As flowers sprout, roses are picked, and red curtains are lowered for a final time, the senior class departs from the stage after years of talented acting, dancing, singing, and tech. Truly, all the performances at Montrose this year would not have been special if it were not for the constant joy and love of the seniors who graced the stage, behind and on, and whose jokes and compliments extended to every student performer, and have left all of us with a shoes of greatness and talent to fill.
Sorina Yeghian ’26 leaves Montrose production with only one regret: “not joining theater productions until sophomore and junior year.” However, regardless of “just” three years in productions, Sorina has established an astounding presence of love within every rehearsal and show, not just going out of her way to connect with those from other grades, but also, even after a long school day, putting all of her energy into her astounding voice and acting. Sorina ensured throughout her time at Montrose, not just to connect with other actors, but to respond with gratitude and love to those on tech crew and the directors, as well as all of those—often unseen—who make Montrose productions possible. It is surely not hygge, to see Sorina take her final bow from Montrose, but we all look forward to seeing how she will further grace the stage of college, as well as her final production role of director in the One Act Play!
“You are so kind and you give the best advice! You are so talented and I had such a good time doing shows with you! I’ll miss you so much!” –Annie Leader ‘29
“Sorina, You have always made the cast laugh, even when we’re all sleep–deprived in tech week. I’m going to miss acting with you, whether it’s on the stage or off the stage when we’re still pretending to be our characters. I’ll be looking for you in the audience in the years to come.” –Mimi Naylor ‘29
María Silverya Dodds ‘26 may have first made her appearance in Montrose theater as the beast in her eighth grade performance of Beauty in the Beast, but all Maria has been in every hour of acting and singing is a loving, big sister. An actor cannot escape Montrose production with María without receiving a sincere, soul-gratifying compliment and a comforting joke from her. María not only loves the family which forms from productions, but is in fact the heart of laughter and love, maintaining joy throughout even the most challenging nights or rehearsals. During preparation for María’s second to last performance of Frozen, she exerted great patience during tireless reruns of her quick change, encouraging excitement when exhaustion dampened hope, and even, in her moment of glory, prioritized gratitude to those on tech and staff who made everything possible. It will be hard to imagine a Montrose performance without hearing María’s laughter or scintillating voice, and we all look forward to watching María grace us with her final role as Detective Christie in the One Act Play!
“MARÍA! Your energy and love for musicals has really inspired me and I hope that you keep your love for singing when you leave. LOVE YOU!!” –Caterina Franchi ‘30
“María and your constantly loving attitude even in times of exhaustion have truly brought such joy and life into Montrose productions. I will always miss hearing you sing, praising you in Latin, and I hope that you have bonem temporem at college! Thank you for being like a great, older sister!” –Regina Maricich ‘29
“María! I loved doing the Sound of Music with you when I was in sixth grade! You made me feel so welcomed during my first musical ever! I had so much fun and I have always looked up to you and your amazing artistic abilities. I also loved doing coffee house with you! I’ll miss you and your presence on and off the stage next year!”–Elizabeth Barrette ‘29
“María, thank you so much for making Anastasia and Frozen so much fun! It has truly been an amazing experience. You are such a talented actress, and I will miss you so much! Good luck in college!” –Mia Moeller ‘29
Lucy Elliffe ‘26 leaves Montrose productions and actors with very large shoes to fill. Not only has she performed in numerous lead roles, such as Anastasia, Meg, and Anna, but Lucy has also stepped into the role of director for the One Act Play. But Lucy has not just left a mark on Montrose production just because of her radiant voice, compelling acting, and amazing dancing, but also because to so many people, she has been a wonderful big sister! Lucy has opened herself and her heart to all, going out of her way to connect with actors of all grades, as well as encouraging others to uplift and support others in their theatrical through her own personal example! Whenever someone has a moment to shine on stage, Lucy is one of the first people to run up and congratulate them, making jokes and forming a bond of friendship that is truly genuine. While Lucy, and her incredible humor, may be painfully leaving Montrose, she is leaving behind a spark and energy to theatre within all actresses and those on tech, rekindling a love for performances that will hopefully be carried on for years and years. It is impossible to think that Lucy is leaving, but we wish her the best of luck as she goes to college to become a nurse!
