Cap 'n' Dagger Club Wows Audiences With 'Unsinkable Molly Brown'

The Vineland High School Cap ‘n’ Dagger Club wowed capacity crowds at each of three performances of the musical comedy, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”, March 15, 16 & 17 at the VHS South Auditorium.

A cast of more than 30 students under the direction of Joseph Marcello impressed the audience with their singing and dancing, flawless delivery of dialogue, and enthusiasm.

The show featured elaborate sets worthy of the Broadway stage and historically accurate costumes.

In the two-act show, Molly Brown, a backwoods girl, goes from rags to riches in a mostly lighthearted performance based on a true story. An orphan raised in the Colorado wilderness, Molly Brown becomes a millionairess when her husband strikes it rich during the silver boom of the 1880s. After rising to the heights of Denver society and nearly going down with the Titanic, Molly emerges as a true heroine, singing and dancing all the way.

Gina Crescenzo as Molly Brown and Matt Giacomelli as her husband Johnny shared the spotlight with able support from the other cast members, including: Matt Duffy as Christmas Morgan; Zach Sminkey as Shamus Tobin; Lana Scapellati as Mrs. McGlone; Chad Justis as Monsignor Ryan; Will Baez as Prince DeLong; Katina Doulis as Princess DeLong; Ryan Gavigan as Roberts; Brandon Tomasso as Michael Tobin; PJ Connelly as Patrick Tobin; Gary Guadalupe as Aloysius Tobin; Evan Flood as Malcomb Broderick; Ali Furman as Germain; and Heather Smaniotto as Mrs. Wadlington. The International Royalty Group included: Carla Catrambone, Victoria Dzruziako, Laura Mortorana, and Brittany DeWoody; Dancers were Brittany DeWoody, Samantha Braidi, Gabriella Shepard, Tiara Denelsbeck, Dee’ Anna Denelsbeck, Kristina Gannotta, Melanie Shapiro, Dara Snow, and Candice Brown. In the chorus were Colleen Shropshire, James Holland, Matt Madelena, Maria Vastano, and Rachel Feltman.

Following the March 16 performance, Braidi and Gavigan were the surprise recipients of the Jodi Paterno Memorial Award. The plaque is given annually to honor Paterno, a 4-year Cap ‘n’ Dagger performer and VHS Honors graduate who died in an automobile accident in 2001. The award was presented by Jodi’s parents, Cindy and Robert.

A gallery of photographs of one performance and the Paterno award presentation is available for convenient viewing and download.