One Man Guy by Michael Barakiva

Earlier this week, Hightstown High School drama club alumnus Michael Barakiva (1993) published his first novel, One Man Guy. The book is about “an Armenian boy coming out and falling in love with New York City, the music of Rufus Wainwright and the totally hot skater boy who introduces him to it all,” and is available today through major retailers.

Michael has been theatrically busy since co-directing Self Torture and Strenuous Exercise as a senior at HHS. He is currently the Artistic Director of Upstart Creatures, and his directing credits include the first workshop of 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, UP by Bridget Carpenter at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Seagull by Anton Chekhov at the Blue Heron, and the premieres of Wendy Wasserstein’s Welcome to My Rash and Third.

Michael has also co-written a play, String Theory, which premiered in 2010 at Vassar College.

To buy One Man Guy, compare prices via Goodreads. Keep up with Michael Barakiva’s latest projects via his website.

Drama club archive news

Thanks to careful storage, Jennifer Lerner November (1996) and M-D November (1993) were able to provide yearbook pages, photographs, and programs from drama club shows and events during their time at Hightstown. With their help, the archive now includes the program and photographs from Fiddler on the Roof, The Pajama Game, Father of the Bride, The Good Doctor, and other plays.

Check the updates and additions page often to stay aware of new content added to the archive. And if you have any alumni news to share, let us know in the forums.

After forty-one years as a teacher in the East Windsor Regional School District, after graduating from Hightstown High School herself, Catherine Anzuini plans to retire at the end of this school year.

From her son, Michael Anzuini, who is now a teacher of instrumental music in Hamilton, New Jersey:

She leaves behind a legacy of quality teaching, superior performing ensembles and musicals that were spectacular. Whether it was middle school general music class, various choirs or the countless musicals and plays directed, I know firsthand how important her students were to her. She worked tirelessly to make sure each of her students received a quality music education. It didn’t matter if you couldn’t carry a tune or act your way out of a paper bag, she worked to make sure that everyone had a positive experience!

I had the pleasure of being a student of Cathy Anzuini through three years of middle school chorus, and working under her direction in her HHS directorial debut in 1993’s musical production of Oliver! and in my role as “student director” for the following year’s Hello, Dolly.

Tonight, Hightstown High School is holding its Spring Choir Concert, the final choir concert of the school year and Catherine’s final as vocal music teacher in the school district. Best wishes to Cathy Anzuini for her future plans in retirement.

Drama club archive site news

In its first week in existence, I’ve added just about all that I have to share, including full videos from Carnival 1991, The Good Doctor 1992, Noises Off 1993, and a rehearsal of Oliver 1993. I’ve also added a number of scanned programs from Hello, Dolly 1994, Noises Off 1993, Godspell 1991, and various one-act productions. Others have contributed additional content including more programs and photographs.

We’re off to a great start.