EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

New Hampshire

Timberlane thespians double their school vacation fun

By Meghan Carey
Staff writer
Published: May 2, 2008

PLAISTOW — The Timberlane Players have two new accents — cockney and Oxfordian.

Not only do the leads of Timberlane Regional High School's upcoming spring musical have to remember the lines to "My Fair Lady," they also have to use their new accents to recite them.

"Getting the kids to learn an English accent was tricky," director and English teacher Eric Constantineau said. "But it's a fun challenge."

The 50-student double cast is rehearsing this week during spring vacation to get enough stage time for both casts without the distraction of classes and homework. Constantineau said he prefers two casts to involve more students, but that means it's more stressful.

There are also 40 students in the show's orchestra, and 15 others with the technical crew.

"This isn't a vacation; this is 'My Fair Lady' boot camp," Lauren Paley said.

Paley, 18, of Atkinson is one of three students playing Eliza Doolittle in the four productions, scheduled for May 8 to 10. Doolittle, who is poor with a cockney accent, becomes the subject of a bet between a professor and a linguist.

The point, just as in the movies "Pretty Woman" and "She's All That," is to teach Doolittle some etiquette, Paley said.

Her version of the character adds a little spunk, even in scenes when Doolittle is supposed to be proper.

"That's what makes her so appealing," she said.

Three different Eliza Doolittles will make for three different interpretations of the play. All three said they picked up tips from one another, but also have to make the character their own.

The two accents were Julie Bailey's biggest challenge when learning her role.

"It took a long time, but now it's like a light switch," she said. "I can turn it on and off."

Jared Hooper, 18, of Plaistow also molded his character, Freddy. He said he's enjoyed this show because he gets to sing his first solo, "On the Street Where You Live," and was given some creative control.

Hooper worked with Constantineau and a choreographer to make the song his own. The result is a waltz, and he sings while holding an umbrella.

While most parts of the play are coming together, Hooper said there is one thing he just can't get used to during rehearsal.

When his character falls in love with Doolittle, he has to act "addicted to her" in three scenes, Hooper said.

"It's hard because it's different people," he said. "I have to sing the same love song to three different girls."

Somehow, though, he thinks he will survive.

If you go

What: "My Fair Lady" by The Timberlane Players

Where: Timberlane Performing Arts Center, Plaistow

When: Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9, 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 10, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets: $10, adults; $5, senior citizens/students

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