Student, Adult Actors Join for Musical

In a unique blend of old and new, the theatrical talents of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana and Santa Ana High School collaborated this past weekend to present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “South Pacific” in the high school’s auditorium.

“We’re involved in the community,” said Stu Eriksen, member of the church’s drama task force. “We could have focused on issues like urban blight or homelessness; this time we decided to get involved with students. The combination is a sound one.”

Members of First Presbyterian Church’s Rainbow Players, which has 10 years’ experience staging theatrical productions, were delighted by the arrangement.

“I like to encourage the students,” said Carole Wade, who portrayed the character Bloody Mary in the musical. “Fine arts are always the first to go in (school) budget cuts. Music and art are part of life, and I like to see them develop.”

And develop they do at Santa Ana High, which was designated the area’s “performing arts specialty high school” two years ago by the Santa Ana Unified School District. Last year, the school presented the musical “Grease.”

During the weeks of production on “South Pacific,” student actors worked with their adult counterparts, both learning as they rehearsed.

“It’s a process of putting the young and the old together,” director Josh Carr said. “One sees into the future and one remembers the past.”

Frank Welcome, a senior at Santa Ana High, had been trying to decide on his future--between wanting a career in the courtroom as a lawyer or one on stage as an actor. He had recently had second thoughts about acting because his family and friends warned that it’s not stable.

Jim Hippenstiel, who served as both choreographer and one of the actors (Stewpot) in “South Pacific,” helped Welcome to understand that an actor can make a living in the real world.

“Jim and Rob (Klemenza, another member of the Rainbow Players) are really great guys,” Welcome said. “They taught me how to formulate pride in myself. And because of this, I plan to be in more stage performances in the future.”

Taking a look back was actor Stan Throneberry, a former student body president who graduated from Santa Ana High in 1954.

“Coming back was an intriguing experience,” said Throneberry, who played French painter Emile Debecque in the musical. “There wasn’t a thing changed since when I first attended here. It was kind of eerie.

“I think this is a great experience because I’m always willing to share what I’ve learned. Also, as a teen, I went to (First Presbyterian) church.”

Throneberry said the theater is a good outlet for young people as they become more levelheaded and learn to know themselves better.

“I gained so much experience,” Welcome said. “It’s a thrill to be in front of an audience. I love this!”

Another student actor, Santa Ana sophomore Rudy Patino, had some trouble remembering his lines and was growing frustrated during a rehearsal. He was pulled aside by Wade, who gave him her personal assistance.

“We try to make them feel part of a team,” said Karen Cushing, who played Navy nurse Nellie Forbush. “You’re as strong as your weakest link. We pull together.”

The adult actors helped the students with cues, character development, reactions and at being comfortable with acting in general.

“The actors fixed my mistakes and gave tips that were helpful and really worked,” said Anna Mariscal, a Santa Ana senior who said she had problems with a particular dance step.

“Without them, I couldn’t have learned so much. Also, I didn’t even have to ask for help; they just offered it.”

At lunchtime, away from the rehearsal, the actors spoke honestly and allowed students a new perspective on the world of theater.

“The kids are seeing realism,” actress Renee Sumption said. “They’re seeing the intense hard work that actors go through to feed themselves.”