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Applauding Women in Performing Arts

Applauding Women in Performing Arts
2010 - 2011 School Year

Spotlight on Alumnae

Bravo to these Mercy women in PERFORMING ARTS! Are you acting, directing, singing, or teaching on stage or screen? Involved in special effects, makeup, costuming, or set construction? We want to hear your story. Contact alumnaeoffice@mhsmi.org.

 

Mercy Music Director Mrs. Amy Malaney was thrilled to perform last summer with her daughter, Mercy alumna Mary Malaney '08, in the musical version of "Little Women" at the Lake Superior Theatre in Marquette, MI.

Real life mother and daughter played onstage mother and daughter Marmee and Jo March. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, and I was so proud of how professionally Mary approached her work,” says Mrs. Malaney. Mary is a musical theatre major at Ithaca College in NY and was proud to perform with her mother, “After all the years of hearing about my mom’s stage career, it was wonderful not only to see her perform, but also to share the stage with her.”

Mrs. Malaney’s other Mercy alumna daughter, Patty Malaney '09, is studying acting at the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburgh.
   
 
Ellen Marie Peck, Ph.D. '91
 
• Assistant Professor, Drama, Jacksonville State University

• Ph.D. and M.A. in Theatre, University of Illinois

• Academic specializations: Americal Musical Theatre; Dramaturgy; Theatre History; Dramatic Literature; Stage Management

“Being in the Mercy drama department was a huge part of my life. I had always loved theatre and performing and Mercy gave me the opportunity to be involved in theatre in many different ways. I was fortunate to come back to Mercy in 2002 to help with the musical production of “Peter Pan.” I saw how hardworking, confident, and dynamic the students were and was proud and impressed to see their passion and maturity.”
   
Erin Nicole Brolley '04

• Stars in the movie “Vanishing on 7th St.” which will be released in early 2011. Plays the role of

Paige Taylor and is featured alongside Hayden Christensen, Thandie Newton, and John Leguizamo

• ABC News WXYZ in Detroit Morning Traffic Reporter and show host for

“The Ultimate Wedding Planning Show,” “Kitchen Home Makeover Show,”

and weekly segments of “Dining Deals”

• Performed national anthem for the Detroit Pistons, Tigers and Red Wings

• Hosted a charity event in L.A. with ABC soap opera stars to raise money for children with cancer

• Competed in the local "Dancing with the Stars" Charity Event to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity

“Mercy High School helped shape me into the person I am today. The best memories I have revolve around my time being a part of the Mercy plays and musicals. The Sills have such a love for their profession. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without Mercy."
   

Lisa Ludwinski '02

• Launched her own food show, "The Funny Side Up" on the Hungry Nation Network TV for the internet. Funny Side Up is part comedy and humor, part how-to recipe cooking show. Using celebrities and other notable figures from history as inspiration, Lisa creates a new dish each week tailored for that week's guest. View her episodes at thefunnysideup.com!

 
   
 
Andrea Salloum '84
 
• Actor and Artistic Director Kidworks Touring Theatre Chicago
 
"I took my first acting class at Mercy my junior year and knew that's what I wanted to do the rest of my life. Today I perform, write, direct, and teach drama. I am also a freelance actor in film/TV and theatre. Mercy taught me to be a strong, independent woman and to follow my dreams." 
   

Nivia Davis '98

• Key 2nd Assistant Director and Stage Manager
• Member of Directors Guild of America
 
"Mercy instilled in me that women can make a difference and that is what I strive for everyday in my career. God has made the plan, it's up to me to follow it." 
   

Ashley Bahri '04

• Professional Opera Singer, New York City
 
"I truly believe that combining the concept of women who make a difference with the power of God, makes anything possible." 
   

Michele Hillen '89

• Theatre and Music degrees from Oakland University
• Member of Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and Actors Equity Association
• Associate Artist at the Sacramento Theatre Company and Director of STC's School of the Arts
   

Emily Harpe '04

• Theatre Arts Degree from Kalamazoo College
• Performed in 10 plays including title role of "Hamlet"
• Improv Comedy Performer at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy and iO in Chicago

Shannon Terrace '05

  • Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Saint Louis University
  • Professional Stage Manager working for several different theatre companies in Saint Louis, MO
  • Production Coordinator at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
  • Teaching Artist working the Metro Theatre Company and The Repertory Theatre of Saint Louis

 

 

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