This week we Take Five with Ben Hajek, a student at St. Catherine of Bologna School in Ringwood who is starring in the Smiling Rhino Theatre production of "Les Miserables" this weekend as "Gavroche." Be sure to go to our Web site, westmilfordmessenger.com, to read our bonus five with Ben. And treat yourself to the production this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The theatre is located at 247 Wanaque Ave., Pompton Lakes. For more information, go to www.rhinotheatre.com.
1) How did you get involved with acting?
My parents have been involved with singing and acting for a very long time. They were in a production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" when I was 4 and I wanted to be on stage too.
2) Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my Dad because he makes it look like a lot of fun on stage. He's a really good singer. He helps me in every way he can by practicing with me so I can be the best I can be.
3) What would most people be surprised to know about acting?
Most people would be surprised to know it's hard work memorizing all the lines you might have, but in the end it's worth it when the audience cheers and claps for you.
4) What do you do with your time when you are not acting?
In my free time, I play on the Warriors Travel Soccer Team, play baseball, read books and play video games.
5) What is your favorite movie, book or character and why?
My favorite book is the entire Percy Jackson series because the author (Rick Riordan) makes the books so interesting I want to keep reading!
Break a leg, Ben! This is just the beginning. Maybe some day we'll see your name in lights!
Do you know someone who should be featured here at Take Five? Let us know who and why. Email us at njoffice@strausnews.com. We want to feature all the great kids in our township.
Bonus Five
6) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
My favorite teacher is Mrs. Perez because she's tough with her expectations. She wants us to understand what we are learning really well, but she's also a lot of fun when she's teaching and she makes me laugh.
7) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
Three things I would bring to a deserted island are a good book, water and lots of ice cream!
8) Share a favorite moment with your group/club/team.
My favorite moment performing in the cast of "Les Mis" is getting to die at the end of every performance I am "Gavroche".
9) What is your favorite thing about St. Catherine's School?
My favorite thing about St. Catherine's School is the teachers. They all really care about us.
10) Share something no one knows about you.
Something no one knows about me is I know how to make homemade cheese ravioli.