“Lucy, I loved getting to act with you these past two years! It was so much fun! You made the musicals so much fun for me! Thank you for everything! Good luck in college and beyond! You will be greatly missed!” –Mia Moeller ‘29
“Dear Lucy, you are my biggest inspiration. I hope one day I can be just like you! You are the closest thing I have to a real big sister. I will miss you always!” –Vanessa Trujillo ‘30
”Lucy, your jokes and the humor you bring to rehearsals and tech has always made theatre so special. You and your constant love and encouragement has really helped me and others truly use their gifts to bring joy and theatre to others, and I will always miss singing in treblemakers with you! Thank you for being such an amazing, sister-like friend!!” –Regina Maricich ‘29
Maria Elena ‘26 leaves Montrose theater, not only as a great actor, but as an amazing and essential part of the tech crew. From being Aunt Carroll, to being Props Manager, and even Assistant Director of Little Women, Maria Elena has excitedly tackled every role Montrose productions have to offer. She persevered with each role’s responsibilities, all the while ensuring to be there for those rushing to grab a prop, crashing out for forgetting yet another monologue, and giving light-hearted, encouraging laughs behind stage at minor mishaps throughout shows. Maria Elena not only helped run shows with diligence, but always with a passionate desire to do good, especially to those around her. Her patience and love will be dearly missed as she heads off to college, and we give endless thanks for your roles that have made productions run smoothly and with endless joy!
“You are so funny, kind and amazing to be around. I loved having you as my other Aunt Carroll and it was so fun to rehearse with you and talk about our costume that we shared despite our big height difference. You have made such an impact on Montrose and I had a great time with you in the shows and you being TA in my Spanish class. I’ll miss you so much!”–Annie Leader ‘29
“HEEY! You did so amazing in steel Magnolias! I loved to see you act thanks for being an amazing sis” –Caterina Franchi ‘30
“Maria, thank you so much for being an awesome assistant director for Little Women! Being directed by you and getting to share jokes really made the play so special. You have such great kindness and I hope that you have the best time at college!” –Regina Maricich ‘29
If anyone has ever participated in a Montrose performance, one knows that it is impossible to rush to move a set piece, or do a quick change, without seeing a bustling, softly grinning Allie Knight ‘26. Allie Knight has been the soul of tech crew, especially behind stage as she directs in moments of chaos, thousands of different set-pieces, all the while giving kindness and endless encouragement to those around her. Even when talking or listening feels impossible, Allie is always there to hear and chatter, celebrating victories with her soft, comforting voice. Furthermore, none of the magic could have been achieved on stage for all to see if it were not for Allie’s amazing art skills. Without her, Montrose performances truly could not have come to life, and we will all miss Allie as she heads off to college!
“Allie, thank you so much for being such an incredible part of the crew. Your art skills make our production quality so much better and bring the stories we tell to life. I’m gonna miss my big sister backstage, but I’ll always be looking for you in the audience.” –Mimi Naylor ‘29
“Allie – You were always so nice to me and taught me a lot of things about set building and design! I’m gonna miss you!” –Sophie Donovan ‘29
The choreography nor the acting in Montrose productions will never be the same as we say farewell to Keira Hyatt ‘26. From her incredible, agile ballet during Anastasia, to being Jo in Little Women, and so many other amazing roles since her first performance as Silly Girl 3 in eighth grade, Keira has made such an important presence in Montrose theatre! Keira’s open humor, composure amidst all technical and actor issues, and her open heart, has truly allowed her to form bonds and laugh with others, forming theatre into an even deeper family. When asked about her favorite aspect of being in productions, Keira said, “I think something about the Montrose performances that I’ve loved is how close everyone gets throughout each show. It makes it feel like the cast is a family no matter what grade you’re in! I’ve made so many new friends in different grades over the years doing shows and we all have a special bond because of it.” We will all miss you Keira and your amazing skill of theatre as you head off to college!
“Keira, you have such a great talent for acting, dancing and singing, and I have always loved watching you perform on stage. You are such an incredible actor to perform alongside with and have an amazing time at college!” –Regina Maricich ‘29
If you have ever been in a Montrose production, you most certainly have seen, or heard, Shaylagh Donovan ‘26, gracing the stage with her soft, benevolent spirit, as well as her amazing, jaw dropping voice. Certainly, it seems that for every Montrose performance, Shaylagh is a the glue which brings the beauty of musicals and plays alike together, from her eye-watering solo of “How Can I Desert You” during Anastasia, to her fitting role as kind Hannah in Little Women, to King Agnarr in Frozen. From musical rehearsals to acting, Shaylagh always arrives, putting in her best, and is a constant source of encouragement for others to push and give their all for Montrose theatre. Furthermore, whenever laughs arise from moments of rest or leisure, one could look back and certainly see Shaylagh and others, sharing jokes and small bits of kindness which truly brighten rehearsal on the even darkest, most exhausting days. We will all miss you Shaylagh!
