PART ONE: Riverside High School’s Production of Mame Cast Q&A

The Riverside High School Theater will present the musical, Mame March 20-22 in the high school auditorium. A cast and crew of over 100 students from the school district will participate in the production directed by Brent Rodgers.  This is the 62ND Anniversary of Theatre at Riverside..

“LIFE is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!”  That’s the motto of Mame Dennis (one of musical theatre’s all-time greatest heroines) in this brassy, tuneful, hilarious and touching adaptation of Patrick Dennis’s best seller, Auntie Mame.  The Broadway show was nominated for eight Tony Awards and the winner of best actress for the legendary Angela Lansbury.  Mame will take you on an unforgettable journey of life, love, and most of all, FUN!

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 Mame. 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.

Morgan Kate Myers

Part in Musical: Mame Dennis

Current Grade: I’m in 12th grade.

Been in musicals/plays since: I am delighted to have been in Riverside’s Matilda the Musical, Damn Yankees, Addams Family the Musical, and, of course, Mame!

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: I’ve played Sister Miller in Damn Yankees, Aysha in Children of Eden, and Morticia in the Addams Family.

Favorite Song in this musical: Oh my, that’s a hard one! I’d have to say the title number, Mame, even though I don’t get to sing it. It is so exciting and climactic, it makes me feel very loved.

What interested you in this role: Everything about it! She is sly but sweet, as convivial as a glass of champagne. She is so loving and accepting, the scenes between her and Patrick are precious. I wish to emulate these characteristics!

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: Well, I must say, I love my fox stuffed animal. It is just too cute, and I love to carry it! Obviously, her bugle is a highlight as well.

What’s the hardest part about your role: It has been difficult finding a diverse range of motion for her. Balancing her ebullient nature with subtlety, sophistication, and class is certainly a challenge.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: I guess this is a bit embarrassing, but she has helped me realize how fun it is to be conversational, flirty, and easygoing!  I take things very seriously and am highly critical of myself (as we all can be); in turn, I can come across as a bit sheepish.  She is vastly confident and knowledgeable of her own value and potential.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: Put simply, this show is a cult classic. You’ll be cursing yourself that you haven’t heard of it earlier; it’s just so tender and sweet. Oh my, I hope that I can do it justice! I’ve been under its spell for a long while.

What is unique about this musical: It’s surprising how timeless it is. The comedy is pure, and its wit is felicitous and palpable. The infectious joy will flavor your week! This show is what theater is all about.

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why? Mame has been a dream of mine. I want to play another old lady, though.

What other activities are you involved in: I love to draw and paint, I am very involved in Riverside’s Art Department. I sing for my school’s Chamber Choir, and Calvin Church’s choir. Along with this, I take part in Envirothon.

Future plans: I hope to attend four years at Westminster College, and possibly graduate school. I am interested in law, business, and environmental fields.

Anything else you would like to add: I hope that this production is as impactful for you as it is for me.

Ainslee Freshcorn

Part: Vera Charles

Current Grade: 12th

Been in musicals/plays since: My 8th grade year (2021)

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: When My first show was during Happy Days where I was the Producer’s Assistant. Where I helped advertise the show around the school and community, and helped take care of the cast (giving them food and water) during tech week. During Matilda I was in the Stage Crew where I helped paint and set props up on the stage getting them ready for the cast to use.Then in  Damn Yankees I decided to audition and was a part of the ensemble. This is where I learned how to be confident on stage and appreciate all that the ensemble does for the shows. It truly would be difficult to have an outstanding show without the ensemble helping create the magic of the theatre.The latest show I was in was The Addams Family where I had the privilege to be in the supporting role of Alice Bieneke. I felt very blessed to have this opportunity to entertain the audience with this bubbly character. The Addams Family helped teach me that it’s okay to come out of your comfort zone, and to just have fun with your character. I am very thankful for all of these opportunities I was given for the past 5 years!!

