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Mario Anima 👾

@marioanima

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A year ago Milo was knee deep in his role as Gomez, and yet he immediately clocked the 4/23/24 announcement of Hadestown: Teen Edition. We had no idea what was in store.

From the moment he saw Hadestown, he dreamed of playing Orpheus. More so, he wanted the drama department to get first crack at the show. He knew they would raise the bar. That’s what they always do. In his mind, it was inevitable.

He agonized daily, “Ugh, I don’t know what we we’ll do if they don’t accept Kendra’s bid!” He caught us watching Hadestown Tiny Desk Concert and declared, “I’m telling Kendra… we better get that show!” It was impossible to resist his passion. Like Orpheus “he could make you see how the world could be… in spite of the way that it is.”

The loss of Milo is a sad song. It’s a tragedy. But we keep telling his story again and again. He died on 5/12/24 before he could learn Kendra’s bid was approved — she received word on 5/13/24. She waited to share the news with us for at least a month, and she wanted to be sure we would be comfortable if they chose to pursue it.

We knew our answer immediately, because we knew how much Milo wanted it. Not for himself, but for the department.

Milo found his people and himself in SVHS Drama. He learned to stretch his creativity, take risks, express, and open up despite the risks of vulnerability. He was free to be both an individual, and a part of a collective. Of course we were comfortable. Milo would have it no other way.

We are entering week 2 of Hadestown, and each night we marvel over the staging, the lighting, the performances…the technical achievements. It’s astonishing. We’ve lived the lesson, time is not guaranteed, nothing is forever, and many of the best stories are tragedies. But they are worth telling, again and again.

Please don’t let this show pass you by. There are only two weekends left. Get tickets via the link in my bio, and if you catch a show, say hello — you’ll find us hustling at Milo’s Bar (by donation, bring cash!) or in tears at the back of house, knowing Milo couldn’t be prouder of the work of his beloved SVHS Drama department.

To the end of time. To the end of the earth. taken in Scotts Valley High School by @marioanima

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a year ago

The magic this drama department manifests is not simply skilled performances, technical ingenuity, talented crew, top-of-class house staff, experienced theater veterans, willing volunteers, or expert teaching.

Mind you, it is all of those things, but it is also so much more. The magic lies in how each and every one of these amazing folks come together for one another. It’s love up there on stage, backstage, and all over that union. It’s a commitment to that love, a willingness to endure extremely hard work, commitment to the bit, and a dedication to each other — all while pursuing the impossible.

Imagine what it takes to look at that empty stage and see it not for what it lacks, but for what it could be. Ponder the ambition required to then use every ounce of creativity to render that imagined reality real, and then on top of all that sustain it for three magical weeks. Wowing audiences, the gasps, the tears…it’s overwhelmingly moving.

And they pull it off, again and again. This is the legacy. This is the magic. It’s amazing to witness, and frankly I’m humbled to even be included.

Milo — you truly know how to pick ‘em.

💚🤎💚🤎☂️ taken in Scotts Valley High School by @marioanima

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a year ago

The final weekend of Annie shows starts tonight! We are getting ready, will you be there?

#formilo #musicaltheatre #annie #communitytheatre taken in Scotts Valley, California by @marioanima

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17 days ago

Annie is back this weekend, and after a brief rest I need to get back into Warbucks shape for the show! That means learning to love Corn Flakes! IYKYK

This is weekend 2 of 3, so make sure you plan accordingly and grab tickets at the link in my bio! See you at the theater!

#formilo #communitytheatre #musicaltheatre #annie taken in Scotts Valley, California by @marioanima

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25 days ago

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to opening night last night! One down, eleven more to go!

Words cannot describe how awesome it is to perform as a family in this production… long days, but core memories! ❤️💚🤎

🎥 @mandy_boynton (thank you!!!)

Did you buy tickets yet? Grab some at the link in my bio!

#formilo #annie #musicaltheatre #communitytheatre taken in Scotts Valley, California by @marioanima

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a month ago

Warbucks needs to learn to love Corn Flakes, but why?

Find out when @scottsvalleyperformingarts‘s Annie opens on Friday September 18th! Buy your tickets today, link is in bio!

