Cornerstone Alumni Take Center Stage

Filled with Cornerstone Alumni and staff using their extraordinary artistic talents, BIG FISH the musical is set to make a splash this weekend. Overflowing with heart and humor, BIG FISH is an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre—for an experience that’s richer, funnier, and bigger than life itself. 

Meet the Director
Jeanette Maldonado

How long did you work at Cornerstone and what productions were you involved in? 

I had the pleasure of working at Cornerstone for five years. I started before Drama was even an actual class. It first started off as an afterschool club, and I worked with Mrs. Manning and Mrs. James. A few of the productions that I was a part of were Seussical the Musical, Our Town, Bluebird Prince, and many others. I later worked with Mrs. Barrett in the Stagecrafters class where we made props and set pieces for Aladdin and other shows.

Why do you think theatre and the fine arts are such an important part of youth development? 

I sincerely believe with all of my heart that theatre and the fine arts are essential in helping students gain self-confidence, develop communication skills, foster creative thinking, the importance of teamwork, and leadership. Honestly, the experience alone of working as a cast towards a common goal and seeing all of your hard work come to life on stage is so rewarding, which is why I started Wonder Playhouse in which I have directed and produced seven shows.

Please take a moment to brag on the Cornerstone Alumni who are a part of “Big Fish.” 

Oh wow! These alumni are the best! Chase & Ally Conrey, Jordan and Shannon Maldonado are all alumni that I personally taught and co-directed back when I worked there. To see how much they’ve grown and just what amazing adults they are is a joy to my heart. I did not know Noble Cusick until last year, but he is equally amazing. 
Chase, Ally, Noble, and Jordan are all acting, singing, and dancing in Big Fish. Their performances will absolutely blow you away. Then, Shannon choreographed the whole show, and Mrs. Katy Simmons directed the music. What a joy to work with all of them! Spoiler alert: One specific scene with two of the alumni specifically will have you reaching for a tissue.

What makes Big Fish so special and what’s had the biggest impact on you so far? 

This story is absolutely beautiful with a powerful message about family, forgiveness, and love!  This family wasn’t perfect, but their love triumphed over any problems that they had. Live and love bigger.

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Meet the Musical Director
Katy Simmons- Cornerstone Elementary and Secondary Fine Arts Teacher
 

Why do you think theatre and the fine arts are such an important part of youth development?

When students study Fine Arts, they are able to use their creativity in new ways. Being a part of a cast helps students meet a goal together while playing different roles and combining their creativity. Students who are a part of a chorus likewise are able to achieve beautiful sounds when working together to bless others with a music performance. Lastly, and this is so important, students discover their gifts, start to develop them, and begin to see how God can use the arts to bless others. These students can use their lives as an avenue of this type of blessing with beautiful music, theater, and artwork to impact their world. 

What would you say to a current Cornerstone student interested in getting involved in theatre?

I would tell a current Cornerstone student to try chorus and musical theatre as early as they can fit it into their schedule. If you love it, then you have some time to develop in it and grow. It might just be "your thing." 

How has working at Cornerstone prepared you for other opportunities such as this one?

Working at Cornerstone has put me into a wonderful network of believers who are supportive of the arts. Both cast and directors are coming out of Cornerstone and spreading out into the community and continuing to bless others with their talents.

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Meet the Choreographer
Shannon (Champion) Maldonado-Class of ’16

Shannon (Champion) Maldonado is the choreographer for Big Fish. “Shannon always does such a superb job at giving the cast hard moves while also making everyone look fantastic for expressing the plot and humor of different sections.  I often think she could do choreography for big time shows if she ever wanted to. She is amazing!” praised Simmons. 

How did your time at Cornerstone prepare you to be a part of this musical?

At Cornerstone, I got to work with Jeanette for the first time, and she gave me my first opportunity as a choreographer.

What would you say to a current Cornerstone student interested in getting involved in music or theatre? 

Just do it! There are so many different aspects of theatre to fall in love with! Acting, singing, dancing, costuming, tech, stage managing, etc.

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Meet Alabama Lamb/Ensemble/Dance Captain
Ally (Kuntz) Conrey Class of ‘15
 

Ally (Kuntz) Conrey, Cornerstone Class of 2015, is shining on stage as she plays several parts in Big Fish. “She is a choreography captain and helps all the actors remember their moves. She also sings with several small ensembles in the play and does some acrobatics in the circus scenes. She is absolutely shining on stage!” added Simmons. 

How did Cornerstone prepare you for your role in Big Fish?

