PRESQUE ISLE – Eric Waddell, Presque Isle High School principal, is pleased to announce that alumnus John Cariani, actor and playwright, will offer the keynote address at this year’s commencement. The 2009 ceremony is set for Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m. A ticket is required.
Cariani graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1987. He continued his education at Amherst College where he majored in history. Following his college graduation, Cariani moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. He is best known for his recurring role as CSU Tech Julian Beck on television’s “Law and Order,” and for his performance as Motel the Tailor in the 2004 Broadway revival of “Fiddler on the Roof” for which he received a Tony Award nomination.
His first play, “Almost, Maine,” premiered at Portland Stage Co. in 2004 and opened off-Broadway in 2006. It has since been produced in 50 professional theaters throughout the country. More recently, Cariani has been busy with both acting and writing. He is a featured actor in a new musical, “Minsky’s,” which enjoyed its world premiere in February in Los Angeles. The show is expected to come to Broadway in 2010, and Cariani is on board to act in that version, as well.
Cariani was in Maine last week for the Little Festival in Portland, which featured his most recent play, “Last Gas.” A work in progress, “Last Gas” is set in northern Maine, just as “Almost, Maine” is, and tells the story of a 33-year-old convenience store owner.
“I am thrilled that John Cariani will be joining us this year for the commencement ceremony,” said Waddell. “John is a true friend of Presque Isle and of Presque Isle High School. He has returned many times to provide support for the performing arts program at the high school.”
For more information, contact Judy Cleaves at PIHS by calling 764-0121.
John Cariani
