By Lizabeth Jenkins-Dale
Families love The Soo Theatre Project. Know why? Because it’s a place where all in the family can participate. There’s something for everyone.
This is the case with the SanAngelo-Beck family. Mark, Sharon, Hollyann, and Brandon all are involved with STP in unique and common ways:
Brandon, 18, a senior at Malcom High School, was an extra and chorus member in “Annie”, an orphan and one of Fagin’s boys in “Oliver!,” and Jerome Debecque in “South Pacific.” Even though he’s been in front of the lights, he’s more comfortable being behind them as he runs the spotlight, climbs the tall stage ladder to hang and adjust lights, cleans the theatre (inside and outside), and assists with the annual Haunted Theatre event every year.
A big thanks to Brandon because he places the messages on the STP marquee, too. Wow! That’s many fun volunteer hours! Obviously, Brandon is quite involved with The Soo Theatre Project.
And, we are only getting started with this awesome STP family. Hollyann, 15, a sophomore at Sault Area High School, began dancing with The Soo Theatre Project’s STARS program from its inception. Hollyann has the distinction of dancing in every single summer musical at STP.
Hollyann played opposite her brother in “South Pacific” as Ngana Debecque, was part of the chorus and a featured dancer in “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” and participated in operas “La Bohème,” “The Marriage of Figaro,” and “Hansel and Gretel.” Presently, in an encore event this March 16, Hollyann plays Marco Roni in STP’s “Pasta, Passion and Pistols” mystery dinner.
Not only does Hollyann dance, but she also sings under the direction of vocal teacher Karen Hughes Beacom. Hollyann has performed at Music in the Park as well as several other venues around the community. Just like her brother, she assists with the annual Haunted Theatre event.
Obviously, Brandon and Hollyann are talented. Perhaps, they’ve been positively influenced by other family members? Hmmmmm…let’s see about the adults’ involvement at STP:
In addition to ushering at many productions, Sharon was Mrs. Sowerberry and a chorus member in “Oliver!,” a chorus member as well as a Hot Box Dancer in “Guys and Dolls,” and a chorus member in “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” She is now playing Claire Voyant in “Pasta, Passion, and Pistols,” her first performance since graduating with a nursing degree from LSSU.
And, finally, there’s Mark. Are you ready? Here we go: He played Bert Healey in “Annie,” Luther Billis in “South Pacific,” Nicely Nicely in “Guys And Dolls,” Jigger Craigin in “Carousel,” Mr. Sowerberry in “Oliver!,” King Balthazar in “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” Ivan in “Die Fledermaus,” the radio DJ in “Steel Magnolias,” and is currently playing Rocco Scarfazzi in “Pasta, Passion and Pistols.”
Also, Mark is the “Welcome Voice” that is heard at the beginning of many of the STP shows, is in an a cappella quartet, Foreign Accord, which has performed in two Rotary Shows in the fall on The Soo Theatre Project’s historic stage, and sings in the Northland Barbershop Chorus, which performs annually at the STP barbershop show each spring. In addition, Mark broadcasts the annual 4th of July parade on WSOO in front of the Soo Theatre Project every summer.
Whew! Any doubt about this family’s involvement with the Soo Theatre Project? Any question about this family’s togetherness? Nope! The SanAngelo-Beck family volunteers at STP together and performs together. What an amazing family!
If you’d like to see this family in action, purchase your tickets at The Soo Theatre Project office on Ashmun Street for the March 16 “Pasta, Passion, and Pistols” mystery dinner. Three of the four are performing while Brandon, I’m sure, posted it on the marquee and will be helping behind the scenes!
