From practicing English accents to belting out the songs in the halls, these kids are really excited for this musical to kick into gear. Over 50 kids auditioned over the audition days, and the cast list has dropped, sending 60 kids, cast and crew- not to mention the High School advisors who also help with the show, into rehearsal every day, even weekends, until opening night on January 31st.
Over the past few days, I asked some friends and familiar faces of the North Shore Masquers Team some questions on what it’s like to participate in a Middle School Musical.
I asked Mrs. Vestuto some questions first:
What’s it like to supervise a VERY LARGE group of children basically every day?
So, I do not supervise the production; There are seven adults working together to make this musical possible- Mrs. Powers makes the sets, Mr. Messemer is the vocal director, Mrs. Kuranishi is the head choreographer, I’m a producer, Mr. Anderson is chief set constructor, Mrs. Kalberer is the costume advisor, and finally, Mr. Chillemi is the director of it all. He looks at the script and has a vision of what he wants to create, and with everyone’s help, they cast young actors and actresses and turning them into the characters just as they were written, and better.
What is it like seeing the same sixth graders you met not too long ago become the 8th grade Masquers you see today?
“That’s my favorite part actually- it’s not only their growth into young adult Masquers; it’s also them coming back to rehearsals even after the show is over to help the younger theater students. or rather, to mentor them. I’ve seen people who were casted or in the crew of past musicals like Emma and Footloose come back to teach choreography or help build sets with the younger masquers crew. That truly makes me happy, to see their faces carrying on in helping them.”
What was it like having Emma during quarantine?
“Well, we actually had to film it due to obvious complications. That’s what Mr. Chillemi thrives in; he finds a way to adapt to situations quickly; putting together each conflict and turning it all around. Because of him, theater still entertained the children and us during such a hard time.”
Afterwards, I interviewed my friends Bella Thompson (Ms. Trunchbull), Amalia Carpenter (Miss Honey) and Miyabi Galzina (playing the role of a father character).
How does it feel to be in your last middle school musical?
Bella: Relieving and exciting. For my first role outside of the ensemble (principal role), it’s stressful having to learn this many lines, but I’m happy to be highlighted for my talents.
Miyabi: This is my first middle school musical by the way. It’s stressful because its a lot of singing and dancing, but overall it’s fun.
Amalia: I never thought it would go so fast! I will miss the middle school productions, however, I am very excited about what’s to come at the high school!
As we are nearing closer and closer to the musical, how does theater play a role in your school lives?
Bella: Theater plays a role in my school life by having to balance rehearsal and learning with homework and school projects, so time management is really important, especially in this stage of rehearsal.
Miyabi: My grades. There is rehearsal from 2-5 hours a DAY except for Sunday because it’s a religious day. There’s also after school activities including tests and midterms I have to worry about. So it brings down my grade, but I’m trying to bring them up and stay in the game, because mamma didn’t raise no-
Amalia: It is extremely stressful due to midterms, late rehearsal, and my everyday life, but manageable.
What will you miss most from the middle school theater? What are you most excited about in the coming year?
Bella: I’m going to miss, definitely, the paper plate awards and the sense of community within the cast. I’m excited for more freedom within the high school but it will be quite difficult to stay within the theater community while balancing future honors classes and such. But I am ready for the challenge and to put in the hours.
Miyabi: I’m going to miss nothing from the theater, because I’m just a stool in the corner, I have no actual role. However, it is really fun. I’m super excited for high school because I get to get a better role (or not participate at all in the plays) and there’s a whole new life for me awaiting behind those doors.
Amalia: I’m really going to miss the people who run the musical. However, every high school production I’ve ever been to has been tremendous, so I’m very excited about that.
I would like to thank all those I interviewed for helping me write this article! I appreciate the answers you gave me throughout the interview process, and your flexibility when it came to where and when you would be interviewed.
If you would like to come see this wonderful production of Matilda, show times are January 31st at 7:00pm, and February 1st at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Purchase tickets at this link.
Good Luck Masquers!
