Geibel Catholic’s Bell marks 25 years of musicals

By Melissa Williams Brown
Contributing Writer

CONNELLSVILLE – Nick Bell, a popular, innovative and energetic theater arts teacher at Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School, is celebrating 25 years of teaching and will be directing his 25th musical this spring.

The hall leading to Bell’s office is lined with oversized framed playbills depicting the past 24 musicals performed by Geibel Catholic students. They spill into his office, where cut-out versions remind him of the hard work, good memories and standing ovations.  

The energy in the room is palpable as students scurry to rehearsals at the end of the day. They are rehearsals they don’t want to miss.

Bell said the students make his job easy. Junior Ivy Flesik is set to play Ariel in the school’s production of “The Little Mermaid” April 27-28. When Bell saw Ivy playing leads in “Frozen” and “Cinderella,” he knew Geibel Catholic’s theater arts department would be a perfect transition to high school for her.

Ivy calls Bell an “icon” whose shoes would be difficult to fill.

Geibel Catholic Principal Robert Fetter echoes those sentiments.

“Nick is the consummate professional and does everything with Geibel Catholic in his heart. Every song and dance, every success and failure is felt in his soul. His passion for the school and our students is truly inspiring,” Fetter said.

When selecting the year’s musical, Bell considers the students, their talents and personalities. He has a knack for immediately picturing a student in a certain role.

 “You just know,” he said.

Bell, a parishioner of St. Aloysius Parish, Dunbar, said he tries to select musicals that are “fun and upbeat.”

There are 30 students in the upcoming performance of “The Little Mermaid,” including seventh- and eighth-graders in the ensemble.

Bell, who holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va., teaches seventh- and eighth-grade music, ninth-grade introduction to music, theater arts, musical theory, College in the Classroom and film analysis.

He admits he was hesitant to teach at a small Catholic school, but figured he’d give it a try and stay for a year.

“Once I got there and met everyone, I didn’t want to leave. The kids, staff and faculty are wonderful. The students are a tight-knit class,” Bell said.

Bell’s favorite musicals performed by Geibel Catholic students were “Mamma Mia!” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” though “Cats” generated the largest crowds.

“The Little Mermaid” will be performed April 27 at 7 p.m. and April 28 at 2 p.m. at Connellsville Area High School. Tickets can be purchased by calling Geibel Catholic at 724-628-5600, at littlemermaidgeibel.ludus.com or at the door.