Every Staples Players show has a special touch.
In the fall of 2014, directors David Roth and Kerry Roth brought in professional puppeteers, to teach the high school actors how to use hand-held puppets.
Pam Arciero (who played Oscar the Grouch’s girlfriend Grundgetta on “Sesame Street” and Rick Lyon (from the original Broadway production of “Avenue Q”) provided inside knowledge, tips, inspiration and confidence.
You can see the results in the highlights here and below, filmed and edited by former media teacher Jim Honeycutt.
Here’s what some of the actors in that show are doing today:
Jack Baylis (Princeton) graduated from Point Park University’s musical theater program. He has performed in “Legally Blonde,” “Jersey Boys,” “Children of Eden,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “South Pacific” and more.
Will Haskell (Princeton) went on to serve 2 terms as Connecticut state senator — one of the youngest state legislators in the country.
Julia Mandelbaum (Christmas Eve) graduated from Rider University. She performed professionally in “Evita,” “Singing in the Rain,” and more.
Bryan Gannon (Brian) is an actor and producer best known for his roles as Inspector Lestrade in the film “Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Furtive Festivity,” and on “The Deuce” and “Paramount’s Fences.”
Joe Badion (Nicky) is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He teaches upper school music at the Town School in New York.
Everett Sussman (Nicky) is an applied mathematics/computer science graduate of Harvard University. He is now a digital creator. He has acted in regional theater productions, including “Sweeney Todd.”
Jacob Leaf (Trekkie Monster) is a professional actor. He has appeared in “Mamma Mia!,” “Gypsy,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Eurydice” and more.
Daniel Pauker (Trekkie Monster) is a technical animator. He has a passion for 3D software and systems.
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Bravo!! Encore???