Meet the Artist - Our Own Cecelia, Paige Reisenfeld
Paige Reisenfeld (Cecelia) has a rich career in the performing arts as an audiobook narrator, singer, and actor. Her portrayal of Cecelia, the innocent waif who falls desperately in love with Julie, reveals an underlying hope and strength to follow one’s heart.
How do you approach making your character come alive for the performance? What did you find the most intriguing? What is the most difficult to portray?
Recollection of experiences mostly: Cecilia is young and naive, but knows there is something better and more for her, and she goes after that dream - which is something we all do. Most intriguing is her ultimate fate and the questions surrounding whether or not a dream is better or worse than what was originally in store.
As we head into the final production, what has surprised you about the experience? What did you expect?
I don't know that I was surprised by anything, but I did not expect all the help I received, getting me up to speed, on my first day at rehearsal (some three weeks into the process). It is a very warm and accepting cast and crew. OH! I was surprised by the modern dance sequence, which I have never done in my life.
If you could play any other character in the show, what character would you like to try? Why?
Hmm....someone who sword-fights! Cause it looked like so much fun.
Who do you hope shows up to see Juile and what do you hope they take away from the show?
Everyone! I hope people who are not familiar with the style of music show up; the Baroque flavors mixed with electronica and pop is such a cool mix. I also hope people who don't know what to think about the topic come and I hope they take away something new to think about. They may or may not like the show, may or may not agree with the show's message, but if it makes at least one person stop and think, then I feel like it's a success.
Who will be cheering you on from the audience?
My mom and a couple of co-workers are coming in-person.
Paige Reisenfeld, who played Cecelia
