Eleven-year-old Chris DeLisi of Ashburn believes his acting experience as “Lucky the Lamb” in Old McDonald’s Farm” helped him land one of the lead roles in the Sterling Playmaker’s upcoming play, “Charlotte’s Web.”
DeLisi plays the part of Wilbur the Pig. Delisi said he did not hesitate when the director, Kevin Robertson, suggested he try out for the part. “OK, that was pretty cool,” Delisi said Sunday. “I’ll be an actor for a while.”
His mother, Jeannie DeLisi, tried out for Charlotte the Spider. “I never got to act with Chris before,” she said. “It’s a dream come true for me.”
Jeannie DeLisi said she met her husband while doing community theater. “We thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if our child was interested in acting?’” she recalled.
Jeannie and Rick DeLisi say they are pleased their son likes acting. “It’s almost like I’m watching a colleague,” the mother said. “I’m very proud of him. It comes from inside him.”
“CHARLOTTE’S WEB” will be held Nov. 12-14 and 19-21 at the Sterling Middle School theater. Friday performances are at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call 703-437-6117 or visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com.
Lauren Miller, 13, of Sterling, landed the part of Fern, who saves the pig at the start of the play. “This is my first part in a Sterling Playmaker’s play,” she said. “It’s very exciting. It’s a real learning experience for me.”
She said she loves to perform and to be on the stage. “The people are really nice. It’s like a family,” she said. “Eventually, I want to be an actress, but that’s a little far off.”
Ryan Duncan, 9, of Sterling, said he has been in a few school plays, but this is his first community theater. He likes portraying the part of Avery, because the character has a funny personality. “He just likes to be part of everything and have everything that his sister has and to be the center of attention,” he said.
Duncan said he is not sure if he wants to become a professional actor someday. But he wants to try out for a Sterling Playmaker’s musical so he can sing. He has performed church solos.
Tyrell Walker, 13, of Ashburn, said he likes being Templeton the Rat, because he gets to talk in a high nasally voice. “It’s really fun to slink around too,” he said. “He is an interesting character. He is funny.”
WALKER, WHO HAD parts in “South Pacific” and “Beauty and the Beast,” said this is his first major role. He hasn’t made up his mind about whether to pursue acting after high school. “I plan to keep acting for a long time though,” he said.
“Charlotte’s Web” is based on the E.B. White’s book and adapted by Joseph Robinette. It is being acted out by an array of adults and children. The director is Kevin Robertson and the producer is Ken Shall. Nancy DuPlissey serves as the assistant director, Scott Ruegg as technical director, Helen Gernhardt as production stage manager, Pete Edivan as set designer and Beth Robertson as costume designer.