Alumni Spotlight: Michela Micalizio
“Children’s Theatre is showing kiddos that play doesn’t end when you grow up, laughing is the most important and listening is an art. The excitement I felt as a child seeing people make something happen onstage, telling a story and transporting someone to a whole world while staying in one room never loses its magic to me.”
Michela as Baby Mouse in Frederick the Musical (2021)
Production Photo by Katie Day
Michela is a Children’s Theatre of Maine Alum who is so excited about the new Maddy’s Theatre Space! She’s delighted to be playing on stage under the CMTM roof once again and wishes everyone has a nice time with these little mice.
What plays did you do with the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine?
I started doing plays way back in 2009 or 2008 and I did every show I could since then. So a lot of shows. Most recently we did Elephant and Piggie (2020) and that was loads of fun.
From left to right: Michela Micalizio, Megan Tripaldi, Hollie Pryor, Dana Chabot, Emily M. Dixon from Elephant and Piggie (2020)
How does it feel to be back with the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine working in Maddy's Theatre?
Maddy's theater is so, so gorgeous. I'll always have a soft spot for our little place back on Free Street but what incredible fun it is to play on such a cool new stage. I have come to know and love the folks who work in and around CMTM and I can walk in now just as before and feel welcomed home.
Tell us more about your role in Frederick!
I am Baby Mouse! I'm not the shortest one onstage so it's definitely an attitude thing. My character Baby is a spitfire and a sweetie, excitable and always wants to help. The story of Frederick shows a family full of different kinds of people who love each other for what makes them unique. Art and science and sensibility and play are all valuable parts of life. The moral of the story is you do you.
Michela as Baby Mouse in Frederick the Musical (2021)
Production Photo by Katie Day
What does children's theatre mean to you?
Showing kiddos that play doesn't end when you grow up, laughing is the most important and listening is an art. The excitement I felt as a child seeing people make something happen onstage, telling a story and transporting someone to a whole world while staying in one room never loses its magic to me.
Michela as Grandmother in Little Red Riding Hood or: Grandmother Slyboots (2011) which she starred in across from her sister, Maddie!
142 Free Street
What message do you have for the future generation of young actors/theatre artists?
If it's fun and you love it, do it as much as you can. It's not about being "good" at it, it's about sharing a story and having a blast.
You can catch Michela as Baby Mouse in Frederick the Musical running through December 30th in Maddy’s Theatre. Get your tickets today: kitetails.org/frederick-the-musical