St. Marys High School Theatre is pleased to present the world premiere of the musical Mids and Johnnies: An Annapolitan Operetta, with script, lyrics, and melodies all written by Bill Douglas, a resident of Annapolis for the past 53 years.  During his life Bill, beginning as early as 1951, wrote many of the songs which he has now assembled in the show.  The plot is a mixture of Sigmund Romberg's The Student Prince, plus Romeo and Juliet by way of Leonard Bernstein's West-Side Story. The show contains many references to aspects of life in our town, Annapolis.

ACT I:  Roman, a foreign-exchange student from Ruritania, arrives at St. John's College just in time to see a rehearsal of a show about Annapolis that will be used to recruit new students. He also learns about the rivalry between students at St. John's and at the adjacent Naval Academy.  Roman goes for a run and encounters some of the Annapolis Striders.  Sally, the girlfriend of Roman's roommate Genius, asks a St. John's Tutor for advice concerning her doubts about Genius.  A reporter from the Capital newspaper interviews first Roman, and then Julie, about the rivalry between students at the two schools. Roman and Julie both make snide remarks about the other school's students.  Genius tells Sally about using science to choose a mate, and then lapses into love-struck sentimentality.  On spring break, Roman visits Baltimore and in Druid Park encounters Julie and helps her recover from a severe leg cramp.  Genius advises Roman to find out more about Julie.  The two runners do meet again and discover that Julie is a Mid and Roman is a Johnnie.  Aghast, each tries, unsuccessfully, to change the text of the news-story about the rivalry.  At the annual St. John's/Naval Academy croquet match, returning St. John's alumni are welcomed at the alumni check-in desk.  The final scene in Act One portrays events occurring during the croquet match. 

ACT II:  After the croquet match, the St. John's team decides to go drink beer at the Galway Bay tavern, where they discuss their future careers.  Roman and Julie have a falling-out, and each laments their breakup.  Genius decides to try to get the unhappy couple back together and recruits the Capital newspaper reporter to join in his effort.  They contrive to have Roman and Julie meet, and the two lovers do reconcile.  Genius and Roman rejoice in their respective romances.  Genius asks Roman if he plans to propose marriage to Julie, and Roman explains that he cannot, because Julie seeks to carry on her family tradition of becoming an Admiral.  A group of Mids are sitting at a table by the Market House, when a group of Johnnies enter and sit at another table. Julie walks over and joins Roman at the Johnnies' table. The two groups, noting Roman and Julie's happiness, agree to a joint picnic, which produces an agreement on “peaceful coexistence."  Sally and Julie decide to wear Hawaiian sarongs to the St. John's costume party.  Act II concludes with events at the costume party.

OUR MISSION: St. Mary’s HS Theatre is a dynamic collaboration between student artists and technicians, parents, directors, designers, and community volunteers.  Our aim is to nurture the talent of our students through the creation of dramatic art that is entertaining, uplifting, and memorable.  Moreover, we are dedicated to expanding our students’ knowledge and professional skills, creating a positive and inclusive program, and fostering a thriving arts community rooted in the mission and tradition of Catholic education.

OUR PROGRAM: Each year, St. Mary’s High School Theatre produces two full-scale productions, typically one comedy or drama and one musical.  A two- to three-month rehearsal and production process immerses students in the world of live theatre, both onstage and behind the scenes.  This intensive experience culminates in afternoon and evening performances before both the St. Mary’s community and eager public audiences.  In all things, we strive for true artistic and personal excellence.

Past performances have included: The Wizard of Oz, Steel Magnolias, Jesus Christ Superstar, Legally Blonde, The Crucible, Peter Pan, Romeo and Juliet…and many more!

OUR PEOPLE: Students are actively involved in every aspect of production, including acting, stage management, costume and lighting design, set construction and painting, and house and hospitality.  Additionally, our program thrives on the creative participation of literally dozens of people: student actors and technicians, adult directors and designers (many professionally trained!), and parent volunteers.

OUR LEGACY: Live theatre is part of a 2500-year-old tradition that transcends the boundaries of language, ethnicity, time, and politics.  It unites people through the tools of story, scene, and song; it communicates lasting ideals of beauty and truth; it affirms the power of the human spirit; and it echoes each person’s God-given talent and drive to create.