Connor McElwee of West Windsor portrays the Marquis of Winchester in “Queen Jane,” a new play opening Friday, August 16, at the Hamilton Murray Theater on the Princeton University campus. Written by Marvin Harold Cheiten of Princeton, the story focuses on Queen Jane, a 15-year-old forced to be the Queen of England in 1553. “The show follows the men of Queen Jane’s court and their attempt to manipulate their new and inexperienced leader,” says McElwee.
Once Jane is on the throne she uses her powers to help the poor and the disadvantaged. “Jane’s extremely liberal reforms and the angry conservative reaction against them may remind audiences of President Obama and the equally angry reaction that his proposals have gotten,” says Cheiten. Dan Berkowitz, Cheiten’s longtime collaborator, directs the show.
“The Marquis is an English nobleman and a council member in the new Queen’s court,” says McElwee. “He is an interesting character because although independently wealthy he is conniving, manipulative, and basically evil. No matter how much he has, he still thirsts for more riches and power.”
McElwee was born and raised in West Windsor. “I am grateful to live in such a nice town,” he says. He became involved in theater at Grover Middle School where he was in both “Suessical the Musical” and “Cheaper by the Dozen.” “I really enjoyed it and knew it was something I wanted to continue to do,” he says.
At High School South he played the role of Pasty in “Gypsy,” and the lead characters of Luther Billis in “South Pacific” and Nathan Detroit in “Guys and Dolls.” Drama classes, he says, “were always favorite classes of mine, and I took away many good things from them.”
At South he also participated in Battle of the Bands, Senior One Acts, and the Mr. South competition. A graduate from South in 2011, he has pursued acting at Penn State as a member of the Penn State Thespians and the No Refund Theater acting troupe. He played the lead role of J.B. Biggley in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
McElwee was also on the varsity baseball and football teams at South. “I try to stay in the game by playing intramural sports at college,” he says. He is working at a summer camp at Princeton’s Dillon Gym this summer.
McElwee got involved with “Queen Jane” when he saw the casting notice in the WW-P News. “It seemed to be a good opportunity,” he says. “I was surprised and grateful that I was cast. It is a great chance to work with such a talented cast and director.”
At Penn State he is majoring in telecommunications. “I do take theater classes at school to keep studying the technique and skills of acting and generally just learn new things,” says McElwee.
His mother, Mari, received her master’s degree from Penn State and is a CPA. His father, Dan, graduated from Villanova Law School, and works in the financial sector. “They both acted in college productions while at St. Joseph’s University, where they attended undergraduate school,” says their son.
“My mom and dad have always been very supportive of my interest in theater,” he says. “They have taught me much of what I know about acting. I am thankful for their acting guidance and I know it has helped me in my various productions.”
His brother, Dan McElwee, and sister, Erin McElwee, both acted in student productions at High School South. “I always enjoyed watching my siblings perform,” he says.
McElwee shared advice for other students in “Pirate News and View,” June, 2011. “I would recommend to take a chance and participate in a variety of activities. Run for student council, audition for a musical or the fall drama. Try out for a team or join a club. Talk to your teachers; they really are interested in you. Even if only a few of these activities interest you, you will have made new friends and had some great experiences.”
Queen Jane, Allied Playwrights, Hamilton Murray Theater, Princeton University. Friday, August 16, to Sunday, August 25. A new verse drama by Marvin Harold Cheiten about Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen of England for nine days in 1553. $20. 877-238-5596. www.marvincheiten.com.
