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Beverly Cleary's delightful series of stories about Ramona Quimby comes to life in this charming adaptation, Ramona Quimby, dramatized by Obie award-winning playwright Len Jenkin.

Haven't read the books?  Try these words: Unpredictable.  Exasperating.  Boisterous.  Independent.  They all describe the lovable (but down to earth!) Ramona Quimby.  Always annoying her older sister, Beezus, getting into trouble and just trying to figure out how the world works! You'll love her!

Directed by Roberta Weiner
Student Directors: Phil Bassett and Laura Baker

Produced by Special Arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Ill. 

Ramona was presented Jan. 11, 12 and 13, 2008.  Thanks to our wonderful cast, crew and audiences for making Ramona a sold-out success!

Here are two unsolicited comments from brand-new Prana fans:

We had a fabulous time! For my kids, particularly my 7 year-old son, to sit so quietly for that length of time speaks volumes about how entertaining the show was. And they had smiles on their faces the entire time, as did I. What more could a mother want!
- Davida Dinerman, Ashland

And here's a note from a mom  who had her daughter's party at Ramona:

My daughter’s best birthday party ever. Pizza and presents at our house and then – off to the theater! All 12 girls thoroughly enjoyed the show. The acting was top notch ( the comic timing  especially was right on!)  and I know that the girls were especially inspired  to see young actors put on such a polished and engaging performance. - Sue Storer, Holliston

Cast:

Creative & Technical Team:

Director: Roberta Weiner
Student Directors: Phil Bassett and Laura Baker
Choreographer: Michelle Clancy
Costume Design and Dressers: Jinny Pollinger, Nina Doonan, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Olivia Naya, Emmy Jones
Costume Tailoring: Janet Henderson
Props Coordinator: Sarah Bassett
Sound Design: Roberta Weiner
Sound Technician & Operator: Nick Morana
Lighting Design & Operation: Drew Madden
Stage crew: Matthew Curtis, Joseph Duda, Meg Lacey
Original Jingle composed and performed by Joanne Hines

Cast bios:

Alessandro Arena-DeRosa (Hobart) was first seen in Holliston as a comedian in the Prana Production Comedy Tonight.  He has had roles in numerous other Prana Productions including: A Christmas Carol (Turkey Boy), Pirates of Penzance (Policeman/Soloist), and Little Women (Young Laurie), as well as four summers of Prana Camp.  He has participated in other theater productions, including three in Sudbury. He is in sixth grade and enjoys theater, film and computers.

Nick Barrett (boy in class, cameraman, elephant) has been involved with Prana Productions for the past two years. He’s enjoyed participating in Prana summer camps as well as Pirates of Penzance and Little Women. When Nick isn’t practicing his lines, he enjoys doing martial arts and playing the piano. This is Nick’s first production where he auditioned for a part and is very grateful to Roberta, Phil and Laura for the opportunity to play these roles. He would also like to thank his parents for driving him back and forth to rehearsals.

Bailey Dupont (Mother in commercial/Janie) most recently appeared in Prana's Little Women. She also has attended Prana summer camp for the past 3 years, appearing in Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz and 100 years of Broadway (Cats). Bailey has been dancing since she was 3 and
is currently taking ballet, modern, jazz and hip hop.  She is a 5^th grader at Holliston Miller School.

Abby Gray (Mr. Quimby)  has been interested in acting and singing since she was a little girl. Abby's experience began with a part in Cats at the Franklin Theater Group.  She became a Prana convert after attending the July Prana Summer camp last year. Since then, she has jumped both feet in with her dramatic and poignant Prana performance of  "Older Beth" in this year's Little Women. Abby loves to be with her cast members and new friends at Prana as she enjoys the support and close-knit nature of the Prana team.

Beth Hobbs (Mrs. Griggs) is excited to appear in her sixth Prana show. Most recently she played Dr. Bangs and Betsy in Little Women. She also played Brian Cochran in The Chocolate War, a wacky Police Officer in The Pirates of Penzance, Mr. Cheeryble in A Christmas Carol, and she was in the cast of Comedy Tonight. She has gone to Prana camp for the past four years playing roles such as an orphan in Annie, a pirate in The Pirates of Penzance, a Winkie in The Wizard of Oz, and last summer, Earl, the crazy Security Guard in a group-written play, and a hippie and soldier soloist in Hair. Along with Prana she has been in a few other plays. Beth is especially looking forward to be playing a female character (only for the second time with Prana)!

