The Saint Philomena Apostolate
Tutoring an Academic Program that is:
- Authentically Catholic
- Academically Excellent
- Fully Accredited ~ U.S. Bd. of Ed.
- Diocesan Endorsed ~ Diocese of Arlington VA.
- Financially Affordable
2 day/week - K-12 - Cooperative Program
with a limited drop off option
The Saint Philomena Thespians - theatre troupe
June ~ 2019
Thespians revisited the timely theme of the ordered relationship between men and women again this year - this time through the eyes of the man. This poignant message was delivered in the fun Lerner and Loewe classic that has charmed audiences for generations.
"It was great to see your interesting take on My Fair Lady take shape. Well done!"
"These shows just get better and better."
"The harmonies and choral work were amazing! Look out Broadway!"
"the professional quality of the performances make it hard to believe this is school aged theatre"
"I cried at the end...it was so touching in a very deep way..."
"I don't remember being so moved by the finale of a musical ever! You really struck a note of truth for men and women to hear"
June - 2018
The SPA Thespians viewed the "battle of the sexes" that has been waged since the fall of man...through the lens of Ephesians 5:22-33 ~ in this classic tale told within the lush production and music that are Rogers and Hammerstein's The King and I
Audience Remarks:
"Anna and the King were so believable together. I laughed and I cried - sometimes at the same time watching them together - professional performances all around."
"How do these kids get to be so amazing!! You don't see this level of performance in school plays"
"I thought Anna sounded like Julie Andrews - couldn't believe she's in 8th grade!"
"I cried all the way through - Loved "shall we dance" - they nailed it!"
"A tough message in our times - done so well!"
"The little children were stupendous, they stole the show!"
"costuming and sets absolutely amazing"
"A tremendous accomplishment - can't wait for next year!"
June - 2017
What do you do if
the world becomes hostile to you
because of your faith?
They say a zebra doesn’t change its stripes… and so too The Fiddler, whose purpose is to “scratch out a pleasant tune”, even if he finds himself on a slanted and treacherous roof.
Like his friend The Fiddler, Tevye, an uneducated peasant, humorously faces and wisely traverses the ‘slanted and treacherous’ uncertainties of life. With an earthy humor and trust in Divine Providence that is uplifting and inspiring, Tevye faithfully discerns when to bend and when to steadfastly hold to his Faith despite persecution and division – even within his own family!
In a world where religious freedom is, at best, threatened and at worst, denied. Where direct persecution for Faith is becoming all too common, where clandestine attacks on the soul masquerading as good abound and where "keeping the faith" can make life as shaky as that of a “Fiddler on the Roof ; It is our hope that this work will lead us all to welcome that ‘Fiddler’ in our own Faith, through which we may “keep our balance” in these uncertain, confusing, and spiritually treacherous times – to remain steadfast in Faith – whatever the cost.
Mostly, at its core, Fiddler teaches that life, itself, is a celebration! With all its joys, sorrows and ‘slanted treacherous’ uncertainties, it is and always will be a beautiful gift of the Creator - to whom we present all its fruits.
L'Chaim!!!
June ~ 2016
"For no greater love hath any man
than to lay down his life for a friend"
John 5:13
What the audience had to say:
"This was the best one yet!"
"The singing and dancing was amazing!"
"They were like professional actors on that stage. They portrayed so many complex emotions so well"
"I laughed, I cried, then I laughed and cried together!"
"The set was a tremendous feat! - Well done!"
"What a production, what a message, what an evening"
June ~ 2015
"The Best Musical of the Twentieth Century"
Time Magazine
Audience Comments:
"There was not a dry eye in the house!!"
"What an uplifting evening. I had never heard of Carousel but it is an amazing story. Sacrifice, love, redemption, WOW"
"The pastor's homily at the vigil Mass tonight was the recitation of the lyrics for 'You'll Never Walk Alone' ~ uncanny!"
"Such professional singing and dancing. And what great acting. I cried and cried at the end."
"That ballet could have been on Broadway or Lincoln Center. I've studied dance for years and that was absolutely Amazing!"
"Thespians has done it again"
Performed entirely by students
a musical by ALAIN BOUBLIL and CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHONBERG
School Edition specially adapted and licensed by
MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL and CAMERON MACINTOSH
~~Audience comments~~
"In all my years of theater, I don't think I'd ever seen a show as perfectly cast as tonight. I probably have never heard singing on such an incredible level, with the most beautiful tones and professional vibrattos, in a high school (and below) production.... It was more than a show tonight....... it was a prayer, a sacrifice, and a gift"
June ~ 2013
"Screwtape"
An adaptation of C.S. Lewis'
classic satire
The Saint Philomena Thespian's production of "Screwtape" was met with enthusiastic support and extremely positive critiques.
Many suggested that the show be taken on the road or that the run be extended.
It was described as an extremely professional production; well staged and beautifully acted with outstanding technical support and effects.
Coming June ~ 2019