West Bablyon Jr. High School Students Are Budding Broadway Stars

(West Babylon, NY) – Mary-Grace Seward and Callie Seward, multi-talented sisters who attend West Babylon Junior High School, most recently graced the main stage of Broadhollow at Elmont in a production of Cinderella, which runs through January 29, 2011. Playing Fairy Godmother’s assistants, the Seward sisters delighted audiences, which included her mother, Sheila Seward, administrator at the Elmont Memorial Library, where the theatre is housed. According to Sheila, “My girls are delighted to have been cast in this production of Cinderella, which has been choreographed and directed by Marisa Giacalone. In addition to their love of performing, they learn poise, confidence and self-fulfillment through the dedication of professionals like Marisa.”

Sixth grader Mary-Grace is 11 years old and Callie is a 13 year old seventh grader. In addition to their Cinderella roles, the duo has performed in The King and I and Annie in BroadHollow at Elmont’s main stage shows, and 101 Dalmatians, Madeline’s Christmas, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Sleeping Beauty and The Aristocats in BroadHollow Children’s Theatre.

At West Babylon Junior High School, Mary-Grace and Callie participate in drama club and chorus. Callie is currently performing in a lead role in the school play, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, while Mary-Grace is an Ishmaelite and ensemble member in the same play. They also have had starring roles in Bah Humbug, Seussical, Jr. and Alice in Wonderland with the South Shore Theatre Experience, directed by Deborah Casio Plezia, founder and artistic director of the company, and another role model for the pair.

While theater is a passion of these young ladies, it is not their only pursuit. Mary-Grace and Callie play soccer and take voice lessons, and Callie is in her first year of dance class. According to their mother, Callie is a high honor roll student and Mary-Grace is an honor roll student. It’s no wonder their mother glows when she speaks of the pride she and the rest of the family have in these two stars – both on stage and off.