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Scene Around: RFH Stage Mom Standing Ovation

Call it stage mom magic.

There’s nothing like going on with the show from behind the scenes. And most don’t realize what’s really happening behind those scenes with the parents who birthed and backed their teens’ talent with infinite pats on the back and a pushes into that spotlight.

Yes, they’re the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Performing Arts Society moms — well, four of them pictured, at least. People rarely see them spotlit, so they’re getting center stage and a blindingly bright pin spot now.

Back in the day, the term “stage mom” could have negative connotations, a la Gypsy. Remember that one? And, yes, there have always been those stage moms who push a bit too hard, haggle and hype for a kid who really doesn’t want much to do with it all. Oftentimes, it was a case of the mom living vicariously through the kid. Not the case here. These “stage moms” are superstars in their own right. So, we’re showcasing the women, the collective moon, behind the stars.

These performing arts parents’ roles are supporting roles. Each is that supportive parent shuttling talented kids and teens to and from myriad auditions and rehearsals while promoting shows, setting up and breaking down theater and musical performance lobby showcases, organizing performing arts fundraisers, baking the goods to be sold or snacked on, donning crazy outfits for any promotional cause, and, of course, cheering the loudest, clapping the hardest and standing the tallest at that curtain call. Phew! Yes, it’s a lot.

And that’s just what happened on the most recent road trip to Pennsylvania to the Bucks County Playhouse’s 56th Annual Student Theater Festival with RFH Tower Players and company — of moms. The moms were poised for a good pose and a day of more shining on their stars, never mind the chaperoning and extra loud cheering.

“We did great at Bucks, and brought home many distinctions from the adjudicators (more on that later),” said Joanne Mitchell Formisano, RFH PAS social media coordinator and mom. “The kids had a blast and got to mingle with their counterparts from two other schools some of them they know from previous years. Everyone exchanges Instagram and follows each other.”

The trek to Bucks is an annual one for RFH performing arts students and company to “New Hope to present their school productions on our historic stage, adding their names to a long list of extraordinary theater artists who have performed at the Playhouse, including Robert Redford, Grace Kelly, Justin Guarini, Jessica Walters, John Tartaglia, Ben Fankhauser, Angela Lansbury and hundreds of other artists,” Bucks County Playhouse literature said.

Of course, RFH Tower Players showcased performances from the recently staged Anything Goes and brought home some honors. They also participated in acting and dance (including tap) workshops. But more about that later … in a story about the students.

It’s all about those stage moms for now — the support crew to the RFH stars.

Oh, there are more behind those scenes than those pictured. And, don’t get us wrong, there are stage dads, too. But, the picture spoke about 5,000 words, so it’s featured to put some happy faces on that parental leading role (of many more) behind the scenes.

Pictured for this theatrical jaunt are: (from left) Longtime RFH Performing Arts Society (RFH PAS) volunteer and mom to Lord Evelyn in Anything Goes, Connor Olson, Sheilah Olson; RFH PAS social media guru and mom to Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes, Gemma Formisano, Joanne Mitchell Formisano; Jess Patel, future RFH PAS president (taking over for the highly regarded Patty Gagliardi) and mom to Anything Goes angel, Emme; and corresponding secretary and mom to Anything Goes’ Erma, Lanie Lombardo, Mary Beth Lombardo.

Cheers to those who cheer the loudest! Now, that’s star quality! Aaaaand curtain.

— Photo/courtesy of RFH PAS