Local actors take to the stage
SPARTA — Local actors from across the county will take to the stage in "I Believe in Make Believe" performed by the Tri-State Actors Theater. The show will run for 10 performances between Wednesday, July 29 through Saturday, Aug. 8 at the theater's new home at Drama Geek Studios in Sparta.
"I Believe in Make Believe" is being performed by Tri-State’s Summer Intern Program, which is open for auditions for students ages 12 to 18 and is directed by Paul Meacham, Tri-State’s founder and Artistic Director.
Commissioned by the acclaimed Sundance Theatre, the play’s book and lyrics are by Carol Lynn Pearson, with music by J.A.C. "I Believe in Make Believe" is a conglomeration of five world-favorite fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm in a musical setting.
Beginning and ending with the story of the princess who wouldn’t laugh, the audience experiences the adventures of the shoemaker and the elves, the Bremen Town musicians, the seven soldiers, and dunce, Simpleton.
LocalsThe show promises to be a fun-filled sensation thanks to the hard work of all of those involved including these local acting interns who are not only rehearsing to perform but learning multiple roles for the performance.
"Rehearsals have all been incredibly productive," Alex McCully, 14, of Newton said. "Because of our short practice time, we have to work extra hard and eliminate all the 'fooling around' that sometimes gets in the way of making a show great. We're all working very hard, and because of that we've bonded as a cast and a team."
In the show, she plays the Donkey in the Breton Town Musicians, Schulz in Seven Soldiers and the Shoemaker in The Shoemaker and the Elves. McCully previously played the Pirate King in the Tri-State Actors Theater Studio Internship production of "The Pirates of Penzance" in 2014. Starred as Gaston in "Beauty and the Beast" for Halsted Middle School and as Drake in HMS' "Honk! The Musical Jr." Had roles in Drama Geek Studios' "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Cinderella's Glass Slipper."
Mikaela Crowell, from Hamburg, is an intern with Tri-State Actors Theater for her second year. The 17-year old was in the comedic opera, "The Pirates of Penzance," last summer with this company and has performed in about 20 shows including school plays and other local theater groups.
"Rehearsals are always a great learning experience," Crowell said.
She will be playing the Queen of Make Believe, a thief and the Mother of Simpleton in the show.
In her third year with Tri-State Actors Theater, Vernon's Emma Cahill will be playing the Second Elf, a rooster, and old man and Sexton. Over the past two summers, she has acted in Wind and the Willows with Tri-State and in addition has been involved in school plays for the past four years.
Cahill, age 14, said, "Rehearsals are hard work, but they are also lots of fun."
In addition to acting, she also plays field hockey and softball.
Another 14 year old in the show is Weronika Wasniowska, of Hardyston who will be playing a princess, a rabbit and Robber Number Two. The first-time Tri-State Actors Theater intern has participated in school musicals since third grade as well as at a local dance studio's summer musical.
"Rehearsals are very professional," Wasniowska said. "All the interns are very dedicated to the show but don’t lack a sense of humor. The overall atmosphere is great."
Erin Allen hails from Vernon and until now, had only done one play when she was 10-years-old and played Mary in "The Story of Jesus" for her church.
“I think the rehearsals have gone well we do tend to forget a step and then we have to do it again but that's only because we want it to be perfect for you guys (the audience),” the 14-year-old said.
She will be playing the Sixth Performer, the Second Attendant, Hansi, the Third Robber and the First Daughter and additionally does a specialty act in the first part of the play.
Brandon Schoemer is a 15-year-old from Green Township. Like Crowell, this is his second year as an intern having also performed in "Pirates of Penzance" last year. His acting background also includes playing Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors," the Ghost of Christmas past in "Christmas is coming Uptown" and other rolls in shows including "Grease," "The Wiz" and "Carrie." He applauds the cast and all involved in "I Believe in Make Believe" as being, "committed and hard working to make sure the show can be the best it can be."
He will be playing Simpleton, Dog, Yergli and Rich Man.
"I Believe in Make Believe" includes audience participation and lots of excitement for children and grown-ups alike. As with all of Tri-State's intern shows, audiences are invited to meet the performers after the show.
"I love it at Tri-State Actors Theater and I encourage more people to join,” Allen said.
Crowell added, "I feel that the Tri-State Internship has been such a wonderful opportunity for me. I have learned and laughed so much. I know that the time I have spent with Tri-State will definitely help me in pursuing theater in college and hopefully as a future career. Come enjoy the show!"
Curtain times are 11 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4 and 7 p.m. on Fridays, and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Performances will be held in Drama Geek Studios, 26 Gail Court, Sparta (just off Rt. 15.) Tickets are $10 for ages 16 and over, and $7 for children ages 4-15. Tickets are available in advance or at the door on day of performance. Ticket reservations are recommended.
Call the box office at 973 383-0510 for reservations and information. Group rates are available for all performances. For more information, visit www.tristateactorstheater.org.