Senior actor enjoys collaborating with others to produce show
Published in the April 27 – May 10, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
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By Staff Report
The Sobrato High School Theater Society, in conjunction with the Sobrato Band program, will open its musical show “Smile” 7 p.m. Friday April 29.
The musical by Marvin Hamlisch and Howard Ashman is a satirical look at modern standards of beauty, growing up and relationships set with the backdrop of a 1985 beauty pageant in Santa Rosa, California.
Additional showings will be held 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 30, and 7 p.m. May 6 and May 7.
One performer in “Smile” is Sobrato senior Michael Filice who plays the part of “Big Bob Freelander” who is a recreational vehicle dealer as well as part-time co-coordinator/head judge for the Young American Miss Pageant that is held annually. Morgan Hill Life asked him about the upcoming musical
What is “Smile” about and why might you encourage people to attend the musical?
“Smile” is essentially a blast from the past, a 1985 beauty pageant. It shows not just what’s on the surface of the pageants themselves but the inner workings between pageants and some undertone deep dark themes within it.
“Smile” is definitely a must-see show because along with the extravagant musical numbers and just as extravagant and gaudy costumes of the ’80s, there’s also a lot of integration of the set into the audience, where the actors will be walking through aisles of the theater.
What does the play’s story say about beauty contests in America?
It’s basically a social commentary on some topics that are pretty current and very talked about in this day and age, which include racism, discrimination and manipulation.
What do you enjoy most about working on this production and why?
The thing I most enjoy working on this production is I get to work with a lot of people I don’t typically see in my classes or around campus in general. And I get to connect with a lot more people than I usually would if I were not to do a show. I also get to collaborate with new people I didn’t know before and different personalities.
