day in class, and putting in the hard work to excel- we are so glad that they are being celebrated this evening.​" French Honor Society: The French Honor Society is a nationally recognized organization that honors students who have excelled not only in their French courses but in all of their courses at Montini. Additionally, these students must take French 4 or 4H next year to finish out their four years of French, or be a graduating senior who elected to take level 3 their senior year. They must be members of our French club and have an average GPA of 3.5 or higher in their French courses over the course of three years. ​Chinese Honor Society: The National Chinese Honor Society (NCHS) was established in 1993 to recognize those accomplished high school students who study Chinese as a world language.​ To be eligible for induction, students must maintain an average of 93 or higher and commit to pursuing language study throughout their four years at Montini.​ Eligibility requires that students have a cumulative 3.5 GPA, including a 4.0 GPA in their specific language, as well as a commitment to taking the foreign language all four years at Montini. This year ​1​8 students ​w​ere inducted into their respective language honor society. Spanish Honor Society: T​h​e Spanish Honor Society was founded by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese in 1953, for the students of North American secondary schools;​ The name of ​M​ontini Catholic's chapter is San Juan Butista de la Salle​ with the motto​, “Todos a una”, “All together.” ​Students must maintain a 95 or higher in three prior semesters for Spanish​ to be eligible for Honor Society status. Congratulations to: Chinese Honor​ Society Inductees Michael May​ '26 Thomas Healy​ '26​ French Honor​ Society Inductees Julia Ciaccio​ '26​ Harry (Harold) Hall​ '26 Aubrey Podojil​ '26 Sophia Torres​ '26​ Spanish Honor​ Society Inductees Sofia Flores​ '26 Savannah Gutierrez​ '26 Blake Heyer​ '26 Karissa Jones​ '26 Jonathan Kosinski​ '26 Ashlynn Lindt​ '26 Nicole Navarro​ '26 Yeon (Seoyeon) Park​ '26 Gabby (Mary Gabrielle) Paulino​ '26 Valentina Serna​ '25 Jackson Simek​ '25 Mia (Maria) Torres​ '26 ​Image above: Spanish Honor Society Inductees l to r: Sofia Flores, Savannah Gutierrez, Blake Heyer, Karissa Jones, Jonathan Kosinski, Ashlynn Lindt, Nicole Navarro, Gabby Paulino, Valentina Serna and Mia Torres;
By Barb Dawson March 26, 2025
Montini Catholic High School drama students are basking in the glow of their rave reviews after the success of the Spring Musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrew Lloyd Webber's sung-through musical, directed by Ms. Jackie Martin, absolutely captivated audiences with a total of five performances from March 13 through the 17th (Opening Night - Friday, March 14th). "The production process for this show involved over sixty students all coming together to create a very special experience for our audience," said Ms. Martin who is enjoying her 6th play as director and her 3rd year directing Montini Catholic theatre. "Their dedication and enthusiasm shined as brightly as Joseph's coat! " The students were thrilled to be able to participate in a special Faculty/Staff performance on March 13th as well as a performance for grade school students from St. Pius X Parish School and St. Mary of Gostyn School (Friday, November 14th) followed by a 'talkback' - answering questions and describing what it takes to bring a musical production to life. ​ "The kids really rose to the challenge," added Music Director Donnie Glowinski. "You could tell from the table read, they were invested and prepared to make this one of the best productions in Montini Theater history. I was so happy with their performances. They worked very hard to convey the story through music and pulled it off! Every year, they seem to take the goals and expectations that we have and completely blow them out of the water!" In addition to her talented cast and crew, Ms. Martin was grateful to be able to lean on the expertise of Montini's Music Director and Fine Arts Chair, Mr. Donnie Glowinski and costume designer (and teacher) Mrs. Beth DiMarco. She also thanked set designers, Mr. Charlie Brewick and Mr. Jeff Nowicki. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's retelling of the biblical story of Joseph reminds us that dreams can shape our destiny, and kindness and forgiveness triumph over hardship.
By Barb Dawson March 26, 2025
Montini Catholic students proudly embraced their diversity as a school during their annual Belongingness Week (March 24-28) at the Lasallian college preparatory high school in Lombard. The celebration, sponsored by the World Language Department and Theology Department - commenced with an Interfaith Prayer for Peace Service which welcomed Father Matt Nathan (St. Pius X Catholic Parish, Lombard), Pat Gibbs (Congregation Etz Chaim, Elmhurst), Imam Hisham Al Qaisi (Islamic Foundation, Villa Park), Pastor R. Keith Beauchamp (Hope Presbyterian Church, Wheaton) and Venerable Miaowei (Fo Guang Shan Chicago Buddhist Temple). The service was organized by Assistant Campus Minister, and World Religions teacher, Mrs. Kelly Davis, who welcomed students and speakers. "Today we gather in the spirit of unity, compassion, and hope. We are here from different faith traditions, yet united in our shared belief in peace, love, and the inherent dignity of every human being. In a world that often seems divided by differences, we stand together in the pursuit of a common goal: peace." Each year Mrs. Davis arranges educational and informative World Religions field trips with her students - this year they visited the Congregation Etz Chaim Synagogue in Elmhurst, the BAPS Hindu Temple in Bartlett and the Islamic Foundation Mosque in Villa Park. "Our goal is to provide opportunities for our students to learn and experience other cultures, races and religions. This can facilitate a better understanding of one's own beliefs and strengthen their faith." Each speaker enlightened Montini students in regards to their various practices and prayers promoting peace. "Let us take a moment to reflect on the unity we have shared in prayer, even though our faith traditions may differ," advised Principal Chris Tiritilli. "Through our words, thoughts, and intentions, we have come together as a community committed to peace, understanding, and respect. This gathering has been a reminder that while our beliefs may vary, our common desire for love, compassion, and justice binds us all as children of God." Principal Tiritlli expressed his hope that the prayer service experience would inspire Montini students to continue fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect at Montini and beyond. "As we go forward, may we remember that dialogue, understanding, and empathy are powerful tools in building bridges and healing divides. Let us carry this spirit of unity in our hearts and actions, ensuring that the light of faith guides us in our daily lives, leading us to a world of greater harmony and peace. Thank you for being part of this meaningful service today." Montini's Belongingness Week was conceptualized to promote a sense of inclusion, connection, and community among students and throughout the school. The purpose of this week is to enhance and emphasize an environment where each student feels known, accepted, valued and supported, regardless of their background, identity, or differences. Administrators and teachers provided several activities for the students to celebrate what makes them unique and special, as well as their different backgrounds, experiences and traditions. Image above: L to R: Montini President Kevin Beirne, Imam Hisham Al Qaisi, Father Matt Nathan, Kelly Davis, Pastor R. Keith Beauchamp, Pat Gibbs, Steve Volkening, Venerable Miaowei, and Principal Chris Tiritilli
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