"Fun is the Word" -- First Act in the news! 2018
"Michele Vicino just wants middle schoolers to have fun. Staging the one-hour Young Performer’s Edition of “Anything Goes,” the 1934 Cole Porter musical comedy offers the First Act director the opportunity to achieve that goal.
First Act, part of Levine Music’s Act Two musical theater educational program, is designed to teach fifth- through eighth-graders the basics of theater—including training in acting, voice and movement. Its home base is in the Education Wing of the Music Center at Strathmore."
Click here: Culture Spot MC to read the full article
By Ellyn Wexler
First Act, part of Levine Music’s Act Two musical theater educational program, is designed to teach fifth- through eighth-graders the basics of theater—including training in acting, voice and movement. Its home base is in the Education Wing of the Music Center at Strathmore."
Click here: Culture Spot MC to read the full article
By Ellyn Wexler
A new journey at Bishop McNamara High School, 2017
This school year, Michele accepted a brand new administrative position, Fine Arts Coordinator and FADE Advisor, at Bishop McNamara High School in Prince George's County. A thriving, flourishing Department, Bishop McNamara Fine Arts is well know for it's course offerings, stellar productions, unique programming and highly acclaimed faculty & staff.
To learn more about the Fine Arts at Bishop McNamara click HERE.
To learn more about the Fine Arts at Bishop McNamara click HERE.
Reviews are in! Legally Blonde: The Musical at Silhouette Stages is a hit, 2017
Michele was super excited to take on a dream role in Paulette. This production with Silhouette Stages was a highlight of the year and a production that will not soon be forgotten.
"Michele D. Vicino-Coleman adds humor as Paulette, a stylist at the salon Elle frequents. In “Ireland,” she tells Elle she has a thing for Irish guys and always thought she’d get married in Ireland at a wedding like Lord of the Rings. Later on, she keeps us laughing as she eyes the new UPS guy and proceeds to ‘bend and snap’ too quickly, breaking the guy’s nose. Vicino-Coleman has a natural sense of humor and a strong voice." |
"Also giving a delightful performance is Michele D. Vicino-Coleman as Paulette, a worldly-wise beauty salon owner whose teasing skills extend from the customers' hair to their personalities. Her big solo number, "Ireland," admittedly seems nearly extraneous to the main story, but this performer puts it across with such brassy assurance that it's the vocal highlight of the evening." |
"Running away with the show’s comedy flailing behind her in the Irish morning breeze, Michele D. Vicino-Coleman takes to Paulette like the fresh morning dew takes to the moors. Mastering her slightly Jersey-Brooklyn-muddled accent, Vicino-Coleman pays homage to the Paulettes who have come before her while making her a unique incarnation all her own. With powerful pipes, and fitting right into the belttress club happening among the cast, Vicino-Coleman blasts out “Ireland” and impresses the audience even further by softening her voice for the serendipitously sweet “Find My Way/Finale” combo that she shares with Elle and Vivienne. The chemistry she shares with Rob White, playing eye-candy Kyle, is hysterical and really amps up the romantic shenanigans featured in the show."
By: Amanda N. Gunther
Theatre Bloom
For the full article click here
She raises the roof with her hilarious "Bend and Snap" "There are some other excellent vocal performances in the show, none more so than Michele D. Vicino-Coleman as Paulette. Her rendition of Ireland and its soaring reprise are standout moments..." |
"Michele D. Vicino-Coleman plays a hilarious, down-to-earth, and street-wise Paulette, the local stylist who befriends Elle and supports her no matter what. Vicino-Coleman takes this role and gives it a fresh look and portrayal. She has a strong and beautiful belt and smashes her featured number “Ireland” not taking it too, too seriously and adding just enough comedy in to keep it funny, but still poignant. Her chemistry with the hunky Kyle (played brilliantly by a hunky Rob White) is fantastic and, importantly, she looks as though she’s having a blast playing this part which, in turn, makes for a fabulous performance." |
Children of Eden with Damascus Theatre Co. at Olney Theatre Historic Stage, November, 2016
Spark of Creation
The production has come to a close, but the reviews are in. Michele portrayed one of the Storyteller Soloists who narrated the story throughout the production. DCMetroTheatreArts had this to say, "The action is narrated by a group called the Storytellers and not only are they harmonious as a group, but they do themselves proud as soloists, as well." In addition to this role, Michele had the amazing opportunity to fill in for Cheryl J. Campo (Eve/Mama Noah) when she unfortunately lost her voice for the first Saturday production. With an hour notice, Michele got into costume, ran through Act I blocking, sang through most of her music, and dove into this demanding role with score/script in hand.
Photos by Elli Swink
Summer 2016 Highlights
The summer began with two Musical Theatre Production Jr. Camps with Imagination Stage. Michele directed two musicals and taught Creative Drama for students in grades 2-4; "The Snow Queen" and "The Nightingale". After these four weeks with IStage, Michele co-directed "Hamlet" for the Young Players (ages 12-14) of Camp Shakespeare with Shakespeare Theatre Company. To wrap up the summer, Michele was the Music Lead Teacher with Round House Theatre Education for their final week of Summer Destinations for students in grades K-3.
