Hip hip hooray! This is our first ever production of Madeline’s Christmas and we’re so excited for a number of reasons: #1 three weekends of shows, #2 it’s the start of our 50th anniversary season, and lastly, #3 we have 2 actors cast as Madeline! Meet one of them–Maggie Donnelly and learn about her experience at Encore and throughout the production process!
Can you describe your first experience with theater? What sparked your interest?
Maggie: My first experience in Theater was Encore Stage and Studio’s summer camp, It’s elementary. My family always saw how dramatic I was as a smaller child, and thought I should foster those talents, into better use by doing drama. So my parents signed me up for It’s elementary and I did it for 5 years, and loved it.
What encouraged you to audition for Madeline’s Christmas?
Maggie: The fact that Madeline’s Christmas was a musical was definitely one of the main factors of my choice to audition. I read the Madeline stories as a younger girl and knew them well. I also knew that being a young girl that I might have had a chance at being in the show, considering there are 12 young girl parts!
What other roles have you played in Encore’s past productions? What is your most memorable one and why?
Maggie: My most memorable show was my first (and only) show, Snow White. I was a squirrel and part of the animal choir. Although, I didn’t have any lines, I still had fun, and it was an amazing experience.
What do you enjoy most about playing Madeline?
Maggie: Some of the things I enjoy about playing Madeline, are the cast. The cast in Madeline is already like my family. This is my first show with most of the people and I am already so comfortable around them, like I have known them for years. I also love the staff. The staff is so helpful and friendly, they teach me all sorts of cool stuff, yet they don’t seem like teachers to me (in a good way). I also enjoy coming to rehearsal. When I come to rehearsal, everybody understands me there. I feel like I leave all of the stress about school, friends, or family, at the door and don’t have to think about it anymore. Lastly, I love playing Madeline, because she is strong willed and she won’t anybody stand in her way, but she is sweet and loving, and caring about everyone, and everything.
What similarities or differences do you have with your character?
Maggie: I see a lot of similarities between me and my character, she is strong and persistent and is always seeking adventure, even when she is specifically told not to. She isn’t afraid of much, but will take care of anyone that needs her help. That reminds me a little bit of me, sometimes.
Thanks Maggie for sharing your Encore story! Break a leg!
Just two weekends left of Madeline’s Christmas! Don’t miss out on this charming production!
Click here to buy your tickets today.
Photos by Larry McClemons