Tag Archives: Featured

Current Gazette

Bloomingdale Theatre Brings a Modern Twist to Once Upon a Mattress

Bloomingdale High School’s theatre program is taking a fresh, unexpected approach to a classic tale with its upcoming production of Once Upon a Mattress. Directed by Chad Cornwell, the show reimagines the familiar story of “The Princess and the Pea” with a modern setting, updated style, and a whole lot of student-driven creativity.

The musical follows Prince Dauntless, played by Evan Valencia, as he searches for a suitable bride after 12 princesses fail to meet the kingdom’s impossible standards. When Princess Winnifred, played by Trinity Walton, arrives from the swamps, she completely disrupts the royal routine. With Queen Aggravain (Chloe Bennet) and the Wizard (Elias Butler) determined to stop her, the kingdom’s fate rests in the hands of unlikely allies, including the Jester (Aleena Lopez) and the Minstrel (Aleysia Enyart), who work alongside Lady Larken (Anjali Pathania) and Sir Harry (Hezekiah Trimm) to give Winnifred a fighting chance.

This version of the show stands out for its bold setting. Instead of leaning into traditional fairy tale visuals, the production is set in 2026 at Buckingham Palace. Cornwell said this choice allows the cast and audience to see how the show’s themes still connect to modern life, creating a more relatable and engaging experience.

Beyond the story itself, the production highlights the dedication and growth of Bloomingdale’s theatre students. Cornwell noted that cast members have pushed themselves to develop new skills in acting, vocals, and dance, often stepping outside their comfort zones. That willingness to embrace challenges has led to what he described as “extraordinary” perseverance.

Behind the scenes, students are just as involved. From building complex sets to designing costumes and managing the stage, nearly every aspect of the production is student-created and led. The experience not only brings the show to life but also gives students hands-on insight into what it takes to make theatre work.

Performances begin the week of April 6, with tickets priced at $5 for students and $10 for adults. VIP seating is available for $15 and includes early entry and opportunities for photos with the cast on set. Tickets can be purchased online at bloomingdaletheatre.org, during lunches the week of the show, or at the door.

With its modern twist, committed cast, and fully student-driven production, Once Upon a Mattress promises to be anything but a traditional fairy tale.

Current Gazette

Proposed Hawk Springs development sparks debate in Bloomingdale

A proposed residential development known as Hawk Springs is drawing mixed reactions from community members as Bill Sullivan of the Potomac Land Company presented plans to the Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association.
 
The project, discussed with board members including Laney Balis and Suzy Watts, would bring a new subdivision to roughly 15 acres off Lithia Pinecrest Road, near an existing county park and across from Cimino Elementary School.
 
Sullivan is seeking to increase the number of homes from 34 previously approved units to 55 single-family houses, citing affordability and land use efficiency.
 
The homes would sit on 6,000-square-foot lots, slightly larger than some nearby properties, and are set sell in the $300,000 to $400,000 range. The plan includes:
  • Sidewalk connections to Lithia Pinecrest Road and nearby neighborhoods
  • A 3,100-square-foot pedestrian pathway
  • Tree buffers surrounding the development
  • Proximity access to an adjacent county nature park
Developers emphasized that the site sits within an “urban service area” and is supported by existing infrastructure, including nearby traffic signals and road capacity.
 
Community members pushed back on several aspects of the proposal, especially the claim that the development would provide “affordable housing.”
 
Board members questioned whether homes priced near $400,000 meet that definition and raised concerns about:
  • Market demand: Residents pointed to nearby developments struggling to sell similar homes
  • Density and spacing: Plans allow about 10 feet between houses, which some said feels too tight
  • Environmental impact: The property is currently wooded, and green space preservation is a priority for many neighbors
  • School and infrastructure strain: Questions were raised about contributions to local schools and capacity
One major critique focused on whether the project fits the area at all. “I feel like it’s the wrong kind of project for this area,” Laney Balis said, citing pricing, lot size, and current housing trends.
 
Residents suggested that townhomes or higher-density housing might better meet affordability goals while preserving more green space.
Developers acknowledged the idea but said zoning and political barriers make that option unlikely. The land is currently zoned for up to four units per acre, and shifting to a different housing model would require additional approvals.
 
Beyond housing, safety concerns were raised about student access to Cimino Elementary.
 
While a proposed sidewalk expansion was denied by the county, the developer committed to adding rapid flashing pedestrian beacons to improve crossing safety along nearby roads.
 
The proposal is still in early stages. A zoning hearing is scheduled for May 26, 2026, and developers said they are presenting early to gather feedback and address concerns.
Current Gazette

Lights, Laughter, Legacy: Bloomingdale High crowns prom king and queen at memorable night of celebration

Students from Bloomingdale Senior High School gather for an unforgettable prom night filled with music, dancing and celebration, ending in the crowning of seniors Yezlyn Decastro and Curtis Lang as prom queen and king.

The evening brought together classmates for a night many described as more than just a dance. For Decastro, the experience carried a deeper meaning.

“It was the music, the lights, and dancing endlessly with the people who mean everything to me,” Decastro said. “It was laughter, joy, and living in a moment that felt like it would never end. And being chosen as prom queen made it even more special, not because of the title, but because it came from the people around me. That kind of love is something I’ll never forget.”

Lang echoed the excitement of the night, noting how the energy grew after the announcement.

“Prom was exciting and more fun than I expected, but it got even better when Yezlyn and I won king and queen,” Lang said. “I know she was happy about it, but I think that’s what really set the party off later because after that it was like one of the best movie scenes ever.”

Faculty members also reflected on what the winners represented to the student body. Chef Jordan Hoffner said the pair’s popularity reflects their character and authenticity.

“I think both of them winning together speaks to their character as friends and as individuals,” Hoffner said. “They are loved across the board—athletics, academics, socially. It proves not fitting into stereotypes is the move for success because people are drawn to that individuality. That is what Curtis and Yezlyn are.”

As the night came to a close, students left with lasting memories of a celebration defined not only by tradition but also by connection, school spirit, and the shared experience of a milestone event.