Alana Greener is only nine years old and already has stars in her eyes. Studying dance and voice since the age of two, she is currently in rehearsal for her starring role in the “Big Bad Musical,” at Westminster Conservatory. She plays the attorney to the victims of the Big Bad Wolf in the humorous play that spoofs the Hans Christian Andersen stories. The production is Monday, May 24, at 6 p.m. at the Playhouse on the Princeton campus. Tickets are free.
Greener, born in Chappaqua, New York, studied ballet and theater at Ballet Enfants at Roaring Brook School and the New Castle Dance Studio. “When our family moved to West Windsor in 2006, we found an abundance of school and theater programs nearby,” says her mother, Julie Greener, a sales representative with Clipper Magazine. “Alana continued her ballet and started taking jazz and voice lessons.” She studies voice with a private instructor in New York City; jazz, ballet, and musical theater at Arts Youniversity in Hamilton; and theater at Kelsey Theater. Alana, a third grade student at Maurice Hawk School, is also a Brownie.
“She absolutely loves to sing and dance and act and always feels comfortable on stage,” says Julie. “She used to make up her own lyrics and was never shy about performing.”
In addition to local theater, Alana has auditioned in New York City for a few commercials and has done two photo shoots. She also attended Broadway productions of “Hairspray,” “Shrek,” and “Grease” — although her favorite show was the Jonas Brothers Concert.
Her older brothers, both students at Grover Middle School, are Josh, 14, and Jeremy, 12. “Both Josh and Jeremy have no interest in acting or singing. However, Josh is more interested in the directing,” says their mother. “He enjoys helping Alana rehearse her lines and directing her on how to do her part.” While Alana favors the performing arts for her activities she also plays soccer like her brother, Josh, while Jeremy plays ice hockey and baseball. Their father, Robert, is an attorney.
Alana performed in the last three Halloween plays at the West Windsor library. She was recently on the Kelsey Theater stage in “Fiddler on the Roof.” “Alana loved the experience and can’t wait to do it again,” says Julie. “She learned a tremendous amount of what is put into a production and many tips to help her sprouting career.”
Big Bad Musical, Westminster Conservatory Playhouse, Princeton. Monday, May 24, 6 p.m. Family spoof on Hans Christian Andersen tales. Free. 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu.
