Life is but a stage: Wethersfield Teen Theater prepares for its annual summer musical

by Mark Jahne

Editor

Wethersfield Teen Theater was founded 37 years ago to offer youngsters who enjoy performing the opportunity do so when school is not in session.

This year’s production is the musical “Mean Girls” and the cast, musicians and crew are busy rehearsing for the shows. Former teen theater participant Olivia Dizes, a recent graduate of Emmanuel College, is the director.

“I started when I was a student. I directed this year and last year,” she said. “I was always in the pit” as a keyboard player. “I made all of my best friends through this program.”

Dizes was a member of the orchestra at both Wethersfield High School and Emmanuel. She loves summer teen theater, which is open to ages 11 to 22.

“It’s such a fun group to be a part of,” she said. “We have a lot of eighth-graders this year. We’re funded through Parks and Recreation.”

Members of the cast of Wethersfield Teen Theater rehearse for their upcoming production of the musical “Means Girls.” (Jahne)

The first production took place in 1989. This program was suspended from 2020-2023 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants can serve on the board of directors that currently has eight members. It is led by Jasper Langdon and Collette Rocheleau.

“They really love to do it,” Dizes said. “The older kids have made such an effort to welcome the younger ones.”

That’s because everything about this theater group is based upon a collaborative model. Cast sizes have remained consistent over the years with 20 to 30 on-stage performers. The show they select is always a musical.

Primary roles in “Means Girls” will be performed by Izaak van Bochoven, Emma Gasparini, Lily Gebhardt, Amy Hochdorfer, Mary Mazzone, Leah Pocklington, Collette Rocheleau, Dean Rowell, Gavin Scalerio, Brielle Shea, Rocco Terrnova and Ariana Wereb.

Ensemble members are Ares Colon-Morales, Jade Curtis, A.J. Furman, Alisa Krayzman, Vivyanne Kurimay, Sybil Redfield, Gia Redz, Eliana Rivas, Juli Sinsigalli, Lexi Socha, Elise Spodaro and Goldyn White.

In addition to Dizes, the production staff consists of Choreographer Lily Gebhardt, Pit Director Rushil Jog, Stage Managers Allison Johannes and Megan Johannes, Matt Corwin on sound, James Godbout on lights, Costume Designer Chloe Gallares and Set Designer Ally Crevier.

All performances will take place at the high school. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students. Show dates and times are July 23-24 at 7:30 p.m. and July 25 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. WL

For more information go to wethersfieldteentheater.com or see its Facebook or Instagram pages.