Leonardo Defilippis Brings “Vianney” to Thomas Aquinas College

Last Friday night actor Leonardo Defilippis of St. Luke Productions performed his one-man production of Vianney, based on the life of St. John Vianney,as part of the College’s St. Vincent de Paul Lecture and Concert Series. Although the nature of the performance precluded photography, Mr. Defilippis met informally with members of the audience afterward, as well as with members of the College’s theatrical group, the St. Genesius Players, the next morning. Photos from those two gatherings are available in the slideshow below.

“We transformed St. Joseph Commons to make a little church for St. John Vianney,” says Mr. Defilippis. “The Thomas Aquinas community were unique in that they understood at every step what was happening. They enjoyed the humor of the character of John Vianney, who is often quite serious. They were scared by the scene where the devil appears unexpectedly. I could hear gasps from the crowd. They were very excited by the end of the play.”

“As its name suggests, our Lecture and Concert Series usually consists of lectures and concerts,” says Director of College Relations Anne S. Forsyth. “So it was a delightful change of pace for our students, tutors, and guests to take in a dramatic performance, especially one that was so expertly acted and produced. We’re grateful to Mr. Defilippis for sharing not only his talents with us, but also his wisdom and insights with our students.”

Mr. Defilippis likewise seemed to enjoy his time on campus. “Many people expressed appreciation, and many found encouragement in facing the difficulty of their studies,” he says. “The power of live drama is to give the saint a new incarnation, to make him alive and present to the community. Many people were struck by that. It was one of the better college responses in the country, which is a sign that the college is doing a good job.”