Willow Field Elementary sixth-grader Nicholas Deapo is one of the Liverpool Central School District’s most multi-talented students. The 11-year-old plays violin, piano and percussion and sings in the 2010 All-District Chorus.
Deapo not only plays music, he also writes it. Four years ago he won the “Hey Mozart” Young Composer Competition sponsored by Hartwick College. Five years ago he played Tiny Tim in Syracuse Stage’s production of “A Christmas Carol.”
This year he’s starring as Ralphie Parker in Syracuse Stage’s version of “A Christmas Story” based on the 1983 film of the same name which is in turn based on a memoir by the late Jean Shepherd. We all know Ralphie – he’s the kid who wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, but everybody tells him, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”
The stage play features seven area youngsters in various roles including a talented Baldwinsville gal, 10-year-old Sara Goodwin as Esther Jane, and 11-year-old Madison Gregory from North Syracuse’s Roxboro Road Middle School as Helen.
Liverpool lad Jamaal Wade, a 12-year-old who attends Chestnut Hill Middle School, fills in as an understudy for three roles, Flick, Schwartz and Farkus. Wade and his fellow understudies take their turn on center stage on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the 7:30 p.m. performance.
Deapo drawing applause
Meanwhile, Deapo continues drawing applause and laughter from his downtown audiences.
His theatrical asides are particularly priceless, as in the fantasy scene when an older Ralphie returns home blinded by soap poisoning, and the kitchen scene in which his crocodile tears win him a reprieve from punishment.
Did I mention that Nick Deapo is a young man of many talents? Besides performing on the bandstand and the stage, he’s an insatiable reader and movie-goer and a dedicated student of American history.
“A Christmas Story” continues at Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22-23, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 26-27, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 and closes at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30. Ticket prices cost between $16 and $48; 443-3275.
Neri running for judgeship
Former Liverpool Police Chief Gerry Neri has announced that he’ll run for State Supreme Court this fall.
Since resigning as police chief here in 1996, Neri – a Republican who earned his law degree in 1990 – now works as special counsel of the Fifth Judicial District and court attorney referee at the Onondaga County Courthouse, down city. He’ll run for the bench in the Fifth Judicial District which covers six counties – Onondaga, Oneida, Oswego, Herkimer, Jefferson and Lewis counties.
State Supreme Courts generally rule on civil cases involving claims of $25,000 or more.
Cassidy hosting baseball camp
After retiring from Major League Baseball in 2008, pitcher Scott Cassidy accepted the head coaching position this year at Le Moyne College, his alma mater. Next week the coach, who lives in Liverpool, will conduct a three-day baseball camp for aspiring ballplayers.
The Scott Cassidy Baseball Camps at Le Moyne College begin Sunday, Dec. 26 with infield and outfield play, continue Monday, Dec. 27, with hitting and conclude Tuesday, Dec. 28, with pitching and catching.
“This clinic is designed for any age player who is interested in further developing their skills during the winter months,” the coach said. The camp will take place at the Le Moyne College Athletic Center and Recreation Center. For info, visit cassidybaseball.com/.
Cassidy, 35, graduated from Liverpool High School in 1993, after playing four seasons of baseball as an outfielder and pitcher. The right-hander excelled as a starter for Le Moyne before beginning his professional career pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers.
