Musician Alexa Rutigliano, a senior, has not gone unnoticed in Lynbrook’s music department. Through extraordinary performances and productions, Rutigliano has proven she thrives in the spotlight. While Rutigliano has not been involved in school music classes since first offered in elementary school, she has always had enthusiasm regarding theatre. “After joining chorus and going to Disney freshman year for the music trip, my interest in music grew tremendously. I realized I enjoyed singing and performing, and that it allowed me to express myself in a new way,” said Rutigliano.
In her freshman year, Rutigliano involved herself in mixed chorus as her first step in exploring the music department. As a sophomore, she auditioned for the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and she played one of the narrators. This being her first high school production, she was thrilled to have gotten such an important role. Rutigliano also took part in the spring play Almost, Maine, landing the role of Ginette. After her successful sophomore year, Rutigliano knew music was her passion and something she wanted to continue and become more involved in throughout the next few years. “After realizing that performing allowed me to express myself to others, I knew continuing would let me grow as a musician and create lasting connections,” she said. Junior year, Rutigliano starred as Sandy in the hit musical Grease, and she also participated in various “Performance Fridays” along with Cabaret Night. There, Rutigliano performed vocally, singing songs including “The Winner Takes It All” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
Entering her senior year, Rutigliano played the role of Sophie Sheridan from the famous movie and Broadway show Mamma Mia! Chorus teacher Barry Wyner expressed, “Lexi’s performance of Sophie was the culmination of all her growth over the past four years. The character had a wide range of dramatic moments that allowed Lexi to really show her acting chops. Sophie is madly in love at times, fights and makes up with her mom, has an identity crisis, learns life lessons, and so much more. And, of course, she sings some showstopping ABBA songs! Lexi really sank her teeth into the role and nailed it. It was a perfect fit, and made me so proud of how far she’s come.” Following the fall musical, she has taken part in choreographing the couple’s dance for show choir, a select group of concert choir students performing in the Jazz n’ Pop Concert. The dance is to the song “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. Rutigliano explained that her interest in choreographing the dance originated from Class Night, where she participated in the dances and skits, and thought it would be a fun experience to take on the challenge of making the show choir’s couples’ dance.
Alongside her leadership role, Rutigliano has become an influence to her peers. Sophomore Emilie Scala expressed, “Lexi has influenced me in many ways when it comes to singing and being confident… the way she expresses herself on stage and uplifts everyone allows me to believe I also can become a great performer and grow my talent.” Wyner added, “I believe students look up to Lexi for her talent, her work ethic, and her leadership. She has a presence as big as her voice, and when she’s absent, the room feels different. Lexi’s voice and heart are essential parts of our chorus program. We will miss her so much next year.”
Also, in the beginning of Rutigliano’s senior year, she was selected for an audition for New York’s Roger Rees Awards, a distinctive event showcasing theatrical talents from New York’s high school seniors. On Saturday, May 2, Rutigliano will participate in a day-long audition led by experienced Broadway coaches who will direct students through a rehearsal and presentation of a musical theatre number. Following this, she and other nominees will have to rehearse a solo from the musical from which he/she was chosen. Both the group ensemble and soloists will perform in front of a panel of judges who will select the two most talented students from New York to perform at the Jimmy Awards, an even more distinct event nationwide.
After high school, Rutigliano plans on pursuing a degree in early childhood education at SUNY Oneonta, and she intends to maintain her involvement in musical theatre activities.
