Parish players sing Psalty songs

Jenny Gorman has fulfilled her childhood dream: Last week, the 17-year-old parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul in Albany played the title role in her parish's summer musical.

Each year since 1987, the parish has put on a musical from the "Psalty" series. The plays follow the character of "Psalty," a singing book whose mission is to share the Gospel with children.

Psalty's name stems from "Psalter," a book of psalms; this year's play was titled, "Heart to Change the World."

Jenny was eight when she first appeared in the parish musical.

"We looked up to the teens," she said. "It was everyone's secret childhood ambition to be Psalty."

Jenny enjoys working with the younger children: "I like to watch the kids grow. The older teens help lead the kids and keep them enthusiastic."

According to co-director Mary Matacchiero, 60 children ages three to 17 participated this year. All children over five get at least one line in the play; the cast rehearses twice a week from May through August.

Despite busy schedules, the young people involved in the performance look forward to it each year: for example, 14-year-old Stephanie Lombardi has been in the musical for 11 years. The freshman at The Academy of the Holy Names in Albany is also a figure skater and dancer, and takes piano and violin lessons.

"It's really a lot of fun," she said. "It also gets the message out about how we can change the world."

Although the show only runs for one night, Ms. Matacchiero said that, through the months of practice, "the children get a sense of community and they develop relationships that last."

Jenny agreed; she's kept in touch with people who had leads in the play when she was younger. One served as her Confirmation sponsor.

While Jenny has participated in other theatrical productions, this one has shaped her career plans. "I want to get a master's degree in liturgical music," she said. "Anytime you can incorporate God with things you like to do, it's great."

(08/14/08)