Montini Theatre Solves the Crime

Barb Dawson • November 26, 2024

Fall Play, Murder on the Orient Express, Huge Success!

Montini Catholic High School drama students are celebrating the success of their Fall Play, Murder on the Orient Express. The Agatha Christie mystery, directed by Ms. Jackie Martin, delighted audiences with two separate casts performing a total of six performances from November 13 through the 17th. "It was a busy fall with over 40 students coming together to work on this production," said Ms. Martin who is enjoying her third year directing Montini theatre. "Our double-casted students benefited from being able to share ideas, support one another and celebrate diverse talents." The students were thrilled to be able to participate in a special Faculty/Staff performance on November 13th as well as a performance for grade school students (Friday, November 15th) followed by a 'talkback' - answering questions and describing what it takes to bring a production like Murder on the Orient Express to the stage.

In addition to her talented casts (2) and crew, Ms. Martin was grateful for the talents of Montini's Music Director and Fine Arts Chair, Mr. Donnie Glowinski and costume designer (and teacher) Mrs. Beth DiMarco. She also thanked Mr. Charlie Brewick and Mr. Jeff Nowicki, set designers. "It's no secret that putting on a production takes extraordinary efforts and dedicated individuals. I am thankful to them for helping to provide many opportunities for our students to learn foundational theatre skills."

"Murder on the Orient Express is a celebration of (Agatha) Christie's storytelling genius," added Martin. "Her characters, flawed and multifaceted, remind us that even in our pursuit of truth, we are often confronted with questions that may never have simple answers. The students and I explored not only the suspenseful thrill that Christie so brilliantly crafts, but also the moral ambiguity that emerges as the story progresses. How do we judge right from wrong with justice seems to blur. We hope that our audiences were entertained and left pondering the themes of justice, compassion and human nature."

Next up for Montini Theatre is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - coming in March 2025.

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2025 Prom Court Announced!

By Barb Dawson • April 14, 2025

Montini Catholic in Lombard is proud to announce the senior members of their 2025 Prom Court. The king and queen will be announced and crowned during the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Prom Night on Friday, April 25th. The evening, themed - The Roaring 2020s - will be held at Bolingbrook Country Club. Class of 2025 Prom Court Members Queen Liliana Cruz Peyton Farrell Natalie Gartlan Autumn Schumerth Sienna Skarda King Nicky Castaldo Jonathan Hayes Sean Hubeny Matthew Silveyra Collins Whitfield Image above l to r: Peyton Farrell, Collins Whitfield, Natalie Gartlan, Sean Hubeny, Liliana Cruz, Nicky Castaldo, Autumn Schumerth, Matthew Silveyra, Sienna Skarda and Jonathan Hayes

Brothers Visit to Celebrate Founder's Feast Day

By Barb Dawson • April 7, 2025

We were honored to be joined at Mass on Monday, April 7th 2025 by Father Jeff Stoneberg of Christ the King Parish and Brothers Rob Veselsky, Chuck Gregor, Joel McGraw, Richard Merkel, James Gaffney, Phil Jones, Brother Kotek, Dr. Steven Torres and Brother Br. Michael Fehrenbach (with Principal Chris Tiritilli (left) and President Kevin Beirne (far right)) to celebrate the Feast Day of our Founder St. John Baptist De LaSalle. Students commemorated the 306th Anniversary of St. John Baptist de La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers and Founder of our Lasallian Mission. He was a man of deep prayer, unwavering faith, and boundless compassion, devoting his life to God through service and education. "St. John Baptist De Lasalle, pray for us. Live, Jesus, in our hearts, forever."

Students Create Mosaic Mural of Founder, St. John Baptist De Lasalle

By Barb Dawson • April 3, 2025

Under the direction of Fine Arts Department Chair and Music Director, Donnie Glowinski and Art Teacher Christiana Blatchley, Montini Catholic students were invited to participate in the creation of a beautiful mosaic of the Lasallian college preparatory high school's founder, St. John Baptist De Lasalle. St. John Baptiste De Lasalle was designated the Patron Saint of teachers by the Catholic Church in 1950. The artistic endeavor was an activity created as a part of Montini's celebration of Belongingness Week (March 24-28, 2025). "Belongingness Week is designed to promote a sense of inclusion, connection, and community among students and throughout the school," said Principal Chris Tiritilli. "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. During this week, we seek to provide several experiences and activities to celebrate the things that make us each unique and special, such as the backgrounds, experiences and traditions that we come from, all while also realizing that we come together and belong as one Montini community and family." Throughout the week, each department wwas asked to organize an activity to align with one of the three main goals of the week: Building Positive Relationships, Promoting Inclusion, Increasing Self-Esteem and Emotional Well-Being. The mural was a way for Montini students to come together through a fun and artistic activity. Each piece of the mosaic symbolized an individual, with its unique shape, color, and position contributing to the overall 'masterpiece.' The final piece will be unveiled during Montini's upcoming Mass to celebrate the Feast Day of St. John Baptist De Lasalle which is April 7th.