Adam Meltzer (the old man/doctor/director) is appearing in his second Prana Production. He appeared as the pirate Joseph in Pirates of Penzance. Adam’s introduction to performing came through taking fun classes at the Prana Center and through experiences in Destination Imagination creative theatrical competitions.  Adam loves to play different characters and is excited to be a part of Prana’s production of Ramona. Adam lives with his parents, brother and sister in Holliston and is a 7^th grade student at McAuliffe Regional Charter Public School in Framingham. He thanks his sister, Abby, for introducing him to the Prana Center.

Maggie Naughton (Mrs. Quimby) Twelve-year-old Maggie is so excited to be in Ramona Quimby and to be able to learn more about acting at the wonderful Prana Center! Ever since she can remember she wanted to be an actress and now she is able to do it. In the past, you may have seen Maggie as Young Meg, in the October performance of Little Woman with Prana. Maggie was a policeman in the Prana Production of Pirates of Penzance as well. With the PAC organization, Maggie preformed the role of Kathy in Singin’ in the Rain along with a multitude of roles in their Broadway Medley show. Maggie wants to thank the Prana Center for casting her as this role and for teaching her so much about acting!

Rachel Pollinger (Mrs.Kemp/sponsor/Whopperburger hostess voice over) is an 9th grader at Holliston High School. She most recently appeared in Prana's Little Women as Hannah, the maid. She was also in Prana's The Chocolate War as a voice. One of her favorite roles was older Anne in Prana's The Diary of Anne Frank . Other roles: The Pirates of Penzance (Isabel) A Christmas Carol (Caroline), Charlotte's Web (Templeton) and a member of Prana's Comedy Tonight cast.  Her first play with Prana was Stuart Little, where she appeared as a schoolchild. Her roles in Prana camp shows include Anna in The King and I, the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wendyland (group-written play), Glasswit in The Wizard of Oz, Ursula in Bye Bye Birdie,  Mr. Grimwig in Oliver!, and Anne in Anne of Green Gables.  She was Lord Everwood in a Prana Center class production of The Emperor's New Clothes. Rachel's other favorite role is Mindy Mince in Beauty and the Beast with the Southboro Players. Rachel is extremely happy to be a part of Ramona Quimby as the oldest cast member (a first!) and wishes to tell the cast to break a leg!

Francesca Servidio (Susan) loves to be in Prana Productions. She recently appeared as one of the Three Little Maids in Prana's Little Women and in Annie Get Your Gun (Holliston High School).  Other roles: Pirates of Penzance, Prana summer camp 06 and 07, acting and musical theatre classes at Prana, and Annie Thing Goes (Washington St. Players). This is Francesca's first small cast play and she thinks it is a privilege. She is so happy to be with Roberta another time. She was surprised to get the (sort of mean) girl part because she is really nice. Really! When Francesca is not on stage she enjoys hanging out with friends and family, reading and playing around! She thanks Roberta again for another thrilling experience.

Paige Smalley (Beezus)  is a 10-year-old fifth grader  who loves to read, dance, ski, act and play music.  She is very excited to be in Ramona Quimby playing an older sister!  This is Paige’s fifth production with Prana .  Her previous credits include -  2007 Little Women (Young Annie), 2006  Pirates of Penzance (Beatrice), 2005 A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Past) and 2005 Comedy Tonight (Ensemble).  Paige has also attended Prana’s summer camp for the past five summers!  She would like to thank Roberta for casting her as Beezus!

Talia Zais (Ramona) is thrilled to be in  Ramona! Talia is a vibrant, energetic 10 year old who has been inspired to act as a result of attending Roberta’s acting camp since 2003.  Talia’s family is so proud of her in obtaining the lead role as Ramona. Talia’s past productions have included Pirates of the Penzance, Captain of the Pinafore, Prana Productions 2006, A Christmas Carol, Prana Productions 2005, and most recently appeared in “Anything Goes” Washington Street Players.  Camp plays have included Wicked, Ramona Quimby, Hair and Mary Poppins. Talia’s hobbies include piano, skating, skiing, art classes, and cooking. She would like to thank Prana Productions for having faith in her to perform as Ramona.  In addition, Talia would like to thank her friends and family for all their encouragement and support.

The cast and crew of Ramona Quimby donated $350 to the Holliston Public Library to purchase theatre books, CDs and DVDs!  This project was coordinated by Nicole Smalley.  Here's the display and a photo of Teen Zone Library Jennifer Keen, Children's Librarian Tenna Foale and RQ Director Roberta Weiner

 
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