This school year marks the 50th anniversary of the Central High School District’s On Tour Company Drama program, housed Calhoun High School.
One of Bellmore-Merrick’s oldest co-curricular programs, the On Tour Company was founded in 1973 by James Drake and Dr. Dale Parkinson.Subsequent instructors included Dianne Meistrell and John Fredrickson among several others.
The program, currently under the direction of Sal Salerno, has been performing since September 1985.
“It is now considered one of the finest school drama programs on Long Island and in New York State,” Salerno said.
Under faculty direction and the student supervision of the International Thespian Society, the company produces over 10 performances a year.These include four major productions: one Shakespeare, one musical, one contemporary play and another which may be chosen from a variety of theatrical styles.
“My goal has always been to raise the bar to include college level activities, experiences and instruction,” Salerno noted of his teaching style.
Also produced are several evenings of improv or comedy showcases, senior directed one-act plays, touring/competitive scenes, dinner theater style entertainments and a pancake breakfast.
“There really is nothing like the On Tour Company,” said Cheryl Fontana, the district’s director of the fine & performing arts. “As an On Tour alumni myself, I know firsthand the invaluable experiences, training and memories students in this program walk away with!”
Notable Performances
During the past 50 years, the program has seen very successful productions. During the bicentennial, On Tour’s production of “1776” was performed in Boston for the National Council of Teachers of English conference and then again for the New York State Senate in Kingston.
After its run at Calhoun, the Company took their production of “Something’s Afoot” to SUNY Brockport. Its acclaimed production of “Oliver” was one of many that incorporated elementary students in the cast from the four component elementary districts.
“This represented the first time that the five districts worked together to present such an entertainment to the community,” added Salerno.
The program has attended many International Thespian conferences in Queens, North Adams, Massachusetts and Hartford, Connecticut as well as hosting twice at Calhoun. The Company has also performed at the New York State Theatre Education Association conferences several times.
OTC successfully began performing Shakespeare by 1989 and musicals began to hit their stride in 1993 with “Pippin.”
As for musicals, OTC has succeeded with some of Stephen Sondheim’s most challenging works, performing “Follies” and “Sweeney Todd” – neither of which are considered typical school choices.
Among Salerno’s favorites are this year’s production of “Bright Star,” last year's “Gypsy,” as well as “Mary Poppins,” “Evita” and “Candide.” “ ‘Les Misérables’ succeeded on so many levels including selling out,” he recalled. “But of all my shows, my all-time favorite was ‘Scapino.’ It was an amazing wild crowd-pleasing comedy that I directed three times.”
Accolades and Achievements
The On Tour Company has been performing at least one Shakespeare production every year since 1985.
“They have won multiple awards for Best Ensemble scene and actor, actress and designers at the Hofstra Shakespeare Festival for 33 of 37 years from 1987 through 2023 save four years, two for snow and two for the pandemic,” explained Salerno.
OTC was also named best High School Theatre Program by Stage “Directions Magazine” and was featured in a “Seventeen Magazine” article in 1996.
Recently, working several times with Royalty company, Theatrical Rights Worldwide, OTC developed a workshop production of Monty Python’s “Edukational Show” prior to its release for schools as well as revamping “We Will Rock You: The Queen Musical” for them including providing director’s notes for future productions.
Alumni Hall of Fame
Many alumni have gone on to Broadway, film and television, including Debbie Gibson, Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Kevin Shinick of MAD TV, “Spiderman” on Disney XD and several books for Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars” series, writer/producer Adria Lang of “Sons of Anarchy,” “Fantasy Island” and more, Disney Animator Vincent Siracusano who designed the Tiger and guards for “Aladdin,” the hyenas for “The Lion King” and more.
Others include editors Bari Winter and Mike Weissman, television actors Janet Song and Jonas Cohen, Broadway leads Jeff Withers of “History Boys” and more, Jared Zirilli of “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,”Dan Maldonado who is currently appearing in “& Juliet,” Broadway stage manager Jeff Brancato and technician Max Reed, authors of young adult novels and plays Stacy Davidowitz and Elissa Weissman, as well as playwrights, Jessica Provenz and Brenda Withers. Many others have or are currently successfully working as television news producers, comic book illustrators, magazine and website authors, public relations directors, and theatre educators as well as many successful doctors, lawyers, rabbis, teachers and businesspeople.
It was recently announced that Salerno will retire at the end of the school year, however, he will remain on staff in a consulting position to ensure a smooth transition of leadership within OTC.
“We wish nothing but the best for Mr. Salerno as he begins this next chapter,” said Fontana. “The number of lives he has touched and impacted is immeasurable. On behalf of the District, we are truly grateful for his years of dedication to the On Tour program.”
Date Added: 6/12/2024