Presence, charisma and charm illuminate the stage when seniors Adam Fry and Zak Uzupis step into the spotlight starring in this winter’s musical-comedy, the Gershwin Brothers’ Crazy For You.

We sat down with Adam and Zak to find out a little about what makes them sing, what makes them dance, and what made them choose the musical over, oh say, Future Problem Solving.

What is your background in theater? How long has this been of interest to you? How many shows have you done? You know, the basics...

Zak: I’ve been interested in performing since around the seventh grade. I have participated in 12 shows- including school musicals, Drama Days, Summer Stock productions, Laughingstock here at the high school, and I am currently taking drama as one of my electives this year.

Adam: I have been in 11 shows since the sixth grade, taking eight leads and three supporting roles. I have been actively involved in theater programs and choral groups for most of my life and it is what I truly enjoy.

Throughout your performance history, what have been your favorite roles?

Zak: I really enjoyed playing Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie for Summer Stock, and my role in this year’s show as well. They're so gnarly!

Adam: My favorite roles have been Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz.

What attracts you to musical theater?

Zak: The fact that it is live. Television and film rely more on looks than theater. Even though it’s not quite as life like as TV or film, to me, it requires more talent. I believe that theater allows an actor to refine their character.

Adam: I love how acting, singing and dancing come together- but above all I love performing in front of an audience. The experiance of spending time with others who share the same energy, excitement, and love for theater that I do.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Zak: My inspiration comes from my parents. They have been incredibly supportive in encouraging me to follow my dreams. It is real important to have parents like that on your side- parents who understand. I love them.

Adam: I love to perform. There is no feeling quite like it and this is what drives me or inspires me to do what I do. Throughout the years, my parents, teachers and friends have contributed to my life in musical theater.

What are your thoughts on the current production? Are things moving along as scheduled? Are you happy with its turn out?

Zak: Things are coming together really well. It’s been hard work but the cast has everything down and the show is going to be awesome. Party!

Adam: This is the first time that our school production has contained such a large quantity of dancing. Sometimes things get tough, but a strong cast, such as ours, will always get through that
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What are your plans for further education post-high school?

Zak: I’m planning on studying Musical Theater at either Emerson College or New York University. Radical!

Adam: I’m hoping to attend school at either Syracuse University or The College of New Jersey, majoring in Vocal Performance.

What is your ultimate goal? Where do you hope your experiences will take you?

Zak: It’s very clichéd of me to say that I want to be on Broadway- but I do. My goal is to tell a story and make people laugh. It’s all I want to do.

Adam: My goal is to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House, or Carnegie Hall- but as long as long as I’m in front of an audience, I’ll be ok. It is also my hope to be able to pass on what I have learned to future performers.

Just a chat with these two young men reveals their talent and passion for the arts. It isn’t hard to see that the sky is the limit as to where fate will take Adam Fry and Zachary Uzupis.

Be sure not to miss these two bright young stars in this winter’s musical Crazy For You on Feb. 14, 15, 16, and 17.