It turns out that Issaquah isn’t that far from the south after all! Issaquah High freshman Bryan Hanner and sophomore Kasey Percich recently starred in the Fifth Avenue Theatre’s student production of “Oklahoma” in March.
Hanner played Jim Peck the federal marshal. No stranger to the stage—this is his 52nd theatrical production since he began performing at the age of 3—Hanner said he nonetheless had to learn fight choreography and “lots of dancing” for the role.
"I am sure that musical theater will always be a part of my life in some way or form, as a hobby or a job," said Hanner.
Percich was part of the musical ensemble, and she has been so inspired by her talented peers that she plans on traveling to New York this summer to work with some of the top theater mentors in the country.
"I would love to be an actor when I grow up," said Perchich. "When I graduate from college, I would love to move back home to the Seattle area and work in this great theater community, and hopefully move to New York someday."
Encore: A few more questions…
- Q&A with Bryan Hanner
- Q. When and how did you get involved in theater?
A. I got involved in theater at a very young age, 3 years old, as a way to interact with other kids my same age. The Bellevue Parks Department offered youth theater programs, and I auditioned to be in “Wind in the Willows”. I didn't really enjoy my duckling makeup and my parents thought that would be my first and last production, but as soon as the final curtain dropped, I asked "When do I start my next show?"
- Q. Are there any other future student-productions you want to participate in?
A. I will be in “Metamorphoses” at Issaquah High in May playing many different characters. … I am sure that I will continue to do many productions at IHS over the next four years and I look forward to working with Mrs. Whiting, Mr. Kelly-Peterson and Ms. Irish. These teachers have greatly inspired me in the last few months and have given me the confidence to grow and focus on my art in a safe, encouraging environment.
- Q&A with Kasey Percich
- Q. When and how did you get involved in theater?
A. My sister and her friend Megan were in a show at Studio East called “The Magic Mrs. Piggle Wiggle” that included funny stories and MAGIC!! I mean, what kid doesn’t like magic? I was so drawn by the performance that I wanted to try out for the next show they had up!
- Q. Were there other productions that you were involved in before “Oklahoma”?
A. I have been involved in numerous productions before this. My favorites include “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat “where Bryan [Hanner] and I first met, which was also at the Fifth Avenue Theatre. Just two years ago I was in “A Christmas Carol” at ACT Theatre in Seattle. Before that, I loved to work around at different community theaters such as, CORE Theatrics, Studio East, and Village Theatre Kidstage. I was also in “Beauty and the Beast” with Bryan, in which he was Lumiere and I was Belle.