The cast of Souza’s Edwin Drood speaks
CENTRAL VALLEY — The Souza Scholarship for the Performing Arts has assembled a cast of talented, committed young people from the Monroe, Woodbury and Warwick to put on a show for the benefit of other young performers. With the help of Director Dom Pascullo, Souza will present the musical thriller “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What follows are profiles of some of the performers:
Noelle Manelis (Rosa Bud) is 15 years old and will be a sophomore at Warwick Valley High School this coming semester. She danced with the dancer’s studio in Warwick from ages 4-12 and has been taking musical theater and performing with the Acting Out Playhouse, under the direction of Terry Odell, since she was 12.
She has been involved with the school drama club since sixth grade, playing Glinda in the Warwick Valley Middle School’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” She also played TiMoune in The Acting Out Playhouse production of “Once on This Island,” as a result of which, she received a local acting award.
“I consider myself very fortunate to be part of such an amazing cast and crew,” Noelle said. “I have met many people with whom I’m sure I will remain friends with for a long time.”
Hannah Jones, a 15-year-old Warwick Valley High School student, plays the title role of Edwin Drood as well as that of Dick Datchery and Alice Nutting. Hannah, like many others in the cast, acts, sings and dances. She attends the Acting Out Playhouse in Warwick, takes tap dancing there and voice lessons from Kathryn Alicia Tate.
A performer since age 6, Hannah’s theatrical resume includes performances in “Seussical,” “Into The Woods,” “School House Rock,” “Godspell,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Music Man,” “Les Mis,” “Oliver” and “Wizard of Oz” as well as many cabarets
“What I have enjoyed most about preparing for shows is seeing the final project,” Hannah said. “During rehearsals the show is always shaky, but then when you add everything to it, it’s something so special that only a performer can feel. From each rehearsal, I have learned something new, not just from Dom and Lauren, but also from my peers.
“When I’m older, I want to go into communications and minor in theatre,” Hannah added. “I will apply the skills I have learned on the stage to a different field. For this show ... the excitement is from knowing that up on that stage our cast will be something amazing and genuine. It takes every star to light up the sky!”
Fifteen-year-old Lindsay Kraft (Angela Prysock/Princess Puffer) attends Warwick Valley High School. Having heard about the show from the director, she decided to audition. Singing from the age of 5 and in shows since age 9, Lindsay is already something of a local theater veteran. “In show biz talk, I would call myself a ‘triple threat.’ That means I love to sing, act and dance. “
Some of the shows she’s been in include school-base shows “Oliver,” “Cats” and “Les Misérables,” as well as the Acting Out Playhouse’s community production of “The Little Mermaid “as Ursula. Recently, Lindsay performed in her first professional showcase in New York City.
“Before the curtain goes up and the overture starts playing on opening night, I expect to feel obviously nervous, but more excited than anything,” Lindsay said. “I’ve been in a lot of shows, and as each one ends and another arises, I try to teach myself to not focus so much on the nerves and making sure everything goes perfectly, but more on enjoying myself on stage and being spontaneous with my acting discussions.
“All I can say is that being in this production has brought me so many great things,” she added. “A great experience, a great role, a great opportunity to raise money to support what my cast mates and I love to do and finally, the great and amazing friendships I have gained!”
Bob Curtis is the long-time chairman of the Robert Souza Scholarship Award.
By Bob Curtis