The Harlequins have a rich history at Saint Ignatius for more than 75 years. Each season, students join with girls from area high schools to produce a play in the fall and a musical in the spring.
There are various ways for students to get involved in our shows, whether it is onstage, backstage, or in the orchestra pit.
Our alumni include Broadway performers, television producers, and (even) presidents of Saint Ignatius High School.
"Our program exists to instill a love of drama in our students. Whether they go on to a career in the performing arts or become lifelong patrons of theater, we want our young men and women to find a place where they can express and enjoy their God-given talents."
- David Hoover ’03, Drama Director
Mamma Mia
March 27-29 and April 3 & 4, 2020 - Purchase Tickets: March 27, March 28, March 29, April 3, April 4
Rehearsals Begin January 6, 2020 (with a readthrough on December 12, 2019)
What's Mamma Mia about?
Mamma Mia tells the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers have made Mamma Mia one of the most popular and beloved musicals in Broadway's history.
I'm thinking about playing in the pit. What does this entail?
If you are interested in joining the pit,
please contact Mr. Hamlin. He will have all the details, but here are some general notes:
- This score is awesome! We think you're going to have an absolute blast playing it.
- Once you receive the score, you will be required to devote at least six (6) hours a week of independent practice through closing. Practice is the difference between a lackluster performance and a fantastic one.
- Mandatory two (2) hour rehearsals will be held with the group every other week, through March 12. Schedule TBD.
- Mandatory rehearsals with the cast and crew include: the sitzprobe on March 13 (5:00 pm-9:00 pm), general rehearsals on March 18 and 19 (4 - 8 p.m.), Tech Sunday on March 22 (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.), Tech Monday-Thursday, which is March 23-26 (4 - 8:30 p.m.), and the brush up rehearsal on April 2 (4 - 8:30 p.m.). That may seem like a lot, but it's no more time than our varsity athletes devote each week for their whole season.
- You MUST be available for all performances (call time on March 27 & 28 + April 3 & 4 is 5:30 p.m.; call time on March 29 is at 3 p.m.)
- You MUST attend the strike on April 5, from noon until 6 p.m.
- Missing rehearsal may result in your part being eliminated or rescored
- This is going to be the BEST you've ever sounded!
I'm thinking of doing tech crew. What do I need to do?
We'd love to have you! Mr. Hoover has entrusted Noah Virant (lead build) and Darby Smith (stage manager) to run this year's tech program. You will be in the best hands with these two leading the way. Noah, Darby, and Mr. Hoover can answer any specific questions, but here are some general notes:
- Build begins January 7. Since the set needs to be completed by March 8 – when it will be permanently installed on stage – we're going to need 9 hours a week of commitment from each builder until that point. These builds will be after school (and maybe some weekends).
- If you'd like to work part time on the set, you are most welcome to. However, it is encouraged that you attend as many build hours as possible so that you may join us at Lasertag in February
- March 8 is a mandatory load in day, from 10:00 am-6:00 pm.
- If you want to work run crew (and why wouldn't you? It's a blast!), you'll need to be at rehearsals on March 9-12 (3:15-7 p.m.), March 16-19 (3:15-8 p.m.), March 22 (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.), and March 23-26 (3:15-8:30 p.m.). You'll also need to be at all the performances (call time on March 27 & 28 + April 3 & 4 is 5:30 p.m.; call time on March 29 is at 3 p.m.), as well as strike on April 5 (noon-6 p.m.).
I want to be in the cast. What's rehearsal like?
We believe that rehearsals aren't just about repeating things until they are perfect – they're about discovering your character and developing that role into a realistic, human, and engrossing portrayal. As such, we take a lot of risks...and have a lot of fun while doing it.
- Like a sports team, we need everyone at rehearsal in order to perform at a level that is commensurate with our talent. While we know some conflicts are unavoidable, many obligations we all have can happen outside of rehearsal time. As a result, we are implementing an attendance system. From January 6 - March 5, cast members are allowed to have up to 12 hours for an excused absence. If members go beyond that limit, their roles may be recast. Once rehearsal begins on March 9, no missed rehearsals – except those due to illness – can occur during our scheduled times (with the very rare exception of once-in-a-lifetime events, such as a sibling's confirmation. These ultra rare exceptions will have to be approved by Mr. Hoover at the time of casting).
- Here's our schedule
- December 12: 4 - 7 p.m.
- Mondays-Thursdays, January 6 - March 12: 4 - 7:15 p.m. (no rehearsal on January 20 and February 17)
- March 16-20: 4 - 8 p.m.
- March 22: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- March 23-26: 3:15-8:30 p.m. (Guys get into costumes and mics at 3:15 p.m. - girls, you can do the same after you get here safely from school)
- March 27-28 (Opening Weekend): 5 p.m. - end of the performance
- March 29 (Opening Weekend): 3 p.m. - end of the performance
- April 2 (Brush-up rehearsal): 3:15-8:30 p.m.
- April 3-4 (Closing Weekend): 5 p.m. - end of performance
- April 5 (Mass + Mandatory Strike): 12 - 6 p.m.
- We work very hard, but we play very hard, too.
- Our goal is to put on the best show you've ever been in...get excited!
Do you have any other questions?
If so, we're happy to answer them for you! Reach out to Mr. Hoover at
dhoover@ignatius.edu – he'll get back to you as soon as possible.
We're excited that you want to join us. Break a leg!