By Maria Hernandez
Redwood High School Rangers are excited to present their annual musical this February more than ever, showcasing the coming of age 1980s Footloose. Tessa Hemphill, ‘22 expressed her enthusiasm to play the role of Vi Moore.
“She is unlike any character I’ve ever played before and I knew it would stretch my abilities,” Hemphill says.
Vi Moore, main character Ariel Moore’s mother, shows their family struggle after losing their only son, as she becomes the glue that holds their family together. Although Hemphill herself doesn’t identify with this character, she looks forward to putting everything into the play that she has done to connect to this character.
Hemphill explains that the biggest thing that she could do to interpret this character is to look for words or actions that she thinks she has in common with such a character. Being always ready and prepared is key for Hemphill since she wants to give a good working ethnic example for the underclassmen and future Rangers to come in the drama program.
“It’s definitely been a process, but I believe it’s coming together really nicely,” Hemphill expresses.
Tags: footloose, humans of redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, Redwood Musical, tessa hemphill, visalia ca