If someone were to dissect what made Montrose performances so magical, they could find not only the root in all the amazing acting, choreography, and singing, but also, and just as importantly, all the technological efforts that truly bring the script to life! So many wonderful tech girls have contributed to Montrose theatre, but especially Mary Lombardo ‘26, who with her amazing skill at mics and sound has truly allowed for everyone’s voices to shine! Mary sets key examples to all those around her with her constant diligence, and persevering selflessness. Even when, as being on the mezzanine, brings Mary no direct glory as it does to actors, Mary always puts great effort toward and sacrifices for the best quality for Montrose productions, while encouraging countless other girls to do the same. However, in even the most stressful moments, Mary also always seems to carry a sense of calm and focus, and with her amiable personality helps everyone—actors and tech alike—to feel at ease. Thank you so much for bringing voices and scripts to life Mary, and we will all miss you!
While actors bring scenery to life, the stories in Montrose productions would not be the same if it were not for Kendra Baker ‘26 as the stage manager! Throughout all of tech week and before, Kendra has placed hours and hours of directing pieces of work across stage, reminding people of their lines, and focusing on every single, seemingly small detail, in order to truly bring the show to life! However, in the midst of this hard, demanding responsibility, one always sees Kendra with a positive, calm attitude, who never complains and acts a constant role model of diligence and compromise to all.
Annie Maalouf ‘26 excelled as well in her assistant director and tech, bringing the show into its performable state, all while doing it with a constant attitude of humor and kind constructive criticism. Whether it was “whipping” the actors into line, winning first place in dress to impress during tech breaks, or helping to read lines and help direct, Annie is known and loved for the fun presence she has brought to Montrose productions, reminding girls the responsibility of diligence, while also enjoying the show in the process!
Natalia McLaughlin ‘26 has helped bring shows, especially those such as Frozen to life with her amazing contribution to the projections for theatre. While it may seem like an easy job, Nataliae has contributed hard work and precision in order to incorporate a higher form of tech into productions. Thank you so much Natalia!
Lena O’Leary’26 has helped sort through the chaos of bringing in and on tech pieces through her princess contribution to Montrose productions as an ASM, and fulfilling other countless roles as tech. Even in the height of stressful college applications and capstone, Lena never fails to give all her attention and diligence to the task required at hand, preserving through countless, brutal reruns with patience, and an amiable spirit to all the on stage tech who worked beside her. Thank you Lena!
Sophie Teachout ‘26 has graced Montrose tech in her amazing roles as stage manager, spotlights, and sound. The magic would not have been possible without the hard work and tenacity, as well as the kind humor of Sophie. We will miss you as you head off to college!
Montrose theatre will never be the same as we say goodbye to the amazing class of 2026, who take away to college not only their incredible talent, but also the amazing capacity of love, humor, and virtue that everyone has demonstrated in their own unique way. Everyone will miss you all so much and we all hope that while your curtain closes for your time at Montrose, another one just as, if not more, beautiful opens wherever you go now! Thank you seniors!
Senior Tributes:
“They are all really kind and helpful.”–Anyonomous
“All of the seniors make theater magic, and possess a peaceful presence that fills everyone with great courage.”–Anyonomous
“I love how supportive and kind all the seniors are to everyone in the shows. Whether it’s a sixth grader or a junior, the seniors never fail to include everyone and make each student feel appreciated and loved. Thank you, seniors, for making the musical theater community so much more welcoming. We will miss you so much!!” –Anyonomous
“Dear Seniors, You guys have lit not only the halls for us but the stage too. The hard work and effort you guys have put in is truly outstanding!!! We thank you so much for everything you guys have done!!! You guys ARE stars and will light the halls of your new colleges with so much love, effort, and resilience! We are so proud of you! Go enjoy the next stage of your life!!!! Love you guys!!!” –Maggie Feeney ‘30
“Thank you for being so amazing behind the scenes or on the stage- these shows wouldn’t have been as amazing without you.” –Francesca Feeney ‘31
“Dear seniors, thank you for setting such a good example to follow!” –Anonymous
By: Regina Maricich ‘29, Classics Editor
29rmaricich@montroseschool.org
