River Heights productions was formed by Elizabeth Burke & Heather E. Cunningham with an interesting goal in mind: to give life to the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories on stage. However it became clear that the dear old copyright issues surrounding Nancy and her friends would prevent that dream from becoming a reality for now.

So, brushing themselves off, they started a new quest with their NYC Debut in Casey Kutrri’s Catholic School Girls . RHP reinvented itself with a mission to bring “Retro” theatre to NYC audiences. The “Retro” being plays that exemplify how the values and milestones of a time period impact the way we live today. As the girls of RHP say “when the lessons of history are ignored, one is destined to repeat them...badly”.

Catholic School Girls invites you to join the growing pains of four girls attending Grade School in the 1960s. The entire play takes place inside the halls and classrooms of St. George’s Catholic School, Yonkers, NY where we are also introduced to the various Nuns (each actress also played a double role) adding to the girls’ journey. The play has great insight into the tumultuous and confusing times that were the 1960s told through the eyes of the young girls.

There’s Colleen, an outspoken troublemaker, played with a vibrant energy by Elizabeth Burke (River heights Co-Founder). Ms. Burke brings a smooth banter and likeability to a character that could easily turn bratty; She trades quick-witted charm used on the nuns for ruthless social ambition towards her on again off again nemesis/best friend Wanda Sluska (Blaine M Cook). Her portrayal of Sister Mary Lucille the battle axe of a nun who brings constant dismay to her students was funny, if not sometimes over the top. I worried for the health of the actresses’ voice each time she trumpeted a line.

Heather E. Cunningham (River height’s co-founder) was a knock out as the timid Irish misfit Maria Theresa Russo. Maria struggles with being one in a houseful of siblings, picked on by the nuns and her classmates and it all comes to a quiet and touching boiling point in a stirring monologue. Heather’s quiet performance is not easily forgotten. Sister Mary Germaine her Nun counterpart served her purpose as yet another nun to whom the girls placate and try to avoid, but Sister Germaine doesn’t hold a candle to Ms. Cunningham’s portrayal of Maria.

Blaine M Cook played Wanda Sluska, the accidental teachers pet, unfortunately Wanda was often upstaged by the more colorful characters surrounding her.

Ms. Cook’s was more noticeable as the feeble minded Sister Mary Agnes that was too sweet to rap on retirement’s door. This character had all sorts of delightful tics and psychical jokes that showed Ms. Cook’s natural talents.

Probably the most fascinating and true to life character is Elizabeth McHugh played by Kimberly Greene. Elizabeth’s character starts out as a sincerely devout Catholic, devouring all information on her beloved Jesus and lord. As she grows older she begins to question her faith and those around her which comes to a climactic clash with tragedy. Kimberly’s performance was tender and heartbreaking. Her poignant monologue as a 12 year old ending her relationship with god is easily the best moment of the play. Ms. Greene’s also played Sister Mary Thomasina.

The Set and Costumes both were simple and serviceable (Heather E. Cunningham). It would have been preferable to see the Girls change into habits when portraying their Nun counterparts, as some times it was distracting to see them all in the same schoolgirl garb.

While the play is wrought with clichés, it is also filled with insight, warmth and humor. Watching this play brought alive stories my mother had told me about attending Catholic School, and indeed how these experienced formed the generation that came before me. If this was RHP’s goal, they certainly obtained it.

Director Felicia B. Lipchik

Cast: Elizabeth Burke, Blaine M. Cook, Heather E. Cunningham, Kimberly Greene

Chashama, 217 East 42^nd Street, NYC

Production Closed March 11^th

For More information on River Heights Productions