Favorite song in this musical: I love the song Bosom Buddies. I say this because it shows how true friendship can triumph the most difficult times you may have, and how your friend will always be by your side no matter what. It’s also my favorite because I get the privilege of singing and performing this number with my dearest friend Morgan Myers.

What interested you in this role: I believe I was drawn to this role because Vera has a striking personality. She always wants to be the center of attention no matter the situation. She feeds off the attention she receives. I also love how she is a caring person deep down she just has her own way of showing it. I was also interested in this role because I share some characteristics with her, but at the same time she is my polar opposite. I went from a character in the Addams Family that was sweet and a little shy to this diva who wants everyone to know what she’s doing. She’s just fun to act as, and I have fun finding little quirks for her that help develop her character.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: My favorite prop is probably my telescope. The props department has done an amazing job making it look so pretty. I also love it because it’s something I’m able to use and not just hold. I have it for a purpose and get to play around with it.

What’s the hardest part about your role: I believe the hardest part about my role is showing authentic emotion. Vera is a very melodramatic character, so when it comes to scenes that are more serious it can be difficult to switch from her over dramatic demeanor to a more serious version of herself without changing the character.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: Vera taught me to be authentic to myself and to not let what others say affect me.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I think the audience will like the energy and life in the show. I believe they will be able to see the passion and hard work we put into the production.

What is unique about this musical: I believe the musical is unique because it’s a vintage show. Even though it is older and less well known it still has the energy and livelihood of newer shows.

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: I’d love to be in any musical!! Whether I’m a lead or in the ensemble I just enjoy the experience all in itself. I think it’s fun having these new experiences no matter what part I get.

What other activities are you involved in: I am a part of the High School Chamber Choir, the Vice President of the club Tri-M Honor Society, and I play on the High School Varsity Softball team.

Future plans: I plan on going to Robert Morris University to study Sports Management to hopefully one day become a sports agent.

Anything else you would like to add: I hope everyone enjoys the show!!!

Molly Linville

Part in Musical: Agnes Gooch

Current Grade: 11

Been in musicals/plays since: Matilda, Damn Yankees, and The Addams Family

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: I started on stage crew for Matilda, I was in the ensemble in Damn Yankees, and I played Grandma Addams in the Addams family.

Favorite Song in this musical: My favorite song has to be Gooch’s Song. I may be biased because it is my first big solo in a show, but it is so fun to sing and perform. The entire soundtrack is so upbeat and exciting to sing though.

What interested you in this role: I am beyond excited to perform as Gooch. When I played Grandma Addams last year, I discovered my love of acting. The role of Gooch gives me the opportunity to act and (hopefully) get laughs from the audience, but it also gives me the opportunity to sing and show off my vocal range.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: Gooch’s pregnancy is definitely the most memorable thing about her costume. Having to wear a pregnant belly for the second half of the show is a very interesting part of playing Gooch.

What’s the hardest part about your role: Playing Gooch is almost like playing three characters in one. Gooch starts off as a prim and proper, constantly anxious, religious nanny, but halfway through the show, she is made over to briefly become excited and drunk off of the idea of life. Not long after her makeover, Gooch is pregnant and unsure of what to do now. I mostly have to change my body language throughout the show to signify this change.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: I guess the lesson behind Gooch’s character is to find a balance between being too timid to experience life and letting loose and experiencing it all at once. Gooch’s struggle throughout the show is that she experiences the extreme of both ends of that spectrum.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: The show is full of so much excitement. There isn’t a dull moment. I think the audience will love seeing our incredible set and hearing the upbeat, fun music throughout the show.

What is unique about this musical: Mame, unlike many shows, offers a very large amount of cast members opportunities to elicit reactions from the audience. Anyone in the show who has a line, and even some who don’t, has the potential to make the audience laugh. This show is filled to the brim with comedy, and I can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction to our jokes.

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: I’d have to say Cady Heron in Mean Girls. That’s been my dream role for a while now. I’m absolutely obsessed with the Mean Girls soundtrack, and I’d love any opportunity to be in that show.

