This week we Take Five with the beautiful and talented Missy Lang. Missy, a junior at West Milford High School is busy preparing for her role as Belle in this year's high school production of Beauty and the Beast, which will be presented at the high school on March 2 and 3. Be sure to go online and see our Bonus Five with Missy.
1) How did you get involved with musical theatre?
I have been singing and dancing my whole life, but I experimented with being part of a musical in seventh grade. In eighth grade, when I got to play Rosie in "Bye Bye Birdie," I knew that it was something I would want to do for the rest of my life. So getting to play Belle in this year's high school production of Beauty and the Beast is an honor.
2) Who is your biggest inspiration?
That is a tough question to answer, because I have been lucky enough to be inspired by so many people! My voice teacher, Deb Smith, is definitely one of the most inspiring people I have ever met though.
3. What would most people be surprised to know about musical theatre?
What people don't get to see by sitting in an audience is the work that people besides the cast put in. The crew members work so hard on the set and don't get enough credit for it! If we didn't have all of the parents helping, it would be so hard to put on a musical at all! The list goes on and on, but I think it is important for people to know how much work happens behind the scenes.
4) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
My favorite teacher is definitely my band director, Dr. Mac (McLaughlin). Ever since freshman year he has built my love for music more and more every day. He is the one that made me want to pursue music as my career.
5) Share a favorite moment with your group.
We the "play kids" are one huge family. So every Friday we go out to the West Milford Diner after rehearsal. I love doing that because it is such a great bonding experience for all of us.
Can't wait to see you, Missy, as Belle! It's great that you and the "play kids" have such a great family relationship. You make the Highlanders proud! Break a leg.
Do you know someone who should be featured in Take Five? Send us an email at njoffice@strausnews.com and tell us who and why. Include your nominee's email address.
Bonus Five 6) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
I'm guessing there is no cell service on this island... so unfortunately no cell phone. I would probably bring a book, a picture of my family, and my oboe.
7) What does being a Highlander mean to you?
Being a Highlander to me means being a part of the amazing music programs that are offered. For example, being able to say that I am a part of the "West Milford HIGHLANDER Marching Band" gives me so much pride.
8) What do you do with your time when you are not doing musical theatre?
I am really into the instrumental part of music as well. I play oboe and clarinet, and hope to soon learn piano. I also love to write and read and hang out with my friends.
9) What is your favorite movie/book/character and why?
My favorite character is Elphaba (the wicked witch) in the Broadway show "Wicked." I love this character because she displays how there is a good side to anything that is bad.
10) Share something no one knows about you.
Something that no one really knows about me is that I am in the process of writing my own novel.