It’s that time of year again folks! The fall musical is fast approaching, and the NDA theater department is working tirelessly every day to ensure that the event is spectacular. This year Ms. Russell has opted to put on a concert style performance rather than a traditional play with dialogue, “An Evening with Rodgers & Hammerstein and Andrew Lloyd Webber.”.

I caught up with two performers, Jill Fabiano, a junior and Maggie McCarthy, a senior. I found out their opinions on the new style, their backgrounds in the theater, and got the inside scoop on what it is like to be an NDA performer.

M: How did you guys get started in theater?

Jill: “It was mandatory in my elementary school but as I grew older, I realized I have a real passion for acting. I decided to continue pursuing it when I came to NDA. I love performing, and it’s the best feeling in the world when I get a person in the audience to laugh.”

Maggie: “This musical is actually the first time I have ever had a role in a real play, but I have been performing for a long time. I started dancing when I was three and was in Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Oh, I also a played a dancing napkin in Beauty and the Beast when I was in the 6^th grade.”

M: Wow, very impressive! What about you Jill? Who is your favorite character that you have ever played in a show?

Jill: “I would have to go with Alice in Alice in Wonderland. She was my first leading role in a play, so she holds a special place in my heart.”

M: That’s really cute. What do you think about the fact that the show is going to be composed solely of songs?

Maggie: “I was expecting the more traditional route when I first signed up for the play. I feel more comfortable when singing, so it’s definitely working in my favor.”

Jill: “I’m the opposite because acting is more my strong suit. I prefer playing characters and showing their emotions.”

M: The play is coming up pretty soon…are you nervous?

Jill: “No, I’m more excited.”

Maggie: “Same here. I’m a little nervous, but it’s not like taking a test.”

M: What have you been doing to prepare for the show?

Maggie: I sing a lot of songs from Wicked to prepare my voice. I also listen to and sing the songs from the show while I’m doing homework.

M: What is your favorite part about the NDA Theater Department?

Jill: “Everyone is so encouraging and supportive.”

M: Do you think NDA has made you a better performer?

Jill: “Definitely! It’s a lot more intense and organized. Also, working with talented actors always makes me work harder.”

Maggie: “Yes, working with friends makes it a lot easier too.”

M: Will you pursue acting in the future?

Maggie: “Probably in college, but not as a professional.”

Jill: “I definitely will. When I grow up, I want to be a professional actress, a talk show host, or a performer on SNL.”

M: Wow, very cool! Don’t forget me when you make it big.

Be sure to catch Jill, Maggie, and the rest of the amazing cast in the fall musical on Friday and Saturday, November 21st and 22nd at 7:30pm and Sunday November 23rd at 2:00pm

Purchase tickets online and they’ll be waiting for you at the performance!