Hermosa Beach resident Rose Darcy performs in "Bye Bye Birdie" this weekend in a production presented by the non-profit youth Belasco Theatre Company.
Rose, who turns 14 in August, plays Mrs. Peterson in the production, which is on stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse, 710 Pier Ave.
Patch: How did you get involved in this production?
Rose Darcy: I have been involved with Belasco Theater Company for three years now and love the show "Bye Bye Birdie" It was just natural for me to continue on with BTC and participate in the production.
Patch: When did you first realize your interest in acting/musical theater? Explain that moment or situation.
Rose: I have always been a “ham bone” as my parents call it. I would run around the house singing and dancing, and I loved watching theater. My mom took me to Belasco productions when I was five or six. I would sit in the audience and hum the tune. It was a mixture of feelings at the time, inspiration, fascination, and more prominent than the rest, envy.
Patch: What other productions have you been in in the last two years?
Rose: In the last two years I have been in four shows, all with Belasco. First was "Guys and Dolls," then "All Shook Up", next was "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and most recently, "Bye Bye Birdie."
Patch: What do you like about acting/musical theater?
Rose: Musical theater is an amazing thing. It allows the most shy people to come out of their shells and be someone else. I love theater because I get to be myself without being myself. I can let my crazy personality out but nobody can judge me because that wasn’t Rose talking, it was Mrs. Peterson, or Henrietta.
Patch: Do you have aspirations for an acting or musical theater career?
Rose: In the future, I hope to act in movies or on television. I have acted as an extra in a movie and the filming process fascinated me. I can’t wait to pursue it in the future.
Patch: Who has helped you in this endeavor?
Rose: Through my journey with BTC, Shanti, Melissa, my friends, and my family have greatly helped me. Shanti and Melissa have made me more confident and comfortable in my own shoes. When I started Belasco, I was almost in tears doing my introduction to my fellow castmates. Now I’m up on the stage dressed as an old woman and performing in front of tons of people with no problem. My friends and family have been there to watch and support me no matter what. When I was in the ensemble, they were there, and now that I got the chance to be a lead in the show, they’re still here. Thank you guys!
Patch: Do you have an actress or singer you look up to? Who is it?
Rose: I have a ton of respect for all the actors and singers who have made it big and are still true to themselves and their music.
Patch: Where do you go to school?
Rose: In the fall, I will be attending Mira Costa as a freshman.
Patch: What are you doing during the summer once "Birdie" ends?
Rose: After "Birdie" ends, I will be participating in Junior Lifeguards as well as practicing for the Mira Costa Cheer squad. I will also be spending numerous hours on the beach and having a good time.
Tickets for "Birdie" cost $17 for adults and $15 for children under 12, seniors and groups of 10 or more.
Visit belasco.org or call (310) 379-4208 for tickets and information.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
