'13- The Musical', Cast Interview with Ben Cherington

by Leandra N. Jackson

LEANDRA N. JACKSON: How did you get involved in this production?

BEN CHERINGTON: I knew a lot of people in the production, staff, and knew people who were going to audition.  I just love this show in general so I had to audition.

LNJ:  Was Evan your first pick?

BC:  Originally I auditioned for Archie but I would have accepted any role just to be in the show.  It was just a lot of fun.

LNJ:  Do you ever get nervous before you perform?

BC:  I get very nervous.

LNJ:  What do you do to prepare yourself?

BC:  I just think, you know, this is what I love to do and not to think about it too much.  Just do it.

LNJ:  What was the funniest part of rehearsing for this musical?

BC:  I think just being with all of these people.  This is the first show that I’ve done where it’s all people my age but learning in an adult environment.  So we’re not treated like kids, which is good.

LNJ:  If you had to give any advice for those who want to be in theatre, what would it be?

BC:  Just to go for it.  I mean, you know, I know I’ve had this problem when I considered not auditioning because I was so nervous and didn’t think I will get it.  Just go for it.

'13- The Musical' Interview with Director, Katy Chmura

by Leandra N. Jackson

Katy Chmura (Director) - Katy is a graduate from NVCC with her associates degree in liberal arts with a focus in theatre performance and directing. Katy is proud to be making her directing debut with Metropolitan Performing Arts Theatre! This marks her 4th directed production in the Northern Virginia Area. Others include The Persona Expires (NoVa Woodbridge Theatre Group), Third Wheel (WSHS Players), and Reefer Madness: The Musical (NoVa Woodbridge Theatre Group). Not only has she directed, but she has also performed on stage in over 25 productions. Some of her most noted roles include Delilah Strict (Zombie Prom), Inez (No Exit), The Wicked Witch (The Wizard of Oz), and Frenchy (Grease). In 2009, Katy was nominated for a National Cappie Award for Featured Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Delilah Strict. However, despite being in love with acting, she really wants to continue directing in the near future. She's really discovered her true passion and love of it.

(Biography provided by Katy Chmura.)

LEANDRA N. JACKSON: Can you tell us a little about the musical?

KATY CHMURA: 13: The Musical was written by Jason Robert Brown, who happens to be my all-time favorite composer. 13 is the story of Evan Goldman, a 12 year-old Jewish boy from New York City who's life gets interrupted by his parents untimely divorce. He has to move to Appleton, Indiana with his mother meaning he has to leave everything he's ever known behind. He meets lots of new people in this small, rural town including Patrice, the town outcast and Archie, the town's own "Tiny Tim." Essentially the story of 13 is all about growing up and becoming who you're meant to be in life regardless if it's the cool thing to be or not. It's a grown up story about growing up.

LNJ: Was there anything about this musical in particular that inspired you to direct it?

KC: Well, as mentioned previously, Jason Robert Brown is a favorite of mine so that was an immediate eye-catcher. I had heard music from the show before and fell in love with the lyrics and the story of 13. I love the fact that it's a teenager’s way of explaining how life can be hard and unexpected things can happen but you've got to just trust that it's all part of the ultimate plan. It's a story that everyone can relate to. I also really wanted the chance to work with the MPAT family again since they are such an awesome group of people to know and to call friends. 

LNJ:  If any, what would you say are the challenges you face as a theatre director?

KC:  There are always challenges when directing a show. The first challenge is casting the right actors. Then, once that's done, you face the challenge of staging the show just right, getting your vision across, and making the show look how you see it in your head. I call that my "director brain." I know sometimes, while directing 13, I had moments where I had a certain scene planned out in my head but it just didn't work physically so I had to adjust. That can be either very easy or very difficult depending. 

LNJ:  What was the best part of directing this production?

KC: Honestly, the best part was watching all of these fantastic young actors grow as both people and as performers. Knowing that I had a hand in that really makes it all worth it for me.

LNJ:  What do you hope the audience will take from this?

KC:  I really hope that the audience sees these young actors and actresses and sees the talent that they have to offer. I also hope that they take away a piece of the story for themselves, to realize that no matter what age, we all have a little more homework to do. We all still have growing to do.

LNJ:  How long did it take to prepare for this musical and what was it like?

KC:  We've been in rehearsals since June so, 4 months. I blocked the first act fairly quickly but faced more challenges with act two than I had anticipated. I had to work around conflicts in the kid’s schedules. Due to this being a summer show, there were lots of vacations planned. It was a really awesome process to go through though. As a director, it's really rewarding to see a show come together. I describe the preparation process like this, the production is my child. In the beginning, it was a baby and had lots of growing to do and now that we're at the end of the road, the growing up is finished. The show has done it's growing up and has taken on a life of its own. All I can do now is be confident that I and my production team gave it enough guidance along the way to turn it into something truly spectacular. 

13- The Musical, Cast Interview with Ellen Abood

    Ellen Abood is a junior in high school and has been in stage productions since elementary school.  Recently Ellen has been in productions with the Metropolitan Performing Arts Theatre (MPAT). Now, in her third production with the company, she will play one of the leads in ‘13-The Musical’ as Lucy

LEANDRA N. JACKSON:  Can you tell us a little bit about you character?

ELLEN ABOOD:  Lucy is the typical high school mean girl. She is manipulative and is willing to do whatever it takes for her to get what she wants.

LNJ:  How did you get involved in this production?

EA:  I have been involved in a few other MPAT productions in the past and I have loved working with all these amazing people! I was ecstatic when they sent me the invite.

LNJ:  What would you say are the similarities and differences you have with your character?

EA:  I like to think that I have no similarities with Lucy.  Lucy obviously doesn't care much about friendship and is willing to throw it away if it will get her what she wants. Unlike Lucy I think having good friendships is a major part of surviving high school.

LNJ:  So much has changed over the years when it comes to being a teenager.     How would you describe life as a teenager in your generation?

EA:  In my generation, as a teenager everything revolves around social media and technology.  A lot of times, teens think that their social status is defined by how many followers they have on Twitter or how many Facebook friends you have.

LNJ:  What would you say teenagers struggle with the most today?

EA:  The main struggle teenager’s today face is trying to fit in without compromising who they are.

LNJ:  If you could give advice to any teenager today, what would it be?

EA:    I would tell them that you should never do something that would go against who you are or what you believe in because you think it will help you to fit in. Do it because you think it's the right thing to do. If you don't, you might regret it in the long run.

LNJ:  Are you having fun with this musical so far?

EA:  I am having a blast in 13. Everyone in the cast is so close, they may as well be my second family.

LNJ:  Would you like all of your friends to come out and see you perform?

EA:   I would love if all of my friends would come and see 13. I feel like they would really enjoy the show and would find themselves laughing along with the show and connecting with all of the characters.

LNJ:  Do you see yourself doing musicals in the future?

EA:   I can absolutely see myself doing musicals in the future. It is what I really love to do and I can't see myself doing anything else.