Michael: Hi Sophie, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role in The Prom?
Sophie: Hi, my name is Sophie Morvillo, and I'm playing “Alyssa Greene” in The Prom.
Michael: Can you tell us a little bit about your journey into theater?
Sophie: I really come to theater from a place of music. I started taking voice lessons when I was around 11 or 12 because my older sister was taking them. Naturally, I wanted to be just like her. From there, I started playing piano and guitar, which led me into musical theater. I did a couple of shows in high school and knew that’s what I wanted to study in college. Now, I’m at Northwestern studying theater, and it’s been a blast.
Michael: How did you first learn about Sharon Playhouse, and what brought you here?
Sophie: My parents have a house in Kent, which is about 30 minutes away, and we have some family friends who love the Playhouse. They told my family about it, and we started coming to see shows about three summers ago. I thought it seemed like such an awesome place to work, and I really wanted to become part of this community.
Michael: Tell us about your experience last summer at Sharon Playhouse.
Sophie: Last summer, I was the Sound Apprentice at Sharon Playhouse. It was an awesome job working with Daryl, the sound engineer, and designer. It was my first experience in professional theater, and I learned so much about the tech side of things, which is another interest of mine. It was a great introduction to the professional theater world.
Michael: How did you transition from working behind the scenes to landing a lead role in The Prom?
Sophie: At school, I tried various roles—sound, production, assisting with props—but performing has always been where my heart lies. Last summer’s experience was incredible, but it solidified my passion for performing. When I heard about "The Prom" at Sharon Playhouse, I reached out to Carl, the director, because I couldn’t make the in-person auditions. He kindly allowed me to send a video audition, and the rest is history!
Michael: What are you most excited about in terms of performing in The Prom and playing “Alyssa Greene”?
Sophie: I’m so excited about telling this story in a place like Sharon, Connecticut. As a queer person, seeing a show that tells a queer love story with a happy ending is really meaningful. It’s not something you often see in mainstream media, so being part of this production is very special to me.
Michael: Having been a sound apprentice last summer, do you have any advice for the cast of The Prom from a sound perspective?
Sophie: Absolutely. My advice is to be flexible and understanding when tech issues arise because they will. It’s part of live theater. Trust the tech team—they’re working hard to fix any issues quickly. Building a relationship between the tech crew and the cast is crucial. We’re all here to support each other, and that’s what makes a place like the Playhouse so special.
Michael: Why should the community come to see The Prom at Sharon Playhouse?
Sophie: This community should come see The Prom because it’s a fun story about love, friendship, and growth. The characters are hilarious, and the dialogue is fantastic. The story’s message about caring for the world around you is so important today. In a community as special as Sharon, this message resonates even more. Plus, it’s just a great time!
Michael: Any final words for our audience?
Sophie: Thanks so much, and I will see you this summer at The Prom at Sharon Playhouse!
