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.