Michele Join's Highly Acclaimed Act Two at Levine, August, 2016
"Our middle school program (First Act, under the direction of Michele Vicino) will be staging LITTLE MERMAID JR. and FROG AND TOAD. First and foremost, I think selecting a season of shows that is responsive to interests of your artists is important; of course you want to find material they can relate to and enjoy, but more than that, selecting a season should be about finding new ways to integrate solid curriculum into concepts and materials that they will respond to and want to engage in. It is my personal belief - especially as our Pre-Professional candidates train - that we should keep in mind what we are trying to teach."
~ Kevin Kuchar, Musical Theatre Chair and Act Two Director.
~ Kevin Kuchar, Musical Theatre Chair and Act Two Director.
Baltimore's Charm City Fringe Festival, November 12-15, 2015
|
Michele joined the cast of The Wedding Party. After just short of a three week rehearsal process, and a speedy tech-in, the production was a hit! Michele's professional debut, The Wedding Party was rated "Audience Pick: Best Comedy" in the 2015 Capital Fringe Festival.
Written by: Megan Dominy and Mimsi Janis Directed by: Abigail Issac Fine Starring: Megan Dominy, Mimsi Janis, Brendan Edward Kennedy, Melissa Hmelnicky, and Michele Vicino |
|
Artist-in-Residence, Wells Cathedral, England, UK, August 7-19, 2015
The Acis Chamber Singers took on the role of choristers in Wells Cathedral for a week of Evensong and Sunday services. This experience pushed the singers beyond their comfort zones, exposing them to the world of Anglican Liturgy and Chamber Music. Below: a few photos from the week-long residency and our two formal concerts.
The CUA High School Drama Institute, Summer 2015
This newly established theatre intensive is quickly becoming a sought after program for rising 10-12th graders who wish to pursue serious theatre training. As a guest teacher, Michele led a Theatre Games Session, in which students could continue to hone in on their drama skills, building upon the acting, movement and voice work completed earlier in the week, while enjoying a fun ending to a rigorous day. The workshop was to end by 9:30pm. At 9:45pm, with the students fully engaged and having a blast, Dr. Rosalind Flynn had to usher the students out of the Callan Theater to make sure they got to their dorm rooms safely.
Below:
After and evening of theatre games focused on the acquisition of acting skills, improv, and collaboration, students of the CUA High School Drama Institute participated in an improv exercise called "The Dog is Dead". Throughout the exercise, Michele side-coaches each group, encouraging students to make strong, clear choices, that further the story. This final group enjoys developing the scene beyond the Given Circumstances, including side-stories, comedic characters, and expanding the plot.
After and evening of theatre games focused on the acquisition of acting skills, improv, and collaboration, students of the CUA High School Drama Institute participated in an improv exercise called "The Dog is Dead". Throughout the exercise, Michele side-coaches each group, encouraging students to make strong, clear choices, that further the story. This final group enjoys developing the scene beyond the Given Circumstances, including side-stories, comedic characters, and expanding the plot.
Imagination Stage, Director, Musical Production Jr., Summers 2012-2016
Below: Production Photos from The Cuckoo: A Mexican Folktale
Archbishop Carroll High School Theatre, Director, Producer, Designer
You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, March 20-22, 2015
"Musical Theatre returned to Carroll in March with the production of the Tony-award winning Broadway musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown”. The entire Fine Arts department worked extremely hard on the production; from a student-based pit orchestra conducted by Ms. Montchal, to Mr. Wallace's art students supporting the set construction.
Carroll’s Theatre Program is in its third year of revitalization, under the leadership of drama and choir instructor Michele Vicino. Ms. Vicino says, “Having prepared a foundation of drama classes during the school day, after school workshops, trips to see live theatre, partnerships with The Catholic University of America’s drama and music departments, we are now in a great position to put on this type of production. This was an important moment for the theatre program; it was the first Broadway musical the school has presented in decades.”
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is a revival of the 1967 classic, which is based off of the Peanuts comic strip featuring the lovably quirky characters Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, and Snoopy."
~ Article by Staci Gordon, ACHS Marketing & Communications Manager
"Musical Theatre returned to Carroll in March with the production of the Tony-award winning Broadway musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown”. The entire Fine Arts department worked extremely hard on the production; from a student-based pit orchestra conducted by Ms. Montchal, to Mr. Wallace's art students supporting the set construction.
Carroll’s Theatre Program is in its third year of revitalization, under the leadership of drama and choir instructor Michele Vicino. Ms. Vicino says, “Having prepared a foundation of drama classes during the school day, after school workshops, trips to see live theatre, partnerships with The Catholic University of America’s drama and music departments, we are now in a great position to put on this type of production. This was an important moment for the theatre program; it was the first Broadway musical the school has presented in decades.”
