One of the fun things about a family show at a community theater means that families are able to work together to produce a show on stage. “Seussical,” the musical that opens at Kelsey Theater on Friday, September 24, involves families both on stage and backstage.
The Ferraras and the Karlins of West Windsor; the Slothowers of Plainsboro; and the Maurers, former West Windsor residents, all play roles. Frank Ferrara portrays Mr. Mayor, Shannon Ferrara is a Bird Girl, and their daughter, Elizabeth, is Cindy Lou Who. Scott and Rosie Karlin are in the ensemble, and their daughter, Molly, is a featured dancer.
Dan Slothower, and his daughter, Amy, are in the ensemble; his other daughter, Robin, is a featured dancer; and his wife, Kathy, is the costume designer. John Maurer, and his daughter, Stacy, are in the ensemble,
Other West Windsor-Plainsboro residents include Jason Wilks, an ensemble member; and Mollie Rubenstein, a featured dancer. Anna Chicco and Kavya Pochiraju, who portray Thing 1 and 2, both live in Plainsboro.
Although the Ferrara family are fairly new residents of West Windsor, they are not new to the area. Shannon Ferrara, a music teacher in WW-P schools for 11 years, has been at Village School for the past nine years. Frank, a medical writer at ImClone LLC, lived in Plainsboro before he and Shannon married.
“Our major decisions about moving to West Windsor include the schools, being closer to our workplaces, and because of being involved in many shows at Kelsey Theater,” says Shannon, “We really love living here because of the proximity to the theater.”
Their daughter, Elizabeth, 6, a first grade student at Maurice Hawk School, has practically grown up on the Kelsey stage. Frank often directs, produces, and acts; and Shannon, who also acts, has often been involved on the musical parts.
“Our family is having a blast working together in Seussical! We picked this show to audition for specifically so we had a chance to do something as a family,” says Shannon. “Elizabeth often comes to rehearsals for other shows we’re doing, but we’ve really enjoyed getting to act together in a show. I don’t get to see Frank and Elizabeth too often because we’re in opposing scenes, but it’s a lot of fun for the three of us to share the stage.”
— Lynn Miller
Seussical, Kelsey Theater, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Friday, September 24 to Sunday, October 3. The musical is based on the familiar characters of Horton the Elephant and Mayzie La Bird created by Dr. Seuss. There is a reception with the cast and crew following the opening performance on September 24. 609-570-3333. www.kelseytheatre.net.
