Arts & Entertainment
Whiz Kid Takes Her Place in the Spotlight
The Burton Elementary School third-grader, who was cast in a Birmingham Community House production of "Grease," says being in a play has been her lifelong dream.
Ellie Haenick
School:
Grade: Third
Age: 8
Find out what's happening in Huntington Woods-Berkleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Accomplishment: Ellie Haenick recently was cast in the , which will be performed by local youth actors at the Birmingham Community House on Nov. 5 and 6.
A star is born
If you ask Ellie how long she's wanted to be in a “real play” she will tell you it's been her lifelong dream.
Find out what's happening in Huntington Woods-Berkleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
At 8 years old, she's ready to take the stage and triumphantly make her dreams come true. For Ellie, all the world's a stage anyway.
Her mother, Amy Haenick, said “the entire city of Huntington Woods knows she's in a play. She is beyond excited.”
Ellie is comfortable performing in front of anyone, Haenick said. She has done Broadway Bound at the and has been involved in music and dance. But what she really wanted to do was be in a “real play.”
On Sept. 9, she got her chance, when tryouts were held at the . The age limit was 8, and fortunately Ellie had just turned 8 on Aug. 14.
She earned the role as an ensemble cheerleader and is one of the youngest performers in the production.
Sara Smith Productions Youth Theatre Director Mitch Master said Ellie has a bubbling personality and is very passionate.
He said cast members were chosen with that attitude in mind, as well as an ability to sing.
“We are glad to have her in the show,” he said.
Master said about 60 performers tried out for the production, but only 50 made the cut.
“It's nice to see her so confident about something,” Haenick said, adding that at 8, perhaps Ellie has “found her passion.”
Master said the fresh cast is sure to bring something special to the roles and he looks forward to seeing what each member will bring to the Community House stage.
“It's an opportunity for them to find their talent,” he said.
The cast will rehearse three hours a week on Saturdays, Master said, adding that is less than usually asked for productions.
“We depend on our kids to do their homework,” he said.
The show follows the same plot as the popular movie, but some of the lines have been changed to be more kid-friendly, he said.
“It's pure fun to do this show,” he said. “It's about being accepted and part of a group, which rings as true now as in the '50s.”