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is a revival of the 1967 classic, which is based off of the Peanuts comic strip featuring the lovably quirky characters Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, and Snoopy."
~ Article by Staci Gordon, ACHS Marketing & Communications Manager
The Washington Chorus as Carnegie Hall, February 21, 2015
As a member of the acclaimed Washington Chorus, Michele had the amazing opportunity to sing at legendary Carnegie Hall this past February with The Washington Chorus, The choirs of Trinity of Wall Street, Washington National Cathedral Boys & Girls Choir, and NOVUS NY, Conducted by Julian Wachner.
The Broadway Teachers Workshop, July 13-16, 2014
One of the leading professional development opportunities for drama teachers, this 4-day event provided sessions on the various areas of theatre from props design and construction to choreography and staging. In addition to the fabulous workshops by Broadway professionals, teachers are given the opportunity to network and collaborate.
Workshops & Master Classes attended:
Workshops & Master Classes attended:
- Creating projections for Theatre (Michael Clark)
- Sound Design - mixing a musical (Tony Meola)
- Set Design (Grady Barker)
- Choreography & Dance (Daisy Hobbs, Disney's Aladdin)
- Directing (Sheryl Kaller, Mothers and Sons)
- Oral Communication (Susan Blackwell)
- Creating Choreography for the large Musical Number (Josh Rhodes, Cinderella revival)
- Bringing Students into the Design Process (Rob Bissinger, Spiderman: Turn off the Dark)
- Running a Successful Audition, Audition Techniques for students (Mark Schneider)
- Props Challenge (Jenny Marino, properties and special effects designer)
- Stage Management (Ira Mont, Cinderella revival)
- Pathway to Broadway ( Jessica Keenan Wynn, Rory O'Malley, and Geoff Packard)
Broadway Student Workshop, January 2014
Michele was invited to chaperone the Gonzaga Dramatic Association's annual Broadway field trip. In addition to attending the off-broadway extension of Peter and the Starcatcher, the group participated in a song and dance workshop with ensemble members from the Tony Award Winning Musical, Pippin. The evening after the workshop, students were able to watch their new Broadway friends perform in the exciting hit musical revival.
Left: Michele with Bethany Moore (Broadway's Pippin),
GDA Choreographer & CUA MT graduate, Jay Garrick,
and Colin Cunliffe (Broadway's Pippin).
Michele was invited to chaperone the Gonzaga Dramatic Association's annual Broadway field trip. In addition to attending the off-broadway extension of Peter and the Starcatcher, the group participated in a song and dance workshop with ensemble members from the Tony Award Winning Musical, Pippin. The evening after the workshop, students were able to watch their new Broadway friends perform in the exciting hit musical revival.
Left: Michele with Bethany Moore (Broadway's Pippin),
GDA Choreographer & CUA MT graduate, Jay Garrick,
and Colin Cunliffe (Broadway's Pippin).
Archbishop Carroll High School Theatre, Director, Producer, Designer
Rented Christmas The Musical, December 6 and 7, 2013
"John Dale, a middle-aged bachelor and prominent businessman, has a challenging job for Anne Weston, proprietor of the local rent shop. He wants to rent a Christmas, not just with a tree and Christmas carols, but complete with a wife, a family and all of the happiness for which he has been secretly longing. Anne believes she has creatively solved the problem of a Christmas family by calling the actors guild, but when the young actors come down with the measles, her last hope is to turn to the local orphanage. Still, the guild can’t locate a mother for the part, so Anne steps in at the last minute to play the role herself. A ’rented’ Christmas soon turns into a new life for all concerned, which makes this a very warm and special holiday treat. Beautiful medleys of popular Christmas carols along with delightful original music are the perfect accompaniment to convey the sentiment of the season."
Produced in associate with Pioneer Drama Services
"John Dale, a middle-aged bachelor and prominent businessman, has a challenging job for Anne Weston, proprietor of the local rent shop. He wants to rent a Christmas, not just with a tree and Christmas carols, but complete with a wife, a family and all of the happiness for which he has been secretly longing. Anne believes she has creatively solved the problem of a Christmas family by calling the actors guild, but when the young actors come down with the measles, her last hope is to turn to the local orphanage. Still, the guild can’t locate a mother for the part, so Anne steps in at the last minute to play the role herself. A ’rented’ Christmas soon turns into a new life for all concerned, which makes this a very warm and special holiday treat. Beautiful medleys of popular Christmas carols along with delightful original music are the perfect accompaniment to convey the sentiment of the season."
Produced in associate with Pioneer Drama Services
Above: Catholic News Service video article addressing loneliness during the holiday season
highlights ACHS student actor and Michele Vicino, director
highlights ACHS student actor and Michele Vicino, director
Content Copyright © Michele D. Vicino, Inc 2022