All the experience in different types of roles has helped me adapt so many characters in this production! 

What would you say to a current Cornerstone student interested in getting involved in Musical Theatre? 

Get involved! It’s super fun working to create a story with your friends that you get to perform for an audience. Theatre also helps prepare you for public speaking and having confidence in yourself. 

What makes Big Fish so special and what’s had the biggest impact on you so far?

Big Fish is a special show because it’s so focused on the characters and the themes of family and reconciliation, but it’s also told in a fun and interesting way. There’s really something for everyone! I’ve truly loved getting to do another show with my talented husband. We both have a passion for theatre and performing so doing this together has been so special.

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Meet Edward Bloom
Chase Conrey Class of ‘15
 

The musical revolves around the witty and exciting stories he tells of Edward Bloom’s life. Edward will be played by Chase Conrey, Cornerstone Class of 2015. Katy Simmons shares, ”Chase is performing the vocals and character with wonderful expression and creativity. It's really special to see Chase and Noble act in scenes together which require all kinds of different emotions: celebration, sadness, anger, and mischievousness.”

How did Cornerstone prepare you for your role in Big Fish?

Cornerstone gave me a community and environment in which I felt I could embrace the more creative and artistic sides of myself and put them on display for others. Getting to perform in school plays and musicals was not only fun, but it also opened my eyes to something I am truly passionate about.

What makes Big Fish so special and what’s had the biggest impact on you so far?

Big Fish is a show with a lot of heart at the center. It seems a bit goofy and over the top on the surface, but once you see the story taking shape, you start to realize what’s at stake for these characters. I’ve taken a particular liking to the characters of both Edward and Will Bloom. As a father myself, seeing the dynamic and relationship between these two men is captivating and also thought-provoking. I find myself in both of them, and that’s something I hope others experience in the show as well.

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Meet Will Bloom
Noble Cusick Class of ‘23

Will Bloom, played by Noble Cusick, Cornerstone Class of ’23, is the son of Edward and Sandra and the husband of Josephine. Katy Simmons boasted, “Noble is doing a wonderful job. This role is a more serious character than his previous Willie Wonka at Cornerstone or Cinderella's Prince in Into the Woods, and he's doing so well capturing the character's emotions. He learns his lines and songs extremely well and always shoots for excellence. We love having him in the cast and can't wait to see him perform this week.”

How did Cornerstone prepare you for your role in Big Fish?

Cornerstone prepared me from an emotional standpoint to be on stage, teaching me how to effectively express my emotions to an audience.

What makes Big Fish so special and what’s had the biggest impact on you so far?

What makes Big Fish so special is its emphasis on the father/son dynamic. Seeing how a newer generation is trying to relate to an older generation and how an older generation just wants to pass on the knowledge to the new. The biggest impact the show has had on me so far has been the emotional weight the scenes bring.
 

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Meet Karl the Giant
Jordan Maldonado Class of ‘13

Karl the Giant, played by Jordan Maldonado, Cornerstone Class of 2013. “Jordan has worked so hard gaining the skill to walk on stilts,” shared Simmons. “He plays this character with the perfect amount of humor and sincerity. He may be one of your favorite characters.”

How long have you been doing theatre? 

I've been doing theatre since 2009 in The Sound of Music, as Rolf, and more recently have been in Into the Woods as Milky White! 

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Meet the Lighting Technician 
Grant Smith Class of ‘24 

Grant is doing lights for the show, and he is a vital part of this show going well,” said Simmons. “We are so thankful for all he learned at Cornerstone for the tech crew of our musicals.”

How did Cornerstone prepare you for this role?

Cornerstone prepared me by allowing me to be the lighting technician for all four years of high school. Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Miller were great mentors. I was the lighting person for the past eight musicals, including Aladdin, Willy Wonka, Annie, Madagascar, and Elf, with The Little Mermaid being my favorite production experience. 

What would you say to a current Cornerstone student interested in getting involved in music or theatre? 

Talk to those already involved, like Mr. Miller and the current tech crew. It’s a rewarding team to work alongside. 

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At Cornerstone, we believe God creates us to express ourselves through more than traditional language, both individually and corporately. We don't simply read or learn about our subjects; we dance, sing, play, act, paint, and sculpt. The Cornerstone Fine Arts program reflects the creative nature of God, and our endeavors in the arts strive to bring glory to our Heavenly Father. Through a variety of artistic expression, our students’ hearts are lifted to a greater understanding of the Lord and His eternal, loving relationship with us. If you would like to learn more about the upcoming performance of Big Fish, click here.