Theater has been Laurie Wessely’s life for the past quarter century. She has been a professional actress, director, producer, and has worked behind the scenes as a stage manager.
“I grew up in theater,” said the long-time Weehawken resident recently. “It’s been my full-time job for the last 15 years.”
Wessely has been working with the New York-based CPR Group, which makes theater designs and sets. She also has taken an interest in Weehawken High School’s annual productions over the years because she is a concerned resident – her daughter, Alex Wagner, has been a member of past productions – and because of her love of theater.
She went to see last year’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” and came away with an idea.
“I could see that the kids were really enjoying what they were doing, but I thought to myself that it would be nice if I could help out,” Wessely said. “My friends are theater people and I figured that perhaps we could do something to help. I also knew quite a few of the kids. I think I even offered my services if they needed help.”
For several years, teacher Eileen Markwalter directed the shows. She handled everything, from show selection to directing. Sadly, Markwalter died after a battle with cancer 18 months ago, leaving the play in the hands of other teachers.
“I was told that they were a little overwhelmed,” Wessely said. “It was a lot to handle, especially with a cast of 60 like ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ I figured that it was a natural thing, that if I stood up and waved my arms, maybe someone would notice me.”
Wessely had a meeting with Weehawken Principal Dr. Peter Olivieri, who was convinced that turning over the reins to a professional like Wessely might be the best direction to go in.
Wessely sought to make the production as professional as possible so the students would have a well rounded theater experience.
“I wanted to make it more of a theater workshop that just doing a play,” Wessely said. “I encouraged some of my friends to get involved, to help them work on the lighting, the scenery. And everything involves the kids, so they learn every aspect of theater. We’re integrating the kids with the professionals.”
For excitement, Wessely decided to direct and produce the popular musical “Godspell“, to be performed March 23 and March 24 in the school’s auditorium.
Personal Jesus
As a novel approach, Wessely secured the services of a professional actor, Garth Kravits, who will play the role of Jesus in the show. Kravits has worked with Wessely in several productions over the years.
“It made sense to have a great artist fill that role,” Wessely said. “I thought it was a neat idea to have a professional actor work in the cast with the kids. The kids have learned so much from him, modeling their work after someone who has experience. He’s had a profound effect on the kids. I’ve known Garth since he was a teenager and he’s wonderful in the role. He’s played it before professionally.”
Wessely also called upon the services of her husband, Sean Baldwin, to handle the show’s choreography. Baldwin also works as a professional choreographer.
Another professional, Stephen Randoy, is handling the music direction.
“These are people who are of the highest caliber in their field and they’re willing to work with the kids,” Wessely said. “They teach as they go along, in workshop fashion, and it brings up the quality of the production. It’s a special combination.”
Wessely said that she was comfortable doing “Godspell” because she had directed it professionally in the past.
“It’s a great show for the kids, to keep their interest,” Wessely said. “It’s a great musical score and gives the kids the opportunity to be themselves.”
The play is currently in rehearsal, and Wessely is keeping a rigorous schedule between her regular work and this immense volunteer effort.
“It’s been exhausting, but I get a lot of energy from working with the kids,” Wessely said. “I feel like I’ve adopted all 21 kids in the cast. I’m getting great feedback from them.”
She added, “I’ve had the help of a lot of tolerant and helpful people, especially in my office, when I leave every day at 4 p.m. for rehearsals. I’m also getting to spend more time with my teenage daughter, which has been quite a pleasure.”
Besides her daughter Alex, a cast member, Wessely has two other children, 6-year-old Julian Baldwin and 4-year-old Aja Baldwin.
Wessely has been impressed with the way the students have reacted to their unique situation. “The kids are amazing,” Wessely said. “They all want to learn so much and they’re all so committed.”