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Blake High Musical Offers Lesson In Fun

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By BARBARA ROUTEN

Tribune correspondent

Published: January 7, 2009

Elaina DiMonaco

TAMPA - The upcoming performance of the revue-style comedy musical "How to Eat Like a Child" is anything but juvenile. But it's young at heart and soul - not just because of its youthful cast.

Seventeen-year-old Elaina DiMonaco of Brandon is directing the musical, which was written by Delia Ephron, John Forster and Judith Kahan. It will open at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 in the Don Thompson Theatre at Blake Magnet School of the Arts, 1701 North Blvd., Tampa.

Using skits and musical numbers, child characters show how to act like children - how to beg for a dog, state opinions, laugh hysterically, fake being sick and torture one's sister. DiMonaco, a senior in Blake's musical theatre department, said the show is "entertaining and appropriate for children but has humor that adults will appreciate."

The show also will be Blake's entry at the annual Florida State Thespians District 9 One Act Festival Jan. 15 and 16 at the University of South Florida. Usually, Glen Jordan "Jordy" Hines, director of Blake's musical theatre department, enters a piece directed by a teacher.

"I think that because I've taken so much leadership in our theatre department nobody doubted my ability to handle this piece," DiMonaco said.

She was an assistant director of two other Blake shows, but this is her first directorship.

DiMonaco thinks she was noticed and selected because of her interest in the technical aspects of theater and consistent hard work on every production since freshman year.

Directing a show is one of many goals she set for herself, including getting a call back for a musical as a freshman, performing in a musical as a sophomore and being elected a thespian officer as a junior and president as a senior.

DiMonaco, who hopes to become a stage director or producer after college, chose to direct this play after seeing it performed by young children. She found the libretto hilarious and thought "it could be such an amazing show with a more mature cast of actors."

The simplicity of the show makes it inexpensive to produce. "It calls for minimal choreography, minimal set, easy costuming and a fun cast. It has become my obsession," she said.

The 20 student actors come from across Hillsborough County, including Apollo Beach, Brandon and Valrico. Soloists include Samantha Murray, Catherine "Katie" Gonzalez and Justin Gonzalez.

Amanda Buck and C.J. Celeiro will sing a duet. Tiffanie Ellis, Katie Gonzalez and Jessica Roberts will sing a trio.

"Every member of the cast and crew is painting, building, lighting, costuming and performing. No divas allowed!" DiMonaco said. "We are putting this thing together as a team."

Her sister Emily, an eighth-grade student on the dance performance team at Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts, is choreographing the show. "It's hysterical to watch her bossing around a bunch of high school kids," DiMonaco said. "The entire cast responds really well to her, and the dances look great."

Proceeds from the show will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which provides services for people suffering from AIDS and HIV-related diseases.

"Too often people feel that the arts are selfish, and it's really quite the opposite," DiMonaco said. "Artists are such a caring and wonderful group of people that truly support each other. ... I think that AIDS research is very important to the world and has directly affected the theatrical population in the past."

Tickets will be available at the theater box office the day of the show. Cost is $10 for adults and $7 for students and children younger than 12.

For information or to reserve tickets, e-mail DiMonaco at elainadimonaco@aol .com.

CATCH THE SHOW

WHEN: 7 p.m. Jan. 14 in the Don Thompson Theatre at Blake Magnet School of the Arts, 1701 N. Boulevard, Tampa.

TICKETS: Available at the box office the day of the show: $10 for adults, $7 for students and children younger than 12.

INFORMATION: E-mail Elaina DiMonaco at elainadimonaco@aol.com.

LATER SHOW: The performance also will be Blake's entry Jan. 15 and 16 at the annual Florida State Thespians District 9 One Act Festival at the University of South Florida.

Send news and photos of community interest to Barbara Routen at The Tampa Tribune, 505 W. Robertson St., Brandon FL 33511; e-mail neighbors@tampa bay.rr.com; or call (813) 657-4531.

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