What other activities are you involved in: I play tennis, I’m the drum major of our marching band, I’m the president of Tri-M, and I’m involved in choir.

Future plans: I’m still unsure of what I want to do, but I at least know I always want to keep music as a part of my life.

Anything else you would like to add: I’m so grateful for Brent, Amee, Mrs. Berteau, and all my friends and family for everything they’ve done to help me have success in this show.

Corban Knight

Part in Musical: This Year I get to play Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside

Current Grade: This is my senior year ( 12th grade)

Been in musicals/plays since: I’ve been doing musicals since i was in 7th grade. So for six years I’ve been singing and dancing on stage, and I’ve loved every second of it.

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: I was in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and “Happy Days” as an ensemble. Then my freshman year I was in “Matilda” as Rudolpho. Which to this day is my favorite role and musical. I then did “Damn Yankees” as a baseball player and Eddie. Last year I was in “The Addams Family” as Lurch, the Addams´ zombie-like butler. This year I get to play Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside in “MAME”.

Favorite song in this musical: My favorite song this year is probably “Mame”. I’m obsessed with dancing and the song is so much fun to sing.

What interested you in this role:  I like how I get to act with my friend Morgan who’s playing Mame. It’s always so fun to be on stage with friends and I’m happy I get to do a lot in my senior year.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: My favorite part of my costume would have to be my top hat.

What’s the hardest part about your role:  I think the hardest part of my role would have to be the southern accent. I have a hard time staying in the accent sometimes, but its also really fun. Ever since “Matilda” I’ve had a thing for acting with an accent.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: He taught me that I look really good with my hair slicked back.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I think they will enjoy the characters, the music, the dances, the set and music. there really is nothing to not enjoy in this show.

What is unique about this musical: the show is an older vintage musical and I think that people won’t really expect such a funny and upbeat show.

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: I would want to be Harry “headbanger” from “Mamma Mia”. I love that musical and he is my favorite character. I think I would just embody him perfectly.

What other activities are you involved in: I’m the president of the art club and I have been for three years.

Future plans: I plan on going to Slippery Rock to major in some kind of business.

Complete Cast List:

Alexa Anderson, Toni Baker, Dominic Basile, Brian Beige, Xander Bell, Sam Blatchford, Bud Blythe, Chloe Boots, Wyatt Burry, Kelsey Bush, Allison Catalano, Ryleigh Clyde, Abby Cook, Roman Cummings, Jianna Curcio, Joelle Curcio, Miryssah Dabney, Kora Deasey, Addison Drake, Stevie Drake, Becca Dugas, Chase Emerick, Jasmine Ewing, Mary Frazer, Corrina Freed, Ainslee Freshcorn, Ian Funkhouser, Luke Grodson, Austin Haley, Izzy Hall, Jacob Hall, Hannah Hart, Natalie Holler, Haylie Holtom, Donovan Hunter, Madison Jakubowski, Corban Knight, Jordan-Michelle Koon, Alex Koon, Jada Lemanski, Kyah Lemley, Harper Lewis, Sydney Lewis, Molly Linville, Andy Locke, Megan Lutz, Owen Maddix, Kaiden McDowell, Quentin McKinney, Emily Miller, Morgan Myers, Andrew Paff, Shane Parker, Ryleigh Parks, Lyra Pflugh, McKayleigh Reid, Andre Rippy, Peter Ruggeri, Madison Runyan, Anastasia Ryan, Drew Schlosser, Ace Sharer, Cheyenne Smith, Cameron Swesey, Jonah Tritt, Eilyana Vete, Tristan Weaver, Aurora Weaver, Hailey Whipple, Julia Wright, Scott Zellem, Elisabetta “Kip” Zona.

Don’t miss the show:

• Thursday March 20-7:30 p.m.

• Friday March 21-7:30 p.m.

• Saturday March 22–7:30 p.m.

All tickets for these performances are $12.00 and can be purchased HERE.

If you have questions, email the Producer at brodgers@rbcsd.com.

Mame is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.