The Fantasticks continues on road to Hanover Theater
Marie Torto
Issue date: 4/8/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
As the end of the spring semester draws closer, the cast and crew of this year's musical, The Fantasticks, anxiously wait for the last weekend of April. After memorizing their lines, songs and dance routines, the tight-knit group prepares for the next three weeks of rehearsals, perfecting every detail of their performance.
"You really have to mean it. It has to be real," said Sarah Wyman, the talented junior who landed the lead role of 16-year-old Luisa in The Fantasticks. "This show is a lot more intense than others I've been in. For Luisa, I plan on staying true to the script and bringing this bubbly girl to life on the stage. It takes a lot of work to stay in character because she is so romantic and energetic."
Wyman, like many others in the production, is no stranger to the Assumption College stage. Jill Martucci, an Assumption sophomore, is also familiar with the college's productions. Last year, Martucci took on the character of the Witch in Into the Woods. This year, she is playing Luisa's mother, Mama Bellony. "I feel as though the "Broadway" feeling truly permeates everything we do - we are holding ourselves to a higher standard," said Martucci. "I expect that we will have a truly amazing production to show the Worcester community. Our cast and crew are extremely talented and dedicated, so I have complete faith in our ability to 'wow' the audiences night after night."
But not everyone in the cast has performed at Assumption before. Sophomore Mark Featherstone will debut as male lead, Matt, in the upcoming show. His previous theatrical career involved high school productions, including the leading role of Tony in West Side Story. "It's so different than high school musicals," said Featherstone. "I'm so much more into it now and it has become a really important part of my semester. I'm excited to challenge myself by trying to reach an audience that will be much bigger than any that I have performed for."
Although Wyman and Featherstone have never worked together musically or theatrically before, their chemistry together is undeniable to anyone who sees the two rehearse. Singing in perfect harmony for songs such as "They Were You" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain," the pair's voices are powerful and passionate, full with true emotion that will move even the hardest of hearts to tears.
"You really have to mean it. It has to be real," said Sarah Wyman, the talented junior who landed the lead role of 16-year-old Luisa in The Fantasticks. "This show is a lot more intense than others I've been in. For Luisa, I plan on staying true to the script and bringing this bubbly girl to life on the stage. It takes a lot of work to stay in character because she is so romantic and energetic."
Wyman, like many others in the production, is no stranger to the Assumption College stage. Jill Martucci, an Assumption sophomore, is also familiar with the college's productions. Last year, Martucci took on the character of the Witch in Into the Woods. This year, she is playing Luisa's mother, Mama Bellony. "I feel as though the "Broadway" feeling truly permeates everything we do - we are holding ourselves to a higher standard," said Martucci. "I expect that we will have a truly amazing production to show the Worcester community. Our cast and crew are extremely talented and dedicated, so I have complete faith in our ability to 'wow' the audiences night after night."
But not everyone in the cast has performed at Assumption before. Sophomore Mark Featherstone will debut as male lead, Matt, in the upcoming show. His previous theatrical career involved high school productions, including the leading role of Tony in West Side Story. "It's so different than high school musicals," said Featherstone. "I'm so much more into it now and it has become a really important part of my semester. I'm excited to challenge myself by trying to reach an audience that will be much bigger than any that I have performed for."
Although Wyman and Featherstone have never worked together musically or theatrically before, their chemistry together is undeniable to anyone who sees the two rehearse. Singing in perfect harmony for songs such as "They Were You" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain," the pair's voices are powerful and passionate, full with true emotion that will move even the hardest of hearts to tears.
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