On Saturday, November 21^st, Bishop Blanchet hosted its sixth annual ‘Raise the Curtain’ event, a fundraiser for drama program; this time, however, the event was a bittersweet experience.

The event started as it usually does with an opening number that showcases the array of talent our drama program and shamelessly panders for the assembly to open its wallets.  What followed were performances by BBHS students, alumni, and faculty, interspersed with the announcement of some rather prestigious awards.

Then came the money. With a crowd more than 150 parents, alumni, teachers and staff, guests had the opportunity to become Musical Patrons and secure premier tickets for the 2016 Spring Musical production.  All told, the event raised $52,075  by the end of the night.

The true story of the evening was the retirement of the person who, for the last fifteen years, had been the heart and soul of the drama program: Maureen “Mo” Mershon.  At the center of this was the establishment of the Mo Mershon Truth and Courage Enduring Drama Endowment.

Kenneth and Hope Wiljanen family, recognized with a “You’re the Top” award,  donated $25,000 to start the endowment, then the crowd was invited to ‘raise the paddle’ to try and match the Wiljanen’s donation.  $27,075 later, the Endowment was in full swing.

The money will be invested and added to each year until the school can build its own on campus theater.

The recipient of the Distinguished Drama Alumni Award was Matthew Romein  from the class of 2005.  Romain is currently working Off Broadway in New York City, infusing technology with performance arts.

The third recipient of a “You’re the Top” awards was Jeff Hardan, who donated and installed the wall of mirrors now located in the blackbox theater.

The evening was filled with heart-felt performances by Bishop Blanchet thespians, each knowing fully well that it was the last time they would perform for Mershon.

When the student performances were finished, Mershon gave her last performance after 15-1/2 years at BBHS with a song called “Home” with all the students that was very emotional.

The night was full of festivities but closed with what most people were looking forward to, the unveiling of the Spring Musical title. As announced, the 2016 Spring Musical production is Mary Poppins which will be performed at The Moore Theatre on May 20, 21, and 22.

Though the ‘Raise the Curtain’ event was for adults 21 years or older, there was the third annual ‘Behind the Curtain’ event hosted for the students. This event happened at the same time and was more student – based. Before the event began, students were offered pizza, soda, dessert, and games. When the event began, the ‘Raise the Curtain’ event was viewed via a live feed from the Marge Bradburn Theatre.