A view from the sound board during a Sept. 7 liturgy celebrating the opening of the new performing arts center at Villa Joseph Marie High School  in Holland. The 600-seat performing arts center will host its inaugural theatrical performance in November. (Photo courtesy of Erica Franzzo / Villa Joseph Maria High School)

Posted September 10, 2019

Villa Joseph Marie High School in Holland has expanded its creative footprint, officially opening a new performing arts center (PAC) during a Sept. 7 event.

The auditorium will provide a larger venue for Villa’s extensive fine arts programs as well as a space for the celebration of Mass at the school, a private Catholic college-preparatory founded and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Casimir.

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The space — which has been blessed — features a seating capacity for 600, with removable front row seats for a larger orchestra and band pit, and state-of-the-art audio and visual design, including acoustic paneling that allows for evenly distributed sound travel. A theatrical rigging (or “fly”) system allows for ease in movement of scenery, lighting and even people.

The school invites all to its first production in the new PAC, which will take place on November 22–24. The inaugural production, “A Musical Cabaret,” will revisit past Villa shows such as “Footloose,” “Junie B. Jones,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Hello Dolly,” and will also include musical numbers from current Broadway favorites such as “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Wicked,” “Hairspray,” “Rent” and more.

Now in its 87th year, Villa Joseph Marie currently serves 400 students in grades 9-12, with a 12 to 1 student raiot. For more information about the school, please visit www.vjmhs.org or call 215-357-8810.