13 -The Musical, Cast Interview with Lexie McEntire

                                          Photographed by Emma Cross

Lexie McEntire, a high school sophomore, has been acting since she was six years old.  Her first role was Gladys in ‘The best Christmas Pageant Ever’.  Unfortunately, it was a little intimidating for her, being the youngest member of the cast.  She decided to take a break from performing in shows.  During her break, Lexie continued to nurture her love of entertaining by studying dance and chorus.  By the time Lexie reached middle school, she was more confident and ready to return to the theatre.  She began taking drama classes and performing.  Lexie’s dream is to be an actress.  She has joined a community theatre group, signed with an agent, and met several friends who share her passion for acting.  This has allowed Lexie to become more involved with acting than ever before.  In fact, during this past summer, Lexie attended a week long session at Open Jar, a musical theatre institute in New York.  At the institute Lexie was able to learn more about theatre and herself as an actor.  She says, “I can’t get enough of performing and I’ll never stop as long as I live.”  This year Lexie has been in five productions, which include ‘Working- The Musical’, ‘Dessert on Broadway’, ‘Legally Blonde-The Musical’, ‘Alice in Wonderland’, and ‘The Seussitication of Romeo and Juliet’.  This September Lexie McEntire will be playing Kendra, one of the leads in ’13-The Musical.’

Leandra N. Jackson:  Can you tell us a little bit about your character?

Lexie McEntrie: Kendra is Dan Quail Middle School's golden girl. She is head cheerleader and girlfriend to the football team's star quarterback, Brett. All the guys want her, and all the girls either want to be her, or kill her. She's very ditzy and naive, so she is pushed around a lot by her friends, especially her best friend, Lucy. Kendra is really the only one of the popular girls who has a good, pure heart.

LNJ:  How did you get involved in this production?

LM:  My friend, Josh Reiter, who is assistant stage manager to this production, had done shows at Metropolitan Performing Arts Theatre(MPAT) before, and he knew I was looking for a show to do this summer, so he gave me the information for the audition. I immediately fell in love with the show and the cast and crew.  I was thrilled when I was offered my first choice role!

LNJ:  Do you relate to your character in real life?

LM:  I don't think Kendra and I are very similar, but I definitely relate to her. I'm a bit more awkward than Kendra and definitely a lot more logical, but I think we share a few traits. At one point, in the show, I feel very close to Kendra. She defends two boys she barely knows and doesn't particularly even like from being beat up by her boyfriend.  By doing this she ruins her relationship and jeopardizing her popularity. I really admire her for standing up for them.

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

LM:  Frankly, Kendra is really dumb and popular. I am a theatre geek, and I've never even crossed paths with the cheerleading squad or the football team. So, at first glance we have nothing in common. However, deep down I think we do have a few similarities. We both have let our dependency on our friends influence us a bit too much at times, and we both won't stand for bullying no matter what.

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

LM:  Life as a teenager is different for everyone today. I think teenagers really struggle with making the right choices and staying motivated. From what I can see, the choices we make depend completely on what are goals and ambitions are, and how badly we want them. In my case, I have my whole future planned and waiting, and I want to reach my goals with every fiber of my being, so I know if I take one step out of line, they could disappear. The kids I see failing school or turning to drugs are the ones who have no aspirations.

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

LM:  Stay motivated and keep trying. Remember you're special and God smiles on you. When it gets hard, remember that the best is yet to come.

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

LM: This is probably my best show experience so far. I love everyone in the cast and I learn so much from them as well as my directors and choreographer. I am challenged just the right amount every day. I have a part I am in love with, and I haven't seen a single diva fight! That's a big deal in teen theatre.

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

LM:  YES! I am so proud of myself and my cast mates! It's going to be a truly amazing show and I want to share this experience with everyone!

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

LM:  I can't see myself doing anything but musical theatre for the rest of my life. There is nothing I love more.