5 Questions for ... Ella Gurney

Who are you? I’m Ella Gurney, 16, a senior at Saratoga Central Catholic High School. I’m directing “The Tangled Story of Rapunzel, A Musical,” presented by the Saratoga Central Catholic Players Summer Company. Last year, my 14-year-old brother, Kieran, was ill and spent three weeks at the children’s wing of Albany Medical Center Hospital. Everyone there was real great to my brother, so I wanted to do something to pay them back. All proceeds from the show will benefit the hospital’s children’s wing.

When is the show? It will be presented at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25, at the St. Peter’s Church Parish Center, 64 Hamilton St. in Saratoga Springs.

What is the story about? It’s about a teenage girl, Rapunzel (Patricia Rabine), who yearns to leave her secluded tower. Against her mother’s wishes, she enlists the aid of a thief who breaks into the tower and takes her out into a world that she has never seen. She meets many colorful characters who help her follow her dreams. Along the way, she learns a great deal about herself as she travels throughout the kingdom, while eluding the king’s guards and her mother.

Who are the actors? Before school ended this spring, we put out a call for auditions. Nine students are playing 15 roles. The male lead, Flynn, is played by Stephen Larson. My brother is Vladimir and I’m Shorty, two thugs in the tale. The show will last 90 minutes and free refreshments will be served. In addition, there will be a 50-50 raffle.

Music will be provided by a professional pianist, guitarist and flutist. Marcie Reiter, a student, will play the violin. I’m not surprised at the student participation, even in summer, because it’s for a good cause and lots of people in school are really interested in theater. They love to perform. They love the stage.

What have you learned by doing this? If you put your mind to something you can do a lot in a short amount of time. I also work in guest services at Saratoga Race Course so I’ve been pretty busy lately. It’s a lot of scheduling and following the schedule.

For information about the show, people may call me at (518) 708-5594.

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