BWW Interviews: Emily Trainor of WEST SIDE STORY at Matthews Playhouse

Matthews Playhouse's School of Theatre, presents West Side Story, the American musical inspired by William Shakespeare, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. This action-packed musical depicts the rivalry between to teen street gangs, The Jets and the Sharks of two different ethnic backgrounds. Emily Trainor, a high school senior at Providence High School and student of the School of Theatre portrays the role of Anita, the sexy, sassy sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The young protagonist, Tony, a member of The Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of the Sharks (Bernardo). Anita and Maria are friends that work at a bridal shop together. The conflict and prejudices that arise as a result of the"forbidden" love affair between Tony and Maria is explosive, entertaining, and captivating.

Emily, are you from Charlotte?

Emily Trainor: I am originally from Philadelphia, but I've lived in Charlotte most of my life.

How old are you?

Emily Trainor: I am 17 years old.

What high school did you attend?

Emily Trainor: I attend Providence High School

What grade are you in?

Emily Trainor: I am a senior!

How long have you been acting?

Emily Trainor: I performed in my first show when I was in second grade. I've been acting since I was four years old.

What was your first acting role?

Emily Trainor: I played a school child in a show called "Really Rosie".

What made you want to become an actress?

Emily Trainor: My family have always been really involved in The Arts. My sister, who is six years older than me, is a dancer and my brother is a musician. So, I have been surrounded by The Arts. It has allowed me to express myself in different ways.

What interested you in auditioning for the role of Anita?

Emily Trainor: It's a really different part for me. I am not really the sassy, sexy type person. I guess that aspect of her drew me-it gave me the opportunity to explore diversity and to dive deep in her character.

Tell me a little bit more about this particular performance of West Side Story.

Emily Trainor: The whole show is performed by "high schoolers" all around Charlotte and the Union County region. I've had the chance to meet people from all around the area that I would not had the chance to meet otherwise. We all get along very well...it's a learning experience to work with a professional director and choreographer and to explore a play that we wouldn't necessarily get to perform in school.

Who is the director of the show?

Emily Trainor: Lisa Blatant - she is the director and the choreographer

How long have you been performing at Matthews Playhouse?

Emily Trainor: I have been taking classes at Matthew Playhouse since I was very little. I grew up wanting to be in the Senior Theater Program, which I am in now. I have performed in other places in the area, but I always return to Matthews Playhouse.

What other shows have you performed?

Emily Trainor: Last year, we did Sweeney Todd, I was Mrs. Lovett. I also performed in Children of Eden, Aida, Alice in Wonderland, and The Wizard of Oz. I was also in Shrek last year.

You said you were in a program at Matthews Playhouse, how many years have you been in it?

Emily Trainor: There are actually three different programs: The Junior, which is from 4 grade to 7th grade, the Intermediate is from 7th and 8th grade, and the Senior is from 9th grade to 12th. I have been in each program.

You are also President of the Key Club at your school, right? What is the function of the Key Club?

Emily Trainor: The Key Club is an internationally known service leadership program. We've worked with the Ronald McDonald House, we've taken part in walks, fundraisers for Cancer, etc. We try to do as much for the community as we can.

Besides acting, what else do you do?

Emily Trainor: I sing and dance as well. I've taken ballet for about 15 years at a small studio, Matthews Ballet. I've also taken modern, jazz and tap dance.

What are your future plans?

Emily Trainor: After graduation, I plan to attend an Arts or Liberal Arts college to major in Musical Theater or Vocal Performance.

WEST SIDE STORY runs at Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street East, Matthews, NC 28105.

$18 Adults - $15 Students & Seniors, Kids 10 and under $12

The Box Office is open two weeks prior to performances Monday - Friday from 2:30pm - 4:30pm and one hour prior to each performance. Tickets may be ordered by calling 704-846-8341 during box office business hours.

Performances:

• Friday, February 6th - 8:00pm
• Saturday, February 7th - 8:00pm
• Sunday, February 8 - 2:00 pm

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