By Donya Hassanshahi
Come this February, drama students at Redwood High School will showcase their annual musical. This year, students will be performing the 1980s coming of age film, Footloose.
Brooke O’Leary, ’22, who will appear as “Ariel Moore,” is more than excited to debut as a character she has been applying all her effort into. Not only does she love the character itself, though her enthusiasm towards the personality of the character is something she looks forward to present to audience members.
In the musical, “Ariel Moore” is the “rebellious girl in town, but she has a more reserved and sweet side,” as perceived by O’Leary.
When acting, O’Leary explains how she and Moore are quite similar. She has decided to uniquely portray the role by emphasizing her own personality to resemble Moore.
Considering her position in a leading role, the spotlight can be stressful at times. O’Leary admits the joy of the experience, although as a lead, “You hold a lot on your shoulders and if you’re not prepared, it’s not a good look.”
O’Leary highlights that being a lead role comes with responsibilities, “Mainly I just practice, practice, practice in my free time; whether it be running lines, my dances, or my songs,” she adds.
Even if inputting the hard work is overwhelming at times, O’Leary describes receiving the role as an “amazing feeling.”
She reassures that putting in the work is worth the end result, “I’ve done theater all my life but haven’t done a show in about two years, so coming back and getting the honor of being a lead is just amazing.”
“I’m looking forward to actually being able to perform for a crowd. So much work goes into the musical and when people get to come and see it, it’s just amazing.”
O’Leary on what she looks forward to following opening night
To see O’Leary play “Ariel Moore,” visit opening night on February 17 at the LJ Williams Theatre at 7:00pm. The musical will also take place on the 18 and 19 of February following opening night.
Donya Hassanshahi
Donya Hassanshahi, '24 is a third year journalism student writing for the Redwood Gigantea. She seeks interest in the Humans of Redwood, hoping to inspire the Redwood community with her writing. You can reach her by her email at donya.hassanshahi@gmail.com.
Tags: arts and entertainment, Brooke O'Leary, drama, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood journalism, Redwood Musical, redwood rangers, redwoodmusical, spring musical, theatre