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CharacterWorks' TARZAN, Interview with "Jane" and Giveaway Too

May 17, 2019

Tell us a little about yourself, age, school, siblings etc…

Hello! I am Hailey Hightower, 15 years old and a freshman at Clover Hill High School. I am the only child in our family with my supportive parents and aunt in our house, as well as our dogs - Olive and Pickles, and a guinea pig - Coconut.


What role are you playing in "Disney's TARZAN" and what are you looking forward to in this role? 

I have the absolute honor to be playing Jane Porter in "Disney's Tarzan" - a young Victorian woman who sets off on an African jungle adventure along with her father and discovers a lot more than just a few new plant species and gorillas. I am looking forward to every aspect of this show - from my incredible costumes to performing on stage with so many of my CWorks friends - I can't wait to share this story with our audiences each time.


How did you get started in acting, how old were you? 

I've been going to musicals with my family since before I was in kindergarten - locally at first and then traveling to NYC for the first time when I was in 10 years old to see Mary Poppins on Broadway. I was hooked from the beginning because the stage always feels so alive.


How long have you been with CharacterWorks? 

I've grown up with CWorks because I started going to classes and camps when I was 6 years old and then auditioned for my first show, Annie, when I was 8 years old. I've been a part of this organization for almost 10 years now and Tarzan marks my 28th show with CWorks.


What is your all-time favorite role that you have played? 

Jane is fast becoming my favorite role ever, but I also loved playing "Miss Stacy" last fall in CWorks' production of "Anne of Green Gables" and getting to interact with all the younger cast members as their classroom teacher. In 2014, I was a young ape in CWorks' last production of Tarzan. Since then, Jane Porter has always been a dream role of mine and I hoped CWorks would do it again - I still cannot believe that dream has come true!


What role would you love to play? 

Without a doubt, I would love to play Anya in "Anastasia" - I was fortunate to see it on Broadway and loved every minute of the show and her character.


Do you have a favorite play that you have seen or want to see? 

I have a tie between "Anastasia" and "Dear Evan Hansen" as my favorite show. The two can't be compared to each other, but I loved both of them.


What are your long-term goals?

I look forward to going to college and earning a teaching degree in English, but most recently my mind has been drawn towards the directing aspect of theater because while I truly love performing on stage, I also like the thought of directing others in productions.


How do you manage juggling school and your theatre interests? 

There are many weeks when I am involved in a theater class or rehearsals 3-4 days a week. Luckily, I've always liked school, so it isn't hard to stay motivated to do well. I like keeping busy with everything, but also enjoy a rare day at home with nothing on the calendar.


What do you like to do when you are not in school or acting? 

I love to read - a lot. I've learned sign language in the dance form through CWorks classes and enjoy opportunities to perform doing that. I also love road trips and traveling with my family, and hanging out with my friends.


Do you have a favorite movie, book, food? 

All-time favorite book: Red Queen. Favorite movie: Harry Potter - we did a movie marathon last New Year's Eve. Food - My granddad's homemade key lime pie.


Any suggestions or advice for the readers and their children that you can share? 

Jane Porter is a smart young woman who follows her heart - I love that about her and would encourage everyone to do the same in whatever you are working towards. Surround yourself with a circle of "family" who will always support and believe in you.

To enter to win 1 of 2 family four packs to see TARZAN on May 23, email Carissag@macaronikid.com with TARZAN as subject and tell us what you loved learning about Hailey.