LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Saint Mary's offers spring musical film on-demand

When a group of young strangers join a new online meeting space during a once-in-a-lifetime mystical event and a-once-in-a-century pandemic, will they find the connection they seek, and will they unravel the mysteries of love, life and adulting before the stars appear to collide? With a soaring score and intimate stories, "gather `round" - presented by the Saint Mary's Performing Arts Department and written and composed by guest artist Karen Ann Daniels (American Theatre Magazine's "People To Watch," April 2020), in collaboration with the student company - is a musical film for this most singular of times.

"The Saint Mary's community - through this short film - reminds us that we can dance, cry, laugh, sing and hold our fellow travelers close, no matter the distance," said Artistic Director Maog.

The ensemble includes Sejal Bahl, Ryanne Biernat, Hannah Chylinski, Trent Cox, Emily England, Collin Fisher (Sev), Naomi Kalter, Alex Mendiola, Zoe Prior, Raelaine San Buenaventura (Rae Lane), Sarah Shaughnessy, Will Thompson, and Gabriella Thomas. Instrumentalists include Eden Llodra, cello; Melanie Moyer, violin; Sarah Mameesh, flute; James Vaughan, saxophone; and Ryan Ford, guitar, Benjamin Harte, trombone. Crew members include Sophia Courtemarche (Stage Manager), Brenna Bortner, Rylee Cagle, Skyelar Clouse, Maya Dahlbacka, Audrey Edmondo, Nadine Mhedbi, and Torren Valera.

Performances will be available on demand through Sunday, May 23. There will also be a "gather `round" Talkback/Q&A at 5 p.m. Friday, May 14, which will feature members of the cast, crew and creative team to answer questions about the production.

E-tickets: $8 SMC students; $12 SMC faculty and staff, non-SMC students; $15 general. Purchase online www.stmarys-ca.edu/gatherround

For more information, call (925) 631-4670.