Montini Catholic freshman Maryfaith Considine (Naperville) has been named Bronco Artist of the Month for March.  She was nominated for the honor by teacher and Theatre Director, Ms. Jaclyn Martin.

"Maryfaith portrayed Maria Rainer in this year's Spring Musical, The Sound of Music. The story follows Maria, a young woman who brings joy and music to the von Trapp family in Austria during the tumultuous times of World War II," informed Martin.  "She was a clear choice for the lead in this show - and for our Artist of the Month honor.  Her ability to showcase a deep understanding of the character paired with her passion for storytelling made her debut in Montini Theatre a successful one!"

Although Maryfaith was caught off guard with the announcement of her most recent accomplishment at Montini's all school Mass on Monday (April 8th) in front of her peers, she was pleasantly surprised. "Performing in my first musical at Montini, especially in a leading role, was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped on to the stage for auditions, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement coursing through me. Being entrusted with such a pivotal role filled me with both pride and a sense of responsibility to do justice to the character."

Maryfaith can't remember a day when she didn't love to sing and perform. Before her debut at Montini, she attended a theater company called Kidz Kabaret, performing in several musicals, including The Lion King (as Rafiki and Nala), Frozen (Olaf), and Alice in Wonderland (Alice). She was also honored to play Kelsi in Kennedy Junior HIgh School's production of High School Musical. "When I found out I was cast as Maria, a whirlwind of emotions swept over me. I was incredibly nervous, knowing the weight and responsibility of portraying such an iconic character. Yet, amidst the nerves, there was an overwhelming sense of excitement and gratitude. I felt thankful for the opportunity to bring Maria to life on stage, to embark on this transformative experience, and to share the story with our audience."

Ask any student involved in theatre this spring and they will tell you that the musical process at Montini is an incredibly long and artistic journey.  Maryfaith wholeheartedly agrees. "From auditions to opening night, every step is meticulously planned and executed with the utmost dedication and professionalism. It begins with rigorous auditions, where each performer showcases their talents and passion for the stage. Once the cast is selected, rehearsals commence, and the real work begins!"

"Our cast and crew devote countless hours to learning their lines, blocking, and cues, ensuring that every moment on stage is seamless and captivating," adds Maryfaith. "Throughout this process, there's a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that fuels the production forward. Everyone involved contributes their unique talents to create something truly magical. As opening night approaches, anticipation builds, and the excitement is palpable. During tech week, our cast, crew, and directors work tirelessly from 2:50 PM to 8 PM. Finally, when the curtains rise and the music swells, all the hard work and dedication culminate in a spectacular performance. The Montini stage comes alive with energy, passion, and talent, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression. The musical process at Montini is not just a production—it's an unforgettable journey that celebrates the power of storytelling, music, and collaboration."

Maryfaith was grateful to have two very important mentors to help her along in her first Bronco theatre journey. Her father, Michael Considine '86 was no stranger to the Montini stage, performing in several musicals during his time at Montini. And mother, Elizabeth Considine, a graduate of the Harrt School of Music and Conservatory (Connecticut), played Sr. Mary Leo in Nunsense and Nunsense II Off Broadway.  "Before opening night, both my mom and dad offered me some invaluable advice that stayed with me throughout the entire performance process. My dad, always the voice of calm and reason, told me, 'Remember to breathe, kiddo. Take a moment to center yourself before you step on stage. You've put in the work, now trust yourself and enjoy the moment.' Then there was my mom, the powerhouse of passion and determination, who added her own touch of wisdom:  'Remember, every note you sing and every step you take is a chance to share your love for the stage with the audience. Let your heart shine through.' Armed with the advice of both my mom and dad, I stepped onto the stage on opening night with a sense of confidence and gratitude, ready to embrace the magic of the moment and give it my all."

Despite the applause and standing ovations received, it was the deep connections forged with the directors, cast, and crew that Maryfaith will always cherish. "We became a tight-knit family, sharing laughs, tears, and inside jokes both on and off stage. The bond we formed was as strong as any harmony sung or dance step executed perfectly."   

She will be the first to admit, however, that the process of bringing what has been deemed 'one of Montini's best spring musicals' to stage didn't come seamlessly. "The worst part of this experience was definitely when we didn't get dinner until we finished running through the entire show during tech week. I mean, we were all starving artists, quite literally! It was like a hunger-induced marathon, with each scene feeling like a mile marker until we finally crossed the finish line and collapsed into a heap of ravenous performers. Note to self: next time, pack snacks!"

"Working with Ms. (Jaclyn) Martin (Director), Mr. (Donnie) Glowinski (Music Director), and Mrs. (Beth) DiMarco (Choreographer and Costume Designer) during the musical process was an absolute privilege," remembers Maryfaith. "Their passion, expertise, and dedication elevated the entire production to new heights. Ms. Martin's keen eye for detail and her ability to draw out the best in each performer pushed us to exceed our own expectations. Mr. Glowinski's creative vision and tireless work behind the scenes brought the world of the musical to life in ways we never imagined. And Mrs. DiMarco's unwavering support and encouragement kept us motivated, even during the most challenging rehearsals. Together, they formed a dynamic trio of mentors who not only taught us about music, acting, and stagecraft but also instilled in us invaluable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of following our passions. Their guidance and mentorship extended far beyond the stage, shaping us into better performers and better people."

"Maryfaith is someone who is always ready to learn new acting techniques and expand upon her own skill set," added Ms. Martin. "This honor is so deserved by her and I am so proud of her dedication to our theatre program. I also look forward to what she will bring to the table in future Montini Catholic shows!"