Five Young Vermont Performers Take to the Weston Playhouse Stage

Most often, the cast members that assemble in Weston for the season's productions come from New York, L.A., Chicago, or perhaps just off the national tour of a Broadway show. This summer, the stage doors have been opened to five talented young performers from southern Vermont, providing them with an extraordinary opportunity to work with a professional director and crew, and a team of experienced castmates. As Leah Cunningham, 17 of Chester, summed up her time spent so far as an ensemble member in 42ND STREET, "It's amaaaaazing."

This is not Leah's first Playhouse gig. This year, she is playing the part of an aspiring chorus girl; in 2007, she was one of the children in the theatre company's production of THE KING AND I. A senior at Green Mountain High School, Leah has benefited from the instruction of Green Mountain's Music and Drama Director Fritz Wendlandt; the love and support of her parents; and a hefty dose of internal drive.

Joining Leah as an ensemble member of 42ND STREET is Burr & Burton graduate Devin Johnson, who is "beyond thrilled" to be performing in Weston this summer. A Manchester native, Devin recently graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. With a passion for tap-dancing, Devin is a proud member of the show that the critics are loving. As Kevin O'Toole of the Manchester Journal writes, the show is "brimming with jaw-dropping dance routines." And as Leanne Jewitt of Berkshire Fine Arts reports, "The Weston's production hits the mark at every level. It's 'grand, grand, grand' to see this kind of BIG theater masterfully produced on the Weston's intimate stage." Kudos to the young Vermonters who have risen to the occasion and met the challenge.

"While we try to keep the atmosphere positive and friendly, we expect a lot from every member of our cast and crew," offered 42ND STREET director Tim Fort. "The rehearsal schedule has been arduous, the run [August 1 -24] is demanding, and the expectations are extremely high, both internally and from an audience that expects excellence when they come to see a show here."

While the Weston theatre company (which Broadworld.com recently refered to as a "Goliath of summer theatre") is earning a national reputation for excellence, its commitment to its community remains firm. "In some respects, we are branching out in very exciting new directions -- premiering new musicals, hosting artists retreats and so on," offered Resident Producing Director Steve Stettler, "but we value our roots tremendously. We place importance on Community and keep an eye out for talent in our own backyard."

As 42ND STREET carries on its successful run, rehearsals are getting under way for the final MainStage performance at the Weston Playhouse, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD [Aug 29 - Sept 11]. Those who know the story know that there are three crucial roles in the drama which call for young people. While auditions were held with children from near and far, three locals were chosen for the roles of Scout Finch, big brother Jem, and neighbor Dill.

Playing Scout, Atticus Finch's tomboy daughter, whose voice is that of the Pulitzer-prize winning novel, is Kelsey McCoullough, 12, of Rutland Town. Kelsey is very excited to have a part in the Weston production, and owes her casting to years of involvement with both the Rutland Youth Theatre and the Merchants Hall Theatre in Rutland. Playing Jem is AnDrew Foster, 14, of Putney, who built his acting resume at the Saxtons River Playhouse and the New England Youth Theatre. And playing Dill, the curious neighbor, is Isaac Freitas-Eagan, 13, of Guilford, who has also developed his acting skills at the acclaimed New England Youth Theatre.

"When you have a gift, you should share it. So we share The Playhouse stage with ambitious and talented young performers," said Weston's Director of Education and Outreach Jacki Brown, "and they, in turn, can share their gift with our audience. It's a win-win all-around."

Performances of 42ND STREET run August 1 -24. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD runs August 29 - Sept 7. Weston Playhouse, on the Village Green, 12 Park Street, Weston. Tuesdays - Saturdays at 7:30; Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2:00; Sundays at 3:00. Tickets can be purchased at The Playhouse Box Office, by telephone at (802) 824-5288, or online at westonplayhouse.org.

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