Interview: Melinda Bass O'Neill and REALLY ROSIE at The Growing Stage

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong has opened its 2015 - 2016 season with REALLY ROSIE. The production runs from October 2nd through the 18th with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM.

REALLY ROSIE has music by four-time GRAMMY winner and 2015 recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, Carole King and lyrics and book by children's book author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are). The show introduces us to Rosie, the sassiest kid on her block of Brooklyn's Avenue P, who entertains herself and her friends by acting out show biz fantasies, notably directing and starring in an Oscar winning movie. REALLY ROSIE will captivate both children and adults.

This production is under the direction of Lori B. Lawrence, The Growing Stage's Director of Educational Programming. Musical direction is by Melinda Bass O'Neill with choreography by Jillian Petrie. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Melinda Bass O'Neill about her career and the show.

Melinda is thrilled to be music directing "Really Rosie." She played the title role at The Growing Stage back in 1991 and is so excited to share one of her favorite musicals with a new generation. Melinda teaches voice and piano lessons at Montclair Music Studio. She is currently studying for her masters in music therapy at Montclair State University. Melinda received a BFA in musical theater from Ithaca College. Since then, she has acted professionally in Broadway National Tours, Off-Broadway, in Broadway workshops, and in professional regional theaters across the United States including The Growing Stage.

What was your earliest interest in music and theatre?

I started singing before I could talk, which is funny because my 22 month old daughter is doing the same thing right now. I'm hoping that she loves music as much as I do. The first show that I remember going to was at The Growing Stage. I was three years old and it was a production of "The Wizard of Oz." Lori Fredericks, who is the current director of "Really Rosie," played the role of Dorothy in that production.

Who have been some of your mentors in the business?

Steve and Lori Fredericks have been the most incredible teachers. I started performing in shows at The Growing Stage when I was 9 years old and I'm still learning from them. Dani Davis (producer, director) and Jason Howland (composer) of"Little Women," have taught and guided me with my acting career. They cast me many times in different projects, recordings or workshops that they were working on. I also studied voice with Liz Caplan and use so much of what she has taught me when I perform and pass this knowledge along to my current voice students. My voice teacher Betty Ann Cluthe (who has passed away now) was my teacher from ages 12-17. She was a huge inspiration to me as well.

How does your teaching compliment your career in theater?

It's interesting teaching now, because I remember being the student for so many years. I try to put myself in my students' shoes when I'm teaching them and I try to remember what helped me understand different things. Also, since I have been the actor singing on stage, I have learned little tricks and exercises to help me through the performances. I pass those along to my students as well.

How does it feel to be back at the Growing Stage?

It feels like I am back home. I love coming back to the Growing Stage. Everyone there is like family to me.

Tell us a little about the cast and crew of REALLY ROSIE.

It is so fun to be working with Lori who is the director of "Really Rosie," because she directed the show when I played Rosie over 20 years ago. I've known Becky Nitka (stage manager) and Jillian Petrie (choreographer) since we were all kids as well. It is fun to be working with them again! The cast is great. A few I know from teaching music at camp and the other kids in the cast are wonderful as well. I've enjoyed working with them. They each bring something special to their characters.

Why is the production such a great season's opener?

Kids are immediately drawn to this show because kids are the actors on stage. I think that kids can identify with these characters as well as adults. I think adults are brought back to their childhood when they watch this show.

Tell us a little about your plans for the future.

This show is great for the future, because this show inspires kids to go outside, turn off the TV, video games, phones, play outside and create something! Kids have so many distractions now a days. I think they might forget to play and imagine sometimes. I think it is really important to be creative and play. It helps us to become more interesting and happier people as adults.

For more information on Melinda Bass O'Neill, please visit http://www.melindabass.com/.

The Growing Stage continues FUN-tastic Fridays with all tickets $15. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for children. To place your reservation, visit www.growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946. Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Melinda Bass O'Neill