This week we Take Five with Tim Canali, one of the stars of Beauty and the Beast, the show happening at West Milford High School tonight and Saturday. Tim plays the Beast, so you will see lots of him in the show. Be sure to go online at westmilfordmessenger.com to read our bonus five with Tim.
1) How did you get involved with high school musical?
Ive loved to perform for as long as I can remember. I did shows with school and community theatre groups, so it was only natural that when I got to the high school I would try out for the musicals. The high school shows were always amazing. I remember watching the high school performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie and thinking to myself, I have to be up on that stage one day.
2) Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my kindergarten teacher Mrs. Darling. She instilled in me the value of making a positive difference in the world. She taught me that, even at five years old, we can all change lives. All we need is passion and some hard work. From an early age, she showed me that the greatest gift in life is to give. A big part of who I am today is definitely thanks to Mrs. Darling.
3. What would most people be surprised to know about the school musical?
Most people would probably be surprised to know how much is going on behind the scenes. When someone sees a show, they dont usually think of the lighting which took hours to cue, the costumes which take weeks to arrange, the sets and props moved by stage crew, the costume and makeup quick changes between scenes, the configuring of the mike and sound system, and the dozens of unforeseen mishaps that go wrong at every performance. People just see a show as what happens on stage, but none of it would be possible without everything going on backstage.
4) What does being a Highlander mean to you?
To me, being a Highlander means being a part of the high school community of West Milford. Its that simple. Were all peers, all friends, and all neighbors (even if West Milford does stretch out over 80 plus square miles). That alone is enough for me to take pride in being a Highlander, and to have pride in our community. A Highlander can do anything with some hard work and the help of his/her fellow Highlanders. Together the Highlanders really are limitless.
5) What do you do with your time when you are not doing the musical?
I dont have too much free time due to school and extracurricular activities. But if I have a spare minute here or there, I am a huge nerd and love to read.
Nerds are cool, Tim. We're sure you know that. And we will be looking for you in the show this weekend. Do a great job! We know you will.
Do you know someone who should be featured here at Take Five? Email us at njoffice@strausnews.com and put Take Five in the subject line. We want to showcase all of the great kids here in West Milford.
Bonus Five 6) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
I really have been blessed with many amazing teachers over the years. If I had to pick my favorite though, I would choose my fifth grade teacher at Westbrook School, Mrs. Lane. She not only gave me academic tools that Ive used throughout my entire educational career, but she taught me about being true to myself and being secure in who I am. It is largely thanks to Mrs. Lane that I have the self-confidence to perform on stage. Without her support and guidance, there is no way I would be the performer I am today, or even the person I am today.
7) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
A plane with a full tank of fuel, a trained professional who would be able to drive said plane, and a map with the most convenient route to civilization neatly drawn out for us, preferably in red marker.
8) Share a favorite moment with your group/club/team.
The cast of the West Milford High School musical is really one big (often times dysfunctional) family. A favorite moment with my cast this year was when we choreographed the wolf scene. I cant say anymore, so I guess youll just have to come see the show if you want to know what I am talking about.
9) What is your favorite movie/book/character and why?
My favorite book character is Death from Markus Zusaks novel The Book Thief. In this book, Zusak personified the occurrence of death, and told the story of the trials of World War II through his eyes. I thought Zusaks use of Death was extraordinarily ingenious and made The Book Thief one of the most inspired books I have ever read.
10) Share something no one knows about you.
Im really into writing my own songs. Nothing spectacular, but I am planning on arranging some of them and making recordings on Garageband. Maybe youll be hearing one of my original songs soon!