May 7, 2019
Spotlight was delighted to get the chance to interview a few PYT first-timers about their upcoming debut in Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance.
Meet Scarlet Songhyun Lee, Maxine Edmonds and Joelle Wong who are all making their first appearance in a PYT MainStage show. We asked them a few questions and especially why you should come out to see them in The Pirates of Penzance which opens this Saturday, May 11th at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Scarlet: Hello! My name is Scarlet Songhyun Lee and I am 9 1/2 years old. I’m in 3rd grade, and I love to act, sing, dance, and read. You will practically find my nose in a book anywhere. If not, I would dance, act, and sing at the same time.
Scarlet plays a “Pirate/Policeman Featured Dancer” in the Gilbert Cast
Maxine: Hi I’m Maxine Edmonds and I am a junior in high school. I have been performing in shows with my schools and CMT since I was 7 years old. In my latest performance I portrayed Cosette in Les Misérables. My life basically revolves around theater which I hope to pursue in college in New York City, LA, or London. However, outside of theater I write original songs, play piano, and love to paint canvases on the beach.
Maxine plays “Mabel” in the Sullivan Cast
Maxine as “Cosette”
Joelle: I’m nine years old and I’m going into 4th grade. Some of my hobbies are singing, upcycling my clothes, and drawing. My favorite movie is High School Musical (all three).
Joelle plays a “Pirate” in the Sullivan Cast
Why did you want to do “Pirates”? Is this your very first show ever, or just with PYT?
Scarlet: Yes, this is my first show ever with PYT. I was inspired by PYT’s shows last year and I was like ‘Whoa, I have to do this!’. I thought The Pirates of Penzance would be fun!
Maxine: I decided to do The Pirates of Penzance, which is my first PYT show, because I knew the music would be an exciting challenge and it’s a great way to improve my diction.
Joelle: Well, I don’t really know what The Pirates of Penzance is about; I just wanted some experience with MainStage performances! I’ve done school plays and PYT summer camps, but this is my first MainStage performance.
Scarlet (second from left) at our Costume Parade
What’s been the most fun, favorite, interesting or challenging parts about being in “Pirates” or doing a PYT show?
Scarlet: My most favorite part about being a pirate is how we act and sing. The songs are awesome, and the jokes behind the acting are super interesting.
Maxine: My favorite part about PYT is how supportive and kind everyone is. I walk into rehearsal and am greeted with smiles and hard working individuals who spend their time practicing to make this show the best they can.
PYT is fun!
Joelle: I think the most challenging part was remembering all the stuff I’ve learned, and the most fun, was learning “blockography” (blocking and choreography) for Act I finale! But, I think almost everything was interesting.
Why should people come and see the show?
Scarlet: People should come and see The Pirates of Penzance because…who doesn’t like a good PYT show?
Scarlet getting fitted for her policeman costume.
Maxine: People should undoubtedly come see The Pirates of Penzance because it is filled with quality jokes and wonderful singing.
Joelle: Well who doesn’t love an exciting, full of jokes and, well-rehearsed show?! Arrrrrh!
Joelle says . . . Ahoy!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Scarlet: I would like to add that I already feel comfortable and welcome at PYT. The rehearsals are really fun and I would totally want to do this again.
Break-a-leg to Scarlet, Maxine and Joelle and congratulations on your first PYT performance!
The Pirates of Penzance runs May 11-19 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
Don’t miss this chance to see these three newcomers to PYT and many more wonderfully enthusiastic and talented performers in
The Pirates of Penzance! Visit
www.pytnet.org for more info.
Tickets on sale now!
Blog by Barbie Koch
Photos by Lyn Healy, Spotlight Moments Photography
News »
First Timers Ready to Set Sail in “The Pirates of Penzance”
