Naomi Alexander (Senior)
Q: What role are you playing, and what was your audition process like?
A: “I am playing the role of Ursula! When auditioning, I actually auditioned for the role of Ariel and at auditions I sang her songs and did her monologue! When callbacks came out, I was in for a callback for Ariel and Ursula. I went in and I sang my songs for Ariel, did my monologue again for Ariel, and I only sang a small portion of ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ and that was all and here I am! I couldn’t be more grateful for getting my role; [Ursula] is such a fun character and [she] is really expanding my skill and love for theater.”
Q: How long have you been involved in theater?
A: “I’ve been involved in community theater since I was young, but I’ve been doing high school theater since my freshman year!”
Q: What has your favorite memory been so far from the musical this year?
A: “I would say my favorite memory is being at set build! Our set this year is so involved and honestly so beautiful and it’s been amazing to see it all come together! We always have fun at set build too. We can joke and laugh and make memories while also getting stuff done!”
Q: What is your favorite scene to perform?
A: “My favorite scene to perform is ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls Reprise!’ I don’t get a lot of interaction with the cast other than Flotsam, Jetsam, and Ariel, but in the end I have the three of them plus Triton and it’s a very dramatic scene and adds a lot of drama. It’s just very fun to do!”
Q: How many shows have you been in? What roles did you have?
A: “I’ve been in four musicals and two plays! Starting my freshmen year we did “Clue,” which I was stage crew for, and “The Wizard of Oz,” which I was ensemble for. My sophomore year we did “Mamma Mia!” and I played Tanya. My junior year we did “Hurry Up and Wait!” and I played a variety of characters, and we did “Freaky Friday” and I played Ellie Blake. My senior year we did “Charlotte’s Web” and I played Charlotte. I also helped costume design that show! And of course, “The Little Mermaid” and I play Ursula!”
Q: Why should people come to see the show?
A: “I believe people should come see the shows because it really does light a flame for musical theater that you may of not known you had! We have had so many new people over the years join our shows as first comers just because they told us they saw our show and could tell how much we enjoyed being on the stage! These shows are so much work and we put a lot of love into them and it means so much when people come and show us their love as well! Everyone has a love for musical theater you just have to find the show that sparks that love for you.”
Q: Are you hoping to be nominated for a Ray of Light Award for your performance?
A: “Absolutely! I’ve loved being a part of the Ray of Lights since my first year here, it really is so fun! Last year, I won runner up for Best Leading Actress in a Musical and I’m hoping that this year I can take a step forward and win!”
Q: What is the coolest part of being a part of the theater program at MAHS?
A: “The coolest part are the memories you make. I can’t tell how many times I’ve been talking to friends and we laugh so hard about past memories in shows that we’ve done. You create a family not only with cast members but with your directors and other staff. Mrs. Gist, who runs the theater department, has been one of my biggest mentors. She is so wise and really is more than just a director, not only to me but so many others! You really do create a family and create a bond with people that you may have not even thought about talking to before doing a show with them. Theater brings freshmen through seniors together and makes friendships that last forever! If you’ve ever thought about doing a show, just go for it! The people in this theater program are so welcoming and loving we promise you’ll fit right in!”
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: “My plans after graduation are to go to a university to study psychology and also further my love for music! I plan on coming back to MAHS after graduation to help Mrs. Gist with the theater department and further my love and understanding of theater!”
Boston Hazen (Freshman)
Q: What role are you playing, and what was your audition process like?
A: “The pilot and ensemble; the audition was scary, I was a bit nervous, but it all worked out in the end.”
Q: How long have you been involved in theater?
A: “This is my first year involved in theater, and it has been an exciting ride.”
Q: What has your favorite memory been so far from the musical this year?
A: “During ‘Les Poisson,’ Grace [Chef Louis] swung a pan and the whole top of it flew off and almost hit Brooklyn [Ariel] in the head.”
Q: What is your favorite scene to perform?
A: “Les Poisson Reprise.”
Q: How many shows have you been in? What roles did you have?
A: “This is my very first show.”
Q: Why should people come to see the show?
A: “It will be a very fun experience. We put a lot of time and work into the show that we think people will appreciate and enjoy!”
Q: Are you hoping to be nominated for a Ray of Light Award for your performance?
A: “100%, but most likely it won’t happen.”
Q: What is the coolest part of being a part of the theater program at MAHS?
A: “The bonds you have with the cast, and singing with each other.”
FEATURE PHOTO (at top): Senior Naomi Alexander poses for one of her senior pictures. Alexander had some of her photos taken, such as the one above, at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport. Photo provided by Naomi Alexander
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