Andrew Alcin - I remember having a good time working on Noises Off. It was my first time doing theatre and I enjoyed learning how to do the sound cues. I had just decided to do sound because it sounded interesting. I got quite a bit of knowledge about how the software works, and I made some friends.
Jazzy Cores - My freshman year we did Into the Woods, and I played the role of Cinderella. I remember being so young and working with all the upperclassmen. It was a little intimidating at first, but the overwhelming sense of family, and pride for what we do as theatre kids was incredible. I felt at home, and have ever since.
Stella Wunder Ewen-Tanaka - In my junior year I performed in Noises Off, the comedy based around farce and pantomime. I played the role of Dotty Otley, an aging lead who is just trying to do her best, but maybe not succeeding in this new production of 'Nothing On'. Right before the show I came down with a nasty bout of bronchitis, but the show must go on, so I kept going to rehearsals. The day we did the tech rehearsal was one of my favorite memories at Rye Neck, filled with dancing, a gigantic order of Chinese food, and stupid shenanigans backstage. I loved every single person in the cast, and it felt like such a family that I sometimes forgot that I was hacking up a lung, and had barely any voice. It was such a good memory in such a complex and amazing show, I don't think I'll ever forget the friends I made or the pride we all felt.
Kathleen Fox - The first Rye Neck production I ever saw was Beauty and the Beast. I remember watching the show and thinking about how I wanted to be just like the girl who played Belle. Although, my favorite Rye Neck production that I've been in was And Then There Were None. I'll never forget being in that show because it was the first time I got to focus solely on acting.
Ryan Germani - My favorite Rye Neck theater memory was in Damn Yankees during the talent show scene, where all the ball players were supposed to be in street clothes and have a talent. However, Mr. Harris and I came to the conclusion that my character Smokey (being the comic relief character) would just show up in his baseball uniform. It was really funny to see everyone else picking a talent but Smokey was able to get away with just this. Plus the running joke of him doing the crossword throughout the show. I think that's why this show was so special for me, because I'd done shows before as crew and cast, but this was my first character. And the first time I think I learned what acting truly is - it's becoming a different person.
Ris Igrec - One of my most prominent memories of being in the cast of Legally Blonde is everyone (everyone!) getting sick right before opening night. Although this could have been deemed a disaster, the cast cooperation and religious dedication to rumored vocal remedies let us make it a funny story of everyone scrambling to get a final mouthful of honey/lemon/tea before going onstage. In the end, we made it through, and it was a great reminder of what perseverance and professionalism in the face of illness can do.
Risa Liebmann - I’ve seen every Rye Neck musical (with the exception of Peter Pan) since Cats, and from the very first time I knew I wanted to be in one someday. At first it was a simple fascination with the costumes, but as I learned more about the program, I grew to love every part of it. In my freshman and sophomore years, I was on stage - acting in Into the Woods and Legally Blonde. In junior year, though, I discovered that my true passion lay behind the stage - on crew. Stage managing this year’s musical feels like a true culmination of my Rye Neck Theatre experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Sirsha O'Day - My favorite memory is painting the mural with Isabella for the past three shows. I’m very proud of our work and like knowing it’ll stay here long after we have graduated.
Grace O'Rourke - One of my favorite memories from my time in the Rye Neck Theatre Program is the tech day of And Then There Were None when I was in 10th grade. I was very shy and nearly a total beginner, but seeing everyone make jokes together (including the infamous never-ending handshake) during the cue to cue was the first time I got a sense of how much this program is a family. That camaraderie has only grown since then.
Delaney Park - When my first Rye Neck Musical ended last year, I was simultaneously relieved and devastated. Relieved that I might at last be able to get some more sleep, and heartbroken that I suddenly lost hours of time to be with my friends. I had enjoyed the experience of acting as well so I decided right then and there that I would participate next year, too.
Isabella Vidales - My favorite memory from doing the musical is creating the logo for the past three shows with Sirsha and being able to see it on the Playbill, shirts, and all over the school and town.
