Rosalinda (Annie Foxen) in disguise at the ball The fifth graders of Stewart School recently performed the operetta "Die Fledermaus" (The Bat) by Johann Strauss, Jr. Produced by the members of the Petiton/Dolan class and directed by music teacher Kelly Grace, this year's production was an outstanding success. The entire fifth grade is responsible for the success of "Die Fledermaus": Not only did students act as members of the chorus, they helped design and paint the scenery, make life-size drawings of each character for display in the auditorium, serve as stage crew and ushers, design posters and programs covers, and assist in videotaping the performance.

This team effort extended behind the scenes as well. Mrs. Grace was aided by retired teachers Gerard DeFina, stage direction, and Frank DeMonaco, musical consultant and accompaniment. Both men have years of experience in directing operas at Stewart. Mrs. Grace, Mr. DeFina and Mr. DeMonaco are supported by many other teachers, including Victor Lee, Judith Conforti, Jim McAleese, Michele White, Alison Blanc, and all the fifth grade teachers.

Performing operas at Stewart is a grand tradition that's 68 years old. Thanks to a grant from the PTA, the school is able to take the entire fifth grade annually to see an opera at the Metropolitan Opera. This school year the children saw "Die Fledermaus" on December 15. Congratulations to all the Stewart fifth graders and their teachers on another exceptional production.

Frank (David McDonald) and Rosalinda (Annie Foxen)

Meeting the prince at the ball Mabel, Sally, Ida and Adele at the ball Inmates at the jail The Petiton/Dolan class was responsible for acting in and producing "Die Fledermaus" Rosalinda (Mimi Johnson) listens as Alfred (Jake Menges) declares his love (Cast 2) Marielle McCartin as Adele (Cast 1) Stephen Soviero (Frosch) leads the inmates in a little exercise Ivan (Brian Pratt), Frosch, and Frank (Bobby Cote) (Cast 2) Two ladies waiting for the ball Morgan Taylor played Prince Orlofsky Alfred (Michael Hellman) professes his love to Rosalinda (Cast 1) Sharing the role of Adele: Marielle McCartin and Meghan Raphael Sharing the role of Rosalinda: Annie Foxen and Mimi Johnson David McDonald (Frank) and Jesse Cullen (Delivery Man) Patrick Keogh (Dr. Falke), Bobby Cote (Frank), Jake Menges (Alfred) and Stephen Soviero (Frosch) Alfred (Michael Hellman) and the ladies The two Mr. Blands: James Vail and Keith Christ Ms. Eisenberg, Mr. DeFina and Mrs. Petiton provided invaluable guidance Mrs. Grace, Mr. DeMonaco and Mr. DeFina were responsible for musical direction Sharing the role of Ida: Caitlin Mallon and Kelsi Berkowitz Gentlemen awaiting the ball Four inmates waiting to serve time The two Franks: David McDonald and Bobby Cote Four ballerinas awaiting their stage debut Two ladies at the ball The two Gabriels: Chris Gozun and Brian Pratt Three lovely ballerinas