Emily Goldberg ’12
Web Sports Editor
Sometimes being a freshman comes with disadvantages such as, sitting in the freshman ghetto, getting pushed around in the hallways, or getting last picks for arena.
However, the eight freshmen cast in Little Shop of Horrors have not been held back by these disadvantages. Michelle Pauker, August Laska, Lauren Weinberger, Grace McDavid Seidner, Tyler Jent, Clay Singer, Ryan Shea, and Madeline Seidman are the eight freshmen who have landed roles in Player’s spring production of “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Many of these freshmen have dreamed of being in Players since they were young and are ecstatic to finally be apart of the group.
“It feels great. I feel honored getting in the spring show my freshman year,” said August Laska ’13. Laska will be playing the Interviewer, the Plant Operator, and will also be apart of the ensemble in the show.
Lauren Weinberger ’13 who has been cast as a Citizen of Skid Row is equally as excited. “I am so thrilled to have a part and be involved in Players as a freshman. Ever since I saw my first Players show my dream was to be a member of Staples Players,” said Weinberger.
Tyler Jent ’13 who will play the character of Skip Snip and is the understudy for Mr. Mushnick, has also been looking forward to being a part of Players for a long time. Despite a few nerves in the beginning, he has been pleasantly surprised by the support of upperclassmen.
“I had always seen and adored the Players shows and I always dreamed of being in them, so it was really surreal to be getting this chance. I did not expect that the freshmen would fit in so well at Staples,” said Jent.
As a freshman, it can often be intimidating being in situations with upperclassmen. However the eight have become comfortable in Players and consider the cast their family.
“When you walk down the theater hallway after school you will see seniors talking to freshman, juniors talking to sophomores and everything in between. The upper classmen are very supportive,” said Weinberger.
Grace McDavid Seidner ’13 who will be playing Crystal said,” I’m friends with a lot of the upperclassmen now, and I have a great relationship with them. They’re all very welcoming to freshmen and don’t treat me any differently because of the grade I’m in.”
Many of the freshmen did not expect to land the roles they did, let alone a spot in the cast at all.
“I didn’t know if I was going to get into the show because freshmen usually don’t get in, but I was really glad and I’m having a lot of fun and a really good time,” said Madeline Seidman ’13, playing the role of Ms. Luce.
Director David Roth said that freshmen receiving the lead role are “not overly common but it does happen sometimes.”
Therefore perhaps the most impressive of the freshmen cast members is Michelle Pauker ’13 who is the lead role Audrey, which is doubled casted with Eva Hendricks ’11.
“At the first call back I started crying because I was so excited. I
love being a part of players, but I didn’t expect the part; I was shocked. It was the best feeling; nothing else mattered at that moment,” said Pauker.
In “Guys and Dolls,” Pauker was apart of the ensemble but was also an understudy for the female lead, Adelaide.
The lead role comes with a lot of responsibility but Pauker has risen to the challenge.
“I wanted to prove that age doesn’t always have to matter in every situation. I have been learning lines practicing all the time. I feel like the jump was kind of big but the process has been so much fun,” said Pauker.
The eight freshmen along with the rest of the cast will continue to rehearse and practice hard until opening night on March 19th.
“They are a great group of promising kids. They are very conscientious and passionate about performing,” said Roth.
