If you were able to see this year’s production of 42nd Street, then you know just how great of a musical it was. In my opinion, it was one of the best Berkeley Carroll has done so far. All of the performances were phenomenal and the dancing was absolutely amazing. The lead role, Peggy Sawyer, an aspiring Broadway star, was played by none other than Eleanor Pearson. 42nd Street was the last of Eleanor’s six performances at Berkeley Carroll. Freshman year, she played Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. As a sophomore, she was the “Asian Princess” in the ensemble of The Drowsy Chaperone. As a junior, Eleanor played Yvette in Clue and the Witch in Into the Woods. This past fall, she performed one of the opening monologues in The Diary of Anne Frank. Mr. Indovina says, “Eleanor is a very driven actress. She worked very hard this year in both productions, especially in 42nd Street. She really threw herself into her role as Peggy, really perfecting her singing, characterization, and dancing. It has been a pleasure working with her for the past four years. I expect that we will see some great things from Eleanor in the future.” Eleanor is looking forward to participating in more productions when she starts college at Carnegie Mellon University this fall. I got the opportunity to ask Eleanor about her performance in 42nd Street, her experience at Berkeley Carroll and her hopes for the future.
Blotter: What was one of the most enjoyable parts about starring in “42nd Street?
Eleanor: The most enjoyable part about starring in 42nd street was how uplifting and inspiring my character was. I actually kind of look up to someone who is that genuine and optimistic.
Blotter: What is a play/musical you would like act in?
Eleanor: I would love to play Maureen Johnson or Mimi Marquez from Rent some day.
Blotter: What is your favorite play/musical?
Eleanor: To name my favorite musical/play would be like trying to figure out which is better: food or sleep?
Blotter: How about your favorite movie?
Eleanor: Favorite movie would have to be White Christmas, I’m such a sucker for holiday movies.
Blotter: What do you plan on doing in college (performing wise)?
Eleanor: In college I’m only allowed to perform in main stage productions once I’m a junior. But till then I really would love to try summer stock theatre.
Blotter:What is one of the hardest parts of being an actress/performer?
Eleanor: One of the hardest parts about being an actress/performer is teaching yourself not to take rejection so personally.
Blotter: If there was a movie made about you, who would you want to play you?
Eleanor: I don’t know how I would react if I heard that someone like Carey Mulligan or one of the Fanning sisters were playing me in a movie. I’d probably pass out.
Blotter: Which subject do you enjoy most in school?
Eleanor: I really love English class, especially when we read well written works. I find an author’s language so fascinating.
Blotter: What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Eleanor: My family and I try to have a movie night every week. I’ll miss that a lot in college.
Blotter: Who is your Celebrity crush? (my favorite question)
Eleanor: I have the biggest crush on Sebastian Stan!!
Blotter: Overall, how has your experience at BC been?
Eleanor: I wouldn’t change my experience at Berkeley Carroll for an education at an arts high school for the world. I believe that the education I have received here is going to make me different from the other actors who come from places like LaGuardia, Interlochen and Gramercy. Not better or worse, but different.
Blotter: What are you most looking forward to about Carnegie Mellon?
Eleanor: What I’m looking forward to most about CMU is being able to work with such talented people and inspiring teachers.
