Meet Cinderella’s Mother & the Mysterious Man in Tri-School’s “Into the Woods”

Briefly tell us about your role:
Here’s the spoiler-free version! The Mysterious Man is exactly what his name implies: an unknown, slightly unkempt, possibly magical man who lives in the woods, keeping an eye on all the goings-on amongst the other characters. Stingy with explanations but generous with advice, the Mysterious Man seems to be helping the protagonists with their quests, but his end remains unknown.

How are you preparing for your specific role?
I’ve decided to put myself in the frame of mind for my role by dropping out of school and spending my next two months living alone in the woods— just kidding! Because the Mysterious man is not directly characterized much in the show (as his name implies), I’ve been working to construct a character with discernible motivations, desires, and emotions, and to make those traits evident through nonverbal choices.

What is your favorite song from the show?
Giants in the Sky is not only a Sondheim classic, but it’s especially meaningful to high school students rapidly approaching the challenges of college and adulthood, regardless of their preparation.

Can you share a favorite Tri-School memory?
I’ve been very thankful for the opportunities I’ve had with Tri-School to spend summers working with Higher Ground at Lincoln Elementary; everyone in theatre is thankful for being able to participate, so it’s particularly rewarding to bring those opportunities to younger students as well.

Favorite subject in school/Favorite teacher?
I really enjoy history, especially Mr. Van Dyk’s AP U.S. History class.

Are you involved in anything outside of Tri-School?
Too many things to list, so I’ll keep it short—I’m particularly involved in the Junior State of America, a student-run, nonpartisan political activism organization for high schoolers (check it out at jsa.org) as well as the captain of the Servite Debate Team, and the coach of the Brookhurst Junior High debate team.

If you aren’t performing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’m usually busy in one capacity or another, but when I’m free, I frequently play Frisbee, make puns, and read Wikipedia summaries of movies and TV shows.

If someone could play YOU in the movie of your life, who would it be?
I think that Neil Patrick Harris could give a convincing portrayal of my life.  

What are you excited for audiences to see in “Into the Woods”?
I’m excited for audiences to see the layers of meaning that have been included in the songs and scenes in the show—it’s like an onion, and might even make you cry.

Anyone you would like to thank?
My family for enabling me to do theatre; the other seniors in the cast who have been in Tri-School since freshman year; the past and present members of the Long Beach carpool; everyone who puts AIMONE in the promo code section when buying tickets (hint hint)!

 

Briefly tell us about your role:
In this adaption of these classic fairytales, Cinderella’s mother is like her fairy godmother. She acts as a guardian angel to Cinderella, and is where Cinderella goes for refuge after she has had a difficult time dealing with her stepfamily as well as the problems they carry with them. Everyone in this story has an issue, they all wish for something. Her daughter is unhappy, and no parent likes seeing their daughter/son unhappy.

I love learning about my character. She may not play as big a role as others in this story, but the things that she does are a massive asset to the plot, and if it weren’t for her, it would be so much less interesting. Getting to know more about her has been extremely helpful in playing her. When I am to play a character, I always like to try getting into their head, and seeing things through their eyes, the way their disposition affects their choices.

What is your favorite song from the show?
I have to say that Children Will Listen/Finale is my favorite song in this show. It is just so deep, and meaningful. This song and the beautiful message that it presents always seems to touch people in so many different ways.

Can you share a favorite Tri-School memory?
I am new to the Tri-School community, so I have not been involved in this program as long as others have been; in this short amount of time though, I have made several great memories with the people I have met. But out of all of them, I would have to say that auditions is the best memory that I have (so far). Everyone was so kind, welcoming, patient, and encouraging, and I met so many people. I won’t ever forget that day.

Favorite subject in school/Favorite teacher?
I have always loved English and Literature. I find it so interesting and it has always been my best subject. My English teacher, Mrs. Jacqueline Sienkowski is my favorite teacher. Every class is different, and she teaches us the material in a was that is so engaging and fun. I always leave her class knowing more than I did before.

Are you involved in anything outside of Tri-School?
Currently, I am a member of the Connelly swim team. Swim has always been one of my favorite sports/hobbies, and I am best at it compared to other sports that I play.

If you aren’t performing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Some of my hobbies include singing, hiking, baking, reading, paddle boarding, spending time with friends, and I live closer to the ocean, so some days I will just ride my bike to the beach and spend the day there.

If someone could play YOU in the movie of your life, who would it be?
I think that Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn, Lady Bird) could play me quite well, and something funny is that I have been told multiple times that I look a lot like her.

What are you excited for audiences to see in “Into the Woods”?
I can’t wait to see how people interpret the message of this show. It is such an important message that should be applied to everyone’s life, it has given me at least  a new way to look at certain things.

Anyone you would like to thank?
First I want to thank Mr. Marrone and Mrs. Kasang for putting together what I can already see will be an amazing show, and the privilege of being lucky enough to be a part of it. Next I want to thank Joanna and Bailee for giving me rides to rehearsal when I needed them; and my fellow Tri-School Students, for always giving me a good time at every rehearsal. Lastly, I want to thank my family for being endlessly supportive of me and my crazy schedule.