Emily Baltzell, daughter of Hank and Jamee Baltzell, will portray Donna Sheridan in the NCHS Musical production of Mamma Mia on March 30 through April 2. Tickets for the musical are now on sale in the NCHS office.
What musicals have you been in at NCHS, and what characters/roles did you play?
I have been in Mary Poppins as Jane Banks, Joseph, and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat as one of Jacobs Wives/Reubens’s Wife, Beauty and the Beast as the Baker, and now Mama Mia as Donna Sheridan. I have also performed at OCC, where I was cast as Ngana in their production of South Pacific.
What was your favorite musical and why?
It is a very close tie between Mary Poppins and Mama Mia; though I was really young, being cast as Jane Banks truly sparked my love of performing and being in the spotlight. The friendships I made during that show have lasted me for eight years, and I couldn’t be more thankful. I created bonds with the older cast members, and honestly, seeing their faces on opening night telling me how proud they are is something I will never forget. Also, being in Mary Poppins at such a young age taught me so much but especially determination and work ethic. I always hoped that the end of my NCHS musical career would be just as memorable as the beginning, and I can confidently say it has. Mama Mia and playing Donna has been a dream come true; the catchy songs, the dancing, the AMAZING costumes, what’s there not to love? But most of all, I love how close the cast is. Every practice is a blast, and we constantly catch ourselves laughing during scenes. Unlike previous years this year feels like less work and more enjoyment, and I think that is why I love this show so much.
What scene in Mama Mia is your favorite and why? (This does not have to be a scene you are in)
With being one of the leads, I’m in almost every scene, which makes it hard to choose one, so I’ll give you my top three. I love super trooper; it’s an iconic scene and an even more iconic song. Not to mention the costumes are beyond amazing. Plus, it’s one of the first songs that really focuses on Donna, Tanya, and Rosie and not the full cast, so it’s nice to have our moment as the Dynamos. But I also love our last supper; I really thought I would hate this scene, but I’ve slowly grown to love it. Taking two of the most awkward people and putting them in a “romantic” scene makes for lots of laughs. I always look forward to that scene because It’s so much fun, but it’s also the start of three amazing songs. Finally, The Winner Takes it All. This scene is big and powerful and full of emotion, and I love being able to portray Donna in this light. This is also my time to shine all eyes on me, all lights on me, my moment, and I just know that come opening night, it will blow everyone away. But just know every song I sing and even the songs I don’t sing hold a special place in my heart.
What are three things being in the musical has taught you? and how have you learned these?
Perseverance, First impression matter, and it take all kinds of people to accomplish something. I was part of the group that had to postpone Joseph for a year because of Covid. And when I tell you we all learned a little perseverance, I’m being serious. That show was hard, but the directors were beyond determined. We had put so much work in, as well as them, and customers, and set workers, that no matter what, the public was going to see our show. We had constant setbacks during that show, with people being quarantined to recording to even getting supplies in. But we stuck with it, and though it was a little unconventional, we made it work and, as a group, persevered. In the wise words of Jeffrey Finley, “everything an audition” and “everyone’s replaceable”, now these comments have turned into somewhat of a joke between cast members, but in all actuality, it can apply to everything. First impressions are important and one mistake may affect a role you get in the future, or a job you get. I will always remember these words but more than anything, I’ll apply them. Finally, it takes all kinds of people to accomplish something. We constantly hear that there are no small parts only small actors and while some of us brush that off it’s the truth. We could not put on a production as amazing as we do with just the leads. We need the ensemble, costumers, lights, sound, set constructors, concession workers, and so much more. So many people come together to put these shows on and we couldn’t do it without all of those parts.
What are two pieces of advice you would give young people who want to start performing in musicals at NCHS?
Go for it and give it your all. High school is about trying new things and learning what you enjoy doing so why pass up the opportunity to try something new? If you think you might enjoy it what does it hurt to try? I you don’t like it don’t go out next year but at least you can say you tried it. And give it your all we frequently tell the underclassmen to make their faces bigger and make their movements bigger and to sing louder. We want to see you and we want to hear you. And guess what if you think you look stupid, look at the people around you. Because chances are they look just as stupid as you do.
What qualities do you see exemplified in the adults who help put on this show that you will take with you as you leave NCHS, and how do they demonstrate these qualities?
Compassion, with tough love. When you try out for an NCHS musical production you have to come in knowing nothing is going to be sugar-coated and that’s why we look as good as we do. The directors know how to efficiently critique while also still encouraging.
What will you miss the most once the final curtain closes on your NCHS musical career?
Most of all I will miss the friendships I’v made along the way as well as performing. We spend so much time together over a few months that it becomes a family dynamic. So once it’s over it really feels like your losing part of your family. Most of us have done this for 4+ years together so it won’t feel the same when next spring rolls around and we aren’t together. I will also miss performing. I thrive on the stage and it is truly when I am happiest. The spotlight, the costumes, the dancing, the emotion i get from the audience. For me nothing can beat that. My core memories from high school have been made in musicals as well as some of my closest friendships. But don’t worry this might not be the last time you see me on stage, just my last bow with NCHS.
