We are excited to perform our final weekend of Madeline’s Christmas! To celebrate, we’re happy to introduce you to Ella McHugh, who plays Miss Clavel in the yellow cast of Madeline’s Christmas!
What other roles have you played in Encore’s past show productions? What is your most memorable one and why?
Ella: My first role was as a unicorn and the prince’s lieutenant in Cinderella three years ago. I have also been the Magic Mirror in Snow White, one of Olivia’s friends in Twelfth Night, and Mrs. Carmichael in A Little Princess. My most memorable role is being a part of Godspell. It was lots of fun and I became really good friends with everyone in the cast.
I have also been on backstage or front of house crews for Cul de Sac, The Best Haunted House and The Jungle Book. It’s great being on crew. You get to build stuff and paint things. I’ll be on the crew for Sherlock Holmes, coming up in January.
What other classes and camps have your participated with Encore, do you have a favorite experience to share?
Ella: Godspell was the performance for the Musical Theater Intensive last year. This was a class where the students learn all about being a part of a musical from auditions to the performance. I started taking after school enrichment classes with Encore in around 3rd grade and have taken classes or signed up with camps every year since then. For the past three summers, I have participated in Stage Door, a three week camp that puts on a musical. Last summer’s musical was The Little Mermaid.
In your own words, how would you describe Miss Clavel?
Ella: She is a motherly figure towards the girls and tries to keep them all safe. She does her best to help them, as when they get sick. But it doesn’t always go as she wants. She reminds me of my kindergarten teacher because she is trying to teach all the kids to be respectful, but we were only kindergarteners so we didn’t always do what she said.
What do you enjoy most about playing Miss Clavel?
Ella: I like working with Kelsey, the director, and the other kids in the show. It’s nice having the role double cast because you have someone else going through the process with you for moral support.
Do you find any fun challenges playing the role, and if so, what are they?
Ella: Sometimes pronouncing the French is difficult. But now I can say, mes petite filles which means “my little girls”.
What are some tips about being in the audience can you share for first- time theater goers coming to see the show?
Ella: Have fun and enjoy the show, but remember to be a respectful audience member.
Remaining shows:
Friday, December 1, 2017 at 7:30 pm (LIMITED SEATS LEFT)
Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 11 am (LIMITED SEATS LEFT)
Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 3 pm (SOLD OUT!)
Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 3 pm (SOLD OUT!)
Photos by Larry McClemons, Rosemarie O’Connor and Aileen Pangan