Two Friends Share Their Love for the Theater

Faith Petersen, 14 and Christina Phimmasene, 13, both freshman at Joliet West Township High School

Two friends got together this summer and went to an audition for a part in a musical that is being put on by a local community theater. Both girls have had some theater experience and decided that they were going to audition. Whether they made it or not wasn’t their main concern, they just wanted to have fun.

Well, Faith Petersen and Christina Phimmasene both received parts in Jekyll and Hyde the Musical presented by the Joliet Drama Guild.

Petersen and Phimmasene are the two youngest performers in the show opening this Friday at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theater. Performances will also take place on August 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. Matinees will be at 2 p.m. on August 21 and 28. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and students.

“It is so fun being in theater,” Phimmasene said. “I wanted to try something different and it has kept me busy during the summer.”

“I like the people,” Petersen said. “ The dances are challenging but fun. Overall it’s a good learning experience.”

Both Petersen and Phimmasene, who are from Joliet, are in the ensemble. They both sing, dance and play the parts of a townsperson in London where the play is set.

“I feel like I should be there,” Phimmasene said, even though she is the youngest performer in the musical. “ I have learned a lot from the older performers. As a group we work very well. Everyone is hilarious and they make me smile.”

Past Experience

The girls were in a production of Cinderella last year at their school. Phimmasene was a member of the makeup crew this past year for her school’s production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory .

“I had a fun time making up Oompa loompas and the squirrels,” Phimmasene said.

They both agreed though that being in Jekyll and Hyde is very different than Cinderella. 

Petersen’s portrayal of a townsperson and a chef in Cinderella, and Phimmasene playing a horse were uplifting. But Phimmasene said although Jekyll and Hyde has nice music, it’s a dark play.

Future: Broadway or Hollywood?

Both girls said they would continue their acting career while in school. Peterson said she likes the theater as a hobby, but Phimmasene has a difference of opinion.

“I would love to pursue a career in acting, and if not, I want to continue in community theater,” Phimmasene said. “My dream would be to perform in “A Christmas Carol.”” It doesn’t matter what part I have, as long as I’m in it.”

Phimmasene said she would also love to see Mulan created into a play. She would be the lead role: Mulan, of course.

Other Interests

Drawing is another hobby for both Petersen and Phimmasene. 

“I like art,” said Petersen, an honor roll student. “ I draw or paint whatever comes to mind.”

Whether it be a pencil, paint, etc., Phimmasene said she enjoys using various drawing media to make her creations.

The speech team is another activity Phimmasene is involved in at school. She is not into sports and she is fine with that. Petersen on the other hand will be trying out for the badminton team and perhaps the swim team since she enjoys swimming so much.

Petersen’s love for music has her involved in the band. She will play clarinet in the concert and marching bands at JTHS.

“I like the different songs and really enjoy solo and ensemble contest,” Petersen said. “Bach is my favorite composer.”

Reading is a top priority for both Petersen and Phimmasene. Petersen enjoys a wide spectrum of topics, while Phimmasene favors horror novels. Hanging out with friends and shopping at the mall are favorite things both young ladies enjoy doing in their free time.