Name: Erik Mercado
School & Grade: Servite High School, Grade 11
Role: The Baker
Briefly tell us about your role:
The Baker, a very simple man, desperately want to have a child with his wife, but cannot because, as he finds out, a Witch has placed a spell on his whole family after his father stole the Witch’s beans. Throughout the show, he has to grow as a person as well as in his relationships in order to have a child and learn important life lessons.
How are you preparing for your specific role?
I sing my parts for the show’s songs every night to practice, in addition to studying my lines, blocking, and character choices. Having strong characterization and detailing the evolution of a character has always been a struggle for me, so I’ve had to go through my script a couple times to make sure I am conveying the right emotions and have motivation behind those emotions.
What is your favorite song from the show?
Your Fault and It Takes Two are also two really cool songs I’m enjoying not only singing in the but that I loved when hearing the cast album. However, I think my FAVORITE is the Witch’s beans “rap” from the opening.
Can you share a favorite Tri-School memory?
Hanging out with my friends between shows has always been dear to my heart as the most fun I’ve had at Tri-School, especially when the memories are with people I would never have met outside of Tri-School. I don’t think I have a specific memory, but rather a collection of repeated fun memories that I really treasure.
Favorite subject in school/Favorite teacher?
My favorite subject in school has always been history. This year is no exception, I am really loving U.S. History with Mr. Van Dyk, although it is rather challenging.
Are you involved in anything outside of Tri-School?
I am. Aside from being a student, I am also Co-Captain of Servite’s Academic Decathlon Team, an Assistant Prior, and a member of NHS and CSF.
If you aren’t performing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Sleeping is GREAT and watching movies is also something I really enjoy. Unfortunately, most of my time is spent either studying or procrastinating while worrying about how I should be studying. I also follow basketball very closely, although I am not very good at playing it.
If someone could play YOU in the movie of your life, who would it be?
I really really admire Steve Carell as a comedian so maybe in a dream alternate reality, a really young version of him would be super cool.
What are you excited for audiences to see in “Into the Woods”?
Everyone is working really hard to make the show entertaining and beautiful, and naturally, the show is a riot and everyone who comes to watch will have an insane amount of fun. I think the audience will really see that once they come to watch.
Anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my parents for dedicating money and time and for allowing me to dedicate time to Tri-School. I would also like to thank my friends for being so supportive every show and for making participating in Tri-School so much fun.
Name: Sierra Warner
School & Grade: Rosary Academy, Grade 12
Role: The Baker’s Wife
Briefly tell us about your role:
The Baker’s wife wants nothing more than a child. Her husband and her go on a task to find specific ingredients for a witch who can grant them a child. This witch cursed the Baker’s family tree to never be able to. The Baker’s wife takes charge with her direct and dominant attitude to do whatever it takes to get the child she has always wanted.
How are you preparing for your specific role?
For this role I have researched behind the show as well as the character. The original Baker’s wife, Joanna Gleason, shares her perspective and experience bringing this character to life which helps me grasp the kind of person she is. When it comes to singing I have been taking care of my voice, cutting back on caffeine. I also have been really picturing the idea of something I’ve always wanted but knowing I can never get it until I get only one chance. So with that there’s desperation, ambition, determination, focus, and even selfishness. This helps me try to relate to the Baker’s Wife.
What is your favorite song from the show?
Stay With Me is my favorite!
Can you share a favorite Tri-School memory?
It was closing circle for “Bye Bye Birdie” and I was moved by the overwhelming amount of love that I received from everyone’s shared thoughts regarding me. Knowing that I affected all of them in such a positive way and that I can be a role model for some really opened my eyes. Tri-School, besides its fun and hard work, it’s such a warm and welcoming environment.
Favorite subject in school/Favorite teacher?
My favorite subject is English and my favorite teacher would have to be Mr. Chavez.
If you aren’t performing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to watch movies or go out with friends.
If someone could play YOU in the movie of your life, who would it be?
Anna Kendrick or Mila Kunis
What are you excited for audiences to see in “Into the Woods”?
I’m ecstatic for the audience to see all the hard work, talent, and creativity made from such a dedicated and committed cast and crew.
Anyone you would like to thank?
I’d like to thank Mr. Marrone for helping see the best of me and what I can do.