#formilo #annie #musicaltheatre #communitytheatre taken in Scotts Valley, California by @marioanima

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a month ago

We are heading into tech week for Annie, that final sprint towards show open on Friday (9/18)! As Warbucks, some tough realizations are beginning to dawn on me…

#formilo #annie #musical #theater #community taken in Scotts Valley, California by @marioanima

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a month ago

It’s an old song
But we’re gonna sing it again…

Milo loved Hadestown so much that after playing Gomez Addams all he could think about was convincing @kendralalaa to do Hadestown his senior year. He discovered the rights were available and sought to advocate by staging some of Hadestown for his Drama final. He didn’t know Kendra needed little convincing — she’d already applied for the rights with intent of doing the show.

Days after he passed Kendra was granted the rights to stage Hadestown the following year, and at his memorial SVHS Drama dedicated “We Raise Our Cups” to their Orpheus. SVHS Drama poured their hearts and souls into Hadestown, and each night we experienced moments of incredible love from the cast during “We Raise Our Cups” — everyone in tears and focused on Milo.

We try to see Hadestown whenever we can and we bring a photo of Milo dressed as Orpheus – it makes us feel closer to him. Like other art Milo loved, this show reaffirms the power that art has to connect us all.

We cried during “We Raise Our Cups” on Sunday. We realized the cast on stage saw us with Milo’s photo, and gave us knowing nods through tears. It was so moving. As the house cleared, @trin.angel texted asking if we were at Hadestown, and saying someone in the cast recognized us. We were confused…Who? How?

By coincidence, Trinity had met Ryaan the day before and shared Milo’s story with him. Ryaan then shared with the rest of the cast, and in those closing moments of the show he recognized us from the photos Trinity shared with him.

After the show we waited at the stage door, as Milo always did, and the three of us were stunned at how many of the cast were anticipating seeing us, wanting to give us hugs, and express gratitude in sharing Milo’s story! Ryaan even saved Orpheus’ flower for Milo. Henry was sporting the SVHS Drama shirt for Hadestown (shout out Atlas!), and we snapped photos with many of the cast.

Thank you, cast of Hadestown, for sharing your gifts with the world, showing us such love, and sharing in something Milo loved so very very much.

It’s a sad song
But we sing it anyway

Not 📸 but ❤️:
@jonicebernard
@namisamdlalose
@__mimz__
@jayna.wescoatt taken in Orpheum Theatre by @marioanima

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6 months ago

I am an introvert who loves to help out behind the scenes. I am doing something out of my comfort zone in honor of Milo, and as an opportunity to perform with Henry. Trying to do what Milo loved the most helps me feel closer to him.

Come watch Henry and I in Newsies presented by Scotts Valley Performing Arts, February 13th - March 1st. Henry is in the World Cast, I’m in all shows, except for the ones on February 21st.

While we’re at it, come see Henry is as Oaken in Frozen Jr. with Scotts Valley Middle School, February 6 & 7 (evening shows)

Links in bio. Hope to see you there!

@scottsvalleyperformingarts by @marioanima

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9 months ago

I love you so much, Milo. 💚🤎💚🤎 by @marioanima

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9 months ago

The sandwich has arrived taken in The Redwood Sandwich Co. by @marioanima

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a year ago

The end of another school year, and it’s been a whirlwind. Henry was recognized for a whopping five achievements this year 🤯

* ICARE Award: For their display of the ICARE characteristic of Integrity

* Community Service Award: For completing the highest number of Community Service Hours for 7th Grade

* Honor Roll: for trimester 3

* Outstanding Music Performance

* Certificate of Achievement, Most Improved: Science

All of this comes after an amazing run as The Big Bad Wolf in Shrek Jr., Henry nailed every line, sang and danced their heart out, and landed each and every joke to big laughs. Watching the growth as a performer and crew member has been incredibly moving.

Scouts continues to be an area of interest for Henry, and this year he participated as a member of the Honor Guard during the Felton Remembers parade and flag replacement ceremony. Henry’s dedication as a helper is admirable.

Henry was also recognized by SVHS Drama for their contributions as a volunteer during this year’s productions. @svhs_drama_club awarded him an Oscar for Best Future SVHS Drama Member. Henry was so moved by this recognition.

Needless to say, they have grown so much, and these accomplishments paint but a tiny portrait of just how well rounded, thoughtful, determined, and hard working Henry is.

On top of all of this, Henry has navigated hardship right alongside all of the rest of us, and yet they show up for themselves, for others, and even for his brother in ways that take so much courage and bravery.

So proud, so much love, and cannot wait to see what 8th grade adventures you will take on next year, Henry.

We love you so much, Henry!! taken in Scotts Valley, California by @marioanima

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a year ago