By Addison Schwing – Editorial and News Editor

The Jonathan Law Drama Club is hosting a production of “The Haunting of Hill House,” a dramatization of the 1959 novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson. Sophomore Sophie Maselli plays the lead role of Eleanor Vance. Advocate Editorial Editor Addison Schwing interviewed Maselli to learn more about her role in this upcoming production.

Addison Schwing: What is your role in “The Haunting of Hill House?” 

Sophie Maselli: My role in The Haunting of Hill House is Eleanor Vance, a thirty-year-old single woman, who comes to Hill House as a request of Dr. Montague.

AS: How do you feel being cast as the lead in a major production?

SM: I am very nervous but also excited to be the lead in this production. I’m so grateful for the rest of the cast, who have been helping me prepare for this role; Joey Soto as Dr. Montague, Tyanna Xavier as Theodora, Justin Amaro as Luke Sanderson, Riley Pastir as Mrs. Montague, Seth Baker as Arthur Parker, and Ashley Leparik as Mrs. Dudley.

AS: How do you prepare for your role in the production?

SM: To prepare for my role in this production, I am running my lines as often as possible. We also have rehearsal every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, which helps us understand our blocking and how to perform our lines.

AS: How long have you been involved with the Drama Club and what inspired you to do so?

SM: I have been involved with the Drama Club since 3rd grade and continued through all of elementary and middle school. I joined the Jonathan Law Drama Club last winter, just in time for “The Addams Family” musical, which was so fun to be a part of. I have always loved theater, so the Drama Club seemed just right for me.

AS: Do you have any plans to appear in drama productions in the future?

SM: Absolutely! The Drama Club is truly my second family, and we have so much fun when putting on plays and musicals. I look forward to all of our future shows.