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Hazelwood Central Middle School Student Wants Future on the Stage
Christopher Cross, a seventh-grade student at Hazelwood Central Middle School, is poised, well-spoken and good-natured. He seems much older than his age would suggest, especially while talking about his role as Billy Ray Jr. in the Black Rep production of “On Golden Pond.”
“He’s an unkempt kid. In the beginning, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks, he says what’s on his mind and he curses a lot,” said Cross of his character.
As the play unfolds, Cross describes changes in Billy Ray Jr. “He spends more time with an older adult. His posture changes and he stands up straight. He uses a softer voice and he’s more pleasant to be around,” he said.
“On Golden Pond” is a glimpse into the lives of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are spending their 48th summer in Golden Pond, ME, the childhood summer home of Ethel. Described as a universal story of family, the play explores love, disfavor and reconciliation.
This is Cross’ first big stage play. He has been in school productions, and in fourth grade, he had a role in the opera “La Boheme.” He was also involved in a summer program hosted by the Black Rep.
Cross said the theatre company invited him to audition for “On Golden Pond.”
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I didn’t want to pass it up,” said Cross. He auditioned with a monologue, a scene from “Pursuit of Happyness” with Will Smith and his son.
“I like to entertain people,” said Cross when asked what he likes about being on stage. “It just feels right. I like to make people laugh.” His favorite sports are baseball and soccer, his favorite actors are Smith and Tom Cruise and his favorite entertainers are Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Drake and Lil Wayne.
When asked what he likes about school, he said he likes being in SAIL – Students’ Activities in Investigative Learning. It is the gifted education program for middle school students.
When he grows up, he wants to “be an actor turned mogul.” He cited interests in having a shoe company, a fashion line, real estate, and branching out into “other entertainment like singing and rapping.”
Until then, he’ll continue his present role, while also auditioning for a commercial.
“My parents are really behind this. They really think this can happen,” Cross said of his aspiration to become an actor.
“My mom gives me tips, and she’s a good acting coach. She keeps me humble, too,” he said.
Cross’ stage presence has been met with good reviews.
“It makes me feel good to know people are recognizing my talent,” he said. He sometimes thinks that he didn’t do well after a performance, but the “advice and compliments are helping me become a better actor.”
The play runs through February 5 at the Grandel Theatre in Grand Center.
[ORIGINAL]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 31, 2012
CONTACT: Diana Gulotta, assistant superintendent for communications
(314) 953-5005 or (314) 575-0503 cell
Hazelwood Central Middle School student sees a future on the stage
Christopher Cross, a seventh-grade student at Hazelwood Central Middle School, is poised, well-spoken and good-natured. He seems much older than his age would suggest, especially while talking about his role as Billy Ray Jr. in the Black Rep production of “On Golden Pond.”
“He’s an unkempt kid. In the beginning, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks, he says what’s on his mind and he curses a lot,” said Cross of his character.
As the play unfolds, Cross describes changes in Billy Ray Jr.
“He spends more time with an older adult. His posture changes and he stands up straight. He uses a softer voice and he’s more pleasant to be around,” he said.
“On Golden Pond” is a glimpse into the lives of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are spending their 48th summer in Golden Pond, ME, the childhood summer home of Ethel. Described as a universal story of family, the play explores love, disfavor and reconciliation.
This is Cross’ first big stage play. He has been in school productions, and in fourth grade, he had a role in the opera “La Boheme.” He was also involved in a summer program hosted by the Black Rep.
Cross said the theatre company invited him to audition for “On Golden Pond.”
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I didn’t want to pass it up,” said Cross. He auditioned with a monologue, a scene from “Pursuit of Happyness” with Will Smith and his son.
“I like to entertain people,” said Cross when asked what he likes about being on stage. “It just feels right. I like to make people laugh.” His favorite sports are baseball and soccer, his favorite actors are Smith and Tom Cruise and his favorite entertainers are Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Drake and Lil Wayne.
When asked what he likes about school, he said he likes being in SAIL – Students’ Activities in Investigative Learning. It is the gifted education program for middle school students.
When he grows up, he wants to “be an actor turned mogul.” He cited interests in having a shoe company, a fashion line, real estate, and branching out into “other entertainment like singing and rapping.”
Until then, he’ll continue his present role, while also auditioning for a commercial.
“My parents are really behind this. They really think this can happen,” Cross said of his aspiration to become an actor.
“My mom gives me tips, and she’s a good acting coach. She keeps me humble, too,” he said.
Cross’ stage presence has been met with good reviews.
“It makes me feel good to know people are recognizing my talent,” he said. He sometimes thinks that he didn’t do well after a performance, but the “advice and compliments are helping me become a better actor.”
The play runs through February 5 at the Grandel Theatre in Grand Center.
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PHOTO INFORMATION
C Cross_2012.jpg – Christopher Cross, a seventh-grade student at Hazelwood Central Middle School, is developing his skills as an actor. He wants to be an “actor turned mogul” when he grows up.
The Hazelwood School District serves more than 18,000 students and is the second largest district in St. Louis County. Communities in the district include Hazelwood, Black Jack, Spanish Lake, a large section of Florissant, portions of Bridgeton, Bellefontaine Neighbors and Ferguson, and several square miles of unincorporated St. Louis County. The district’s mission statement follows: “We are a collaborative learning community guided by a relentless focus to ensure each student achieves maximum growth.”
