The Methacton High School Theater Company will be putting on a production of “Chicago: Teen Edition” in March. The cast list was sent out to all students who had auditioned on December 1. Seniors Natalie Zebrowski (Velma) and Paige Alaishuski (Roxie) will be starring in the show on March 14, 15, and 16.
For Zebrowski, Chicago might be her last show. In college, she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing; she already thrives in anatomy and physiology and is hoping to have a career in neonatal or pediatric nursing. That doesn’t mean that theater is her last priority, as she estimates that she has been in 18 or 19 shows. She has even been a star before- as Ursula in The Little Mermaid, Jr.
Typically, Zebrowski has been cast in supporting lead roles, such as Wendy Jo in last year’s musical, Footloose. She is “a little nervous because [she wants] to live up to everyone’s expectations,” but on the whole, she is “very excited”. Even though Zebrowski’s favorite show to date has been the Firebird Theatre production of Once On This Island, Jr., and the show that she would most like to be in would be Newsies, she developed an affinity for Chicago over the summer.
Zebrowski would like to thank Mrs. Francisco, Ms. DeSanto, Mrs. Fitzgerald, and Mrs. Naylor for her successes so far.
“They have helped me grow in confidence both in music and in my life.”
She has some advice for younger students looking to shine like her.
“Even if you’re quiet or shy, keep with it. Life… is way [too] short to be anything but happy.” She is hoping to return to Methacton to see performances next year.
Paige Alaishuski (Roxie) has acted as another 1920’s woman before: Daisy Buchanan, in last year’s fall play, The Great Gatsby. That show was Alaishuski’s favorite, because of the “rich and deep” story and Daisy’s character. Will Alaishuski be able to differentiate between the characters?
“I’m going to try my best to make [Daisy and Roxie] different!” she said, noting that factors in Daisy’s life, such as her upbringing, caused her to become a bad person, while Roxie is “just unapologetically narcissistic.”
Alaishuski is no novice when it comes to theater. She has been doing shows since she was about nine years old, and they number to more than 20 now; she is planning to major in musical theater in college. Her biggest inspiration has been her mom, who “used to do musical theater in high school and was an awesome singer” and has recently been “supportive in [Alaishuski’s] theatre endeavors,” being her “right-hand woman when helping [her] prepare for college auditions.” Mrs. Francisco, Mrs. Fitzgerald, and Mrs. Naylor have all helped to shape her as a performer, too.
Outside of theater, Alaishuski can be found working on her pieces for AP Studio Art or relaxing on YouTube. She says that she will definitely come back for events next year. Her advice to younger students is “it’s never too late to start”, because “if you’re committed to learning, you are perfectly capable.”
