The Poland Players will be climbing aboard a musical that is full of music, dance, laughs and the age-old tale of boy meets girl… Anything Goes is delightful, delicious and de-lovely. I’ve joined some of the senior cast members to get their thoughts and feelings on their final performance. I spoke with Delaney Demetrios as Hope Harcourt, Celia Fleet as the Captain, and Alyssa Davis as Erma.
First, I spoke with Demetrios. She reflected, “Having performed in every show in my four years of being a Poland Player, this being my eighth and final show is very bittersweet. Walking into the auditorium for the first time my freshman year, I had no idea what kind of experience awaited me. However, after getting to know all the amazing upperclassmen and an even more incredible director, I knew this was the place I belonged. That year I got very close to many of the seniors and when their last show came about, I was so sad they were all leaving, but I also wondered what my senior year in the program would be like. When I look back on who I was that first day of signing up to audition for my first show, I can say with confidence I have grown exponentially in many aspects, and not just as a performer, but as a person too. With the help of this program, I have been given so many opportunities to inspire others and gain confidence in myself and my abilities. My theater experience taught me to get out of my comfort zone, make connections with others that will last a lifetime, and believe in myself. Though it will be sad to end my Poland Player career, I will cherish these years of memories I’ve made and the friends I’ve made with them forever.”
Next, I spoke with Fleet to get her perspective. She stated, “As someone who has been a part of the Poland Players for four years now, this being my last musical feels bittersweet. I will definitely miss all of the time spent backstage, talking with friends, and building connections. I will also remember fondly the moments that I spent on stage, dancing, singing, and acting. I owe all that I am as an actress to Poland’s theater program and the lessons that they taught me. On the other hand, I have spent years of tireless work and dedication to these shows, and to finally be done with all of the shows feels like a great accomplishment to me. When I joined theater as a freshman, I didn’t quite understand how much effort went into these productions. While I am so thankful for every opportunity I was given, theater being over feels like I am finally able to reclaim my life outside of the stage, and now focus more on other aspects of life that bring me joy, such as my family and church. Ultimately, I will always be grateful for every show I took part in, and I have already begun to reminisce on the wonderful evenings I dedicated to theater, but for me, the ending of this last musical represents the closing of one chapter in my life and the opening of another.”
Lastly, I spoke with Davis to get her final thoughts. She expressed, “I am happy to finally have some free time and not have to worry about another audition, but I am sad because I love theater and cannot believe this chapter in my life is over. I am not sure what I am going to do with all this time I will have. Theater has taught me a lot, and I have made some amazing friendships through the program, people I never would have talked to without being in theater. It is something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Congratulations to all the Poland Player Seniors!
