Those who attended “Wonderful Town” witnessed Principal Michael Griffith’s theatrical debut during the second act.
Griffith played the role of a police officer at the jail Eileen is taken to after starting a riot. Along with several other police officers, Griffith serenaded Eileen with an Irish song, “My Darlin’ Eileen,” and performed a choreographed Irish jig.
“In my career, that is probably one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done,” Griffith said.
Griffith, who attended rehearsals as regularly as any other actor in the show, was surprised by how exhausting show preparations were for him. “I did not anticipate how intense that would be,” Griffith said. “I didn’t realize how much was involved in it.”
“Working with Griffith is so wonderful,” said senior Danielle White. “The best part of that show had to be working with him and talking with him.”
A version of this article appeared in print on 14 December 2011, on page 7 of The Shakerite.