Spring Musical a Real Shamrock Family Production

Six Sets of Siblings in ‘Tarzan’

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photo by Kate E. Reedy

The Department of Theatre Arts musical “Tarzan” captivated audiences in Trinity Auditorium.

Colin Murphy, Staff Reporter

One, two, three, four, five, SIX sets of siblings take part in the upcoming Trinity musical “Tarzan.”

Chemistry in “Tarzan,” which opens Mar. 13 at 7 p.m., should be strong considering the family connections within the company.

The siblings and their schools are as follows:

Chris (THS) & Natalie Monell (YPAS)

Jonathan (THS), Braden (THS), & Claire (elementary) Stuecker

Michael (THS) & Rachel (YPAS) Gardner

Nathaniel (THS) & Amanda Isaacs (SHA)

Ella (elementary) & Mary (elementary) Jenkins

Olivia (elementary) & Ella (elementary) Viers

From elementary to high-schoolers, all 13 students said they are happy to work with their siblings. Some of the siblings, even some of the older cast members, started performing in plays in the first or second grade.

It is a wonderful dynamic, especially when you look at people and say ‘I know your sister or brother was out absent. Can you work with them?’ That has been a wonderful asset for all of us. When they come back with choreography or vocal learned, and we are not having to backtrack, that has been wonderful.

— 'Tarzan' producer/director Ms. Kate Reedy

The actors said they enjoy having their siblings with them.

Producer/director Ms. Kate Reedy said, “It is a wonderful dynamic, especially when you look at people and say ‘I know your sister or brother was out absent. Can you work with them?’ That has been a wonderful asset for all of us. When they come back with choreography or vocal learned, and we are not having to backtrack, that has been wonderful.”

The siblings said they like having someone else in the family working with the play.

Senior Chris Monell, who plays Tarzan, said of performing with sister Natalie, “I have actually felt closer to her since she started doing plays with me at my high school.”

The siblings really push each other to become stronger performers.  They each want to impress their siblings while performing in front of such a big audience.

Most of the students said they were inspired by their sibling to do theater — some also said teachers motivated them to perform.

When Natalie Monell’s drama director at her elementary school encouraged and supported her talent in acting, she has loved it ever since.

“Tarzan” runs through Mar. 24, with 7:00 performances on Mar. 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23, and 2:00 shows on Mar. 17, 23 and 24.

 

Hear from five cast members!……………….videos by Colin Murphy