Part One: Riverside High School’s Damn Yankees Cast Q&A

The Riverside High School Theater will present the musical, Damn Yankees on March 30 through April 2 in the high school auditorium (information about the show and how to get tickets can be found at the end of the cast features).

We caught up with some of the leads in the show for a cast Q&A. Today’s Q&A is part one in a three-part series about Damn Yankees. Featured tomorrow will be part 2 of the cast Q&A and part three will feature a review of the show and gallery of show photos.

Elizabeth (Liz) Frazer

Part in Musical: Lola

Current Grade: Senior

Been in musicals/plays since: Freshman year.

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying, Happy Days, Matilda (Matilda Wormwood), and now Damn Yankees

Favorite Song in this musical: Two Lost Souls

What interested you in this role: I actually did not see myself getting to play this role at all! I personally thought I would get the part of Gloria! Lola is very different from my day-to-day personality! However, this role has proven to be way more than I expected in the best way possible! I am SOO excited to display this character and live her out on stage; I think the audience will love her confidence!

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: My favorite part of my costume is my big skirt in Whatever Lola Wants! It is big, beautiful, and displays exactly what Lola’s ambiance is!

What’s the hardest part about your role: The most difficult part about my role I think would be anytime I have a scene where I am trying to seduce Joe or make myself seem sexy! That is not my natural persona. I would say I am definitely more of a modest, happy-go-lucky type of gal! This role has been especially difficult for me because I am so used to playing a 6-year-old bookworm last year! Overall, though, the challenge has made me a much more talented actress, and I truly have grown to love this character with time!

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: This character has taught me that I do not have to be the most sexy, hot girl in the world in order for men to be head over heels for me. In all that Lola does to try and make Joe fall in love with her, he never chooses her in the end. I believe many women struggle with this, too, where they believe they always have to look a certain way in front of men. Many people will make standards of women based solely on their appearance as well. This role has taught me to never worry about how I look when it comes to a guy but to simply be my own.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I think the audience with LOVE Shoeless Joe!

What is unique about this musical: This musical is unique because of the time change the audience will see within our main character! Our set is also incredible in that we have a real stadium being brought to the stage! Our specific show is also unique because we have many guys cutting their hair off for the show, and we have many guys learning how to work with a ball and glove!

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: I have been beyond blessed and truly could not ask for better roles than Matilda and Lola, however, I believe that it would be really cool to play Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz! I love the innocence of Dorothy! I think she would be easy to play as well because she has similar character traits as Matilda which was the easier role for me to portray. I think it would be great to use a dog on stage, too!!!

What other activities are you involved in: I am involved in many activities such as National Honors Society, Marching Band, Cheerleading, Chamber Choir, Robotics Club, Environmental Club, Bible Club, Mock Trial, International Club, Softball, Student Council, and the announcements crew! I also babysit and work as a cashier at Giant Eagle, Ellwood City!

Future plans: After I graduate, I plan to go to school to become a mathematics professor! I am currently undecided but am most certain about Grove City College to pursue my bachelor’s in mathematics and education/Training. I will then move forward with my masters and doctorate as well to get to this career!!!

Shannon Tritt

Part in Musical: Doris

Current Grade: 12th grade

Been in musicals/plays since: 9th grade.

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: I’ve been part of the ensemble my first two shows, How to Succeed in Business and Happy Days. Last year in Matilda, I played the role of Mrs. Phelps.

Favorite Song in the musical: Two Lost Souls

What interested you in this role: I enjoy this role because it pushes me out of my comfort zone, but I probably wouldn’t have seen myself playing this role before this year.

What is an iconic prop or favorite part of your costume: The costumes for my character have very unique designs which I think match her wacky personality very well

What is the hardest part of your role: The hardest part would be the wild and ridiculous aspect in her actions and voice because my personality is contradictory. I am a more quiet and reserved person and Doris is very outgoing and vibrant.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: She taught me that it’s okay to let go sometimes and to not be so afraid of judgement

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I think that the audience will enjoy the overall atmosphere that this show provides because of the wonderful portrayal of the characters along with the outstanding choreography that everyone has worked so hard on.

What is unique about this musical: This musical is unique because there are so many comedic aspects throughout the show but that’s not all of it. There are parts of the show that would have you going through all of the emotions which I think will keep the audience engaged and having a great time.

If you could have a part in any musical… what would that be and why: I don’t really dream of playing a certain character, I just enjoy being part of the shows.

What other activities are you involved in: I am involved in marching band, choir, tennis, softball, National Honors Society, Mock Trial, Environmental club

Future plans: I plan on attending college after graduation where I hope to still pursue many of my activities that I’m involved in now even while studying for my degree.

Lauren Bush

Part in Show: Ms. Weston

Current Grade: 12

Been in musicals since: 2016

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Seussical, Shrek, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Happy Days, Matilda

Favorite Song in the musical: Goodbye Old Girl

What interested you in this role: She’s a very relatable character, but also a slight perfectionist, which makes her fun to play

What is an iconic prop or favorite part of your costume: the clipboard that Ms. Weston carries while planning the fan club event

What is the hardest part of your role: She gets very stressed about the fan event, and I’m not a naturally stressed person, so it’s a new, different personality for me to learn

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show:  Planning a big event is a very difficult task

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: This is a very funny show, so I think they’ll enjoy the humor, and I think they’ll enjoy the dance numbers as well

What is unique about this musical: This show has multiple very large set pieces, and the style of dance is very unique compared to what we’re used to seeing or doing

If you could have a part in any musical… what would that be and why: I’d like to be any one of the newsies in the musical Newsies. I love all of the songs from that show, and the dances look very fun to perform

What other activities are you involved in: I’m involved in marching band as drum major, varsity tennis, and recreational softball

Future plans: I’m planning to go to Allegheny College to study environmental science and Spanish

Don’t miss the show:

• Thursday March 30-7:30 p.m.

• Friday March 31-7:30 p.m.

• Saturday April 1–7:30 p.m.

• Sunday April 2–2:00 p.m. *MATINEE

All tickets for these performances are $12.00 and can be purchased by going to  www.showtix4u.com  – When you go to the site just type in “Riverside.”  We are located at 300 Country Club Drive, Ellwood City, PA  16117.  If you have general questions, you can contact the DAMN YANKEES HOTLINE at 724-758-7512 Extension 1264 or email the Producer at vhudspath@rbcsd.com.