This week we Take Five with Sophia Metcalf, one of the stars in the West Milford High School's production of Beauty and the Beast. Sophia plays Mrs. Potts in the show, which runs next Thursday, Friday and Saturday (check our calendar on pages 6-7). Sophia has loved musicals since she was just a little girl. And one of her favorite holidays is just around the corner.
1) How did you get involved with musicals?
Ever since I was young, I loved music. I remember coming down to breakfast when I was very young, and hearing operas playing from the kitchen. My mom introduced me to Les Miserable when I was six or seven, and it was probably then I figured out how much I loved singing. Both Maple Road and Macopin Schools, along with the West Milford Players, gave me a place to experience the stage. Performing just makes sense for me, its part of my childhood.
2) Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is probably my mother. Shes a really positive, unselfish, hard-working person, and shes taught me a lot about tolerance and perseverance.
3) What would most people be surprised to know about musicals?
I know when I first started doing musicals I was surprised to learn just how many newbies like me there were. Its never too late to start acting or singing. Many people seem to think performing is about experience, but in truth its about emotion and perseverance.
4) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
My favorite teacher of all time is my vocal coach, Deb Smith. She has taught me more about life than any other person outside of my family. Shes understanding, compassionate, and a wonderful voice teacher. Im sure that shes changed me forever, and for the better.
5) Share something no one knows about you.
I really like St. Patricks Day (green bagels!) and redheads, although my family has no Irish history.
Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day, Sophia! And we can't wait to see you and the other talented actors at the show next week. Break a leg!
Do you know someone who should be featured here at Take Five? Let us know! Email us at njoffice@strausnews.com with your nomination and be sure to include their email address. We want to show everyone what great kids we have here in West Milford.
Bonus Five 6) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
I would bring fresh water, food, and a boat. I know that isnt very romantic or insightful, but if Im on a deserted island, getting off would be my number one concern.
7) Share a favorite moment with your group.
Friday nights, many members of the Beauty and the Beast cast go out to dinner at the West Milford Diner. Collectively, the memories from the diner are wonderful, and really capture how close this cast is. Its wonderful to be able to count on the cast as if they are my family.
8) What do you do with your time when you are not doing a musical?
On top of acting, singing, and songwriting, I am involved with the high schools yearbook, Interact club, French honor society, Model UN, the marching band, and student council. I love musicals, but they certainly arent my only passion.
9) What is your favorite movie/book/character and why?
Currently, my favorite book is probably The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Granted, it also is the only book Ive had time to read for pleasure, which is why it may be at the top of my list, however, it was also one of those books that left you so emotionally distraught that the only proper thing to do is go back and read it again. Ive read it twice at this point, and the emotional upheaval and thought caused by Greens writing hasnt stopped. Im not one to reread books, and yet Im hoping to read this one a third time. Its full of wonderful language, and its just a really great read.
10) What does being a Highlander mean to you?
To me, being a Highlander means chasing all the opportunities offered to me. From marching band to the Math Honor Society to video club, there really is something for everyone. Being a Highlander means working hard and staying positive.