Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

“Choices: A Rock Opera” returns to Westchester BEFORE GOING OFF-BROADWAY!  The Emelin Theater for the Performing Arts, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck, NY, will host this limited run — November 24 & 25 @ 8:00 p.m. and November 26 @ 2:00 p.m. TICKETS NOW ON SALE at https://choicesarockopera.com/buy-tickets

A Westchester Phenomenon ” -Westchester Magazine

Arts Journeyman, John Krupa, wrote, directed, produced, and stars in this scintillating songfest featuring Broadway alum, MiG Ayesa (Burn the Floor, Rock of Ages, Buddy, We Will Rock You, Rent, Thriller Live, and Seasons of Larson) praising the days of spandex, big hair, guy-liner, and really wild nights! After a spectacular run in Westchester, Mr. Krupa, a Westchester resident and ArtsWestchester member will be taking the entire production to New York City. This will be the last time CHOICES appears in Westchester.

Choices: A Rock Opera tells the story of an obsessively driven lead singer from a 1980’s sexy-spandex, big-hair rock band of the 80s whose intense focus achieved a level of fame to the band they didn’t dream of. But it left the singer cocooned and emotionally underdeveloped. This cloistered crooner bereft of any depth beyond the end of his mic, meets an intriguing woman who introduces him to a world beyond what he’s ever known. Suddenly fame has lost its luster and he has “choices” to make. The rock extravaganza gets Faustian as his bandmates – encouraged by a mysterious “manager” – who professes to be the key-holder to super-stardom – urges the singer to choose the band over happiness of the heart with his new love. When you bargain with the devil you don’t achieve heaven.

One member of the cast DOES NOT remeber the 80s. Emerging artist Lielle Burk appears in this powerhouse musical. We spoke to young Ms. Burk AND her mom, Michal, about being on stage at such a young age.

How did you get into the performing arts?

My first ballet recital was when I was 2.5 and I really liked being on stage. At 4 I was in Monkey Bars (an Indie film), then Goodbye Petrushka ( streaming Amazon Prime). I was in a few children’s musical theatre productions.  Also, I was just part of a new HBO series that’s not out yet.

At your young age, you have been both on stage and screen.  Do you prefer one over the other?

I like both because on movie sets they have gigantic snack-trucks. My mom lets me get anything on those it’s so fun. I also get to see myself on a big screen. But I also like being on stage because I get excited when it’s my turn and there’s an audience. 

This is your second time performing in Choices: A Rock Opera.  What made you want to come back?

I really like the cast, especially MiG. He plays my dad he is really cool and funny and has such a good voice. I like Rock music now too and the outfits. They all have crazy hair and shiny pants. John is the director and he is fun. He calls me “the Star,” but i’m not!

Tell us about your character in Choices.

I am the daughter of the main character. I don’t want to give away too much.

You have been in several stage productions involving Disney princesses.  Do you have a favorite Disney princess and why?

Right now I’m playing “Ariele” in the Little Mermaid at The Sandbox Theatre. I love her character because she’s the only Princess who isn’t human, and she has a beautiful voice. I also like Jasmine because she has a lot of personality and she’s so pretty. 

This is NOT a Disney show! Was it difficult to grasp the storyline?

 I know it’s about a man who loves music and how he has to make a choice that’s hard for him. 

Do you think you will stick with performing into your adulthood?

Yes, I like to sing and act. I think i will dance a lot when I’m a grown up because I’m on a dance team and it’s fun. 

Michal Burk sat down with us and shared what it was like being a stage mom

Are you involved in the arts directly?

I grew up in Denver where I performed in local shows from elementary school up through high school. I always loved participating in musical theatre. After college I supplemented my teaching career as a “Parts” model, specifically Hands and Feet, and that’s where I learned so much about the industry, it’s rules, the audition process and how to be persistent.

What preparations did you undertake before allowing your daughter to be in the show?

I prepared Lielle for interactions with adults and to understand that no other kids will be there with her. I needed to be sure she felt at ease and safe. Like with many things, being at ease takes practice and putting yourself out there, and so with each rehearsal she felt more confident. On the logistical side, my husband and I also had to agree that he would cover for our other kids at home. It’s a whole operation!

Do you work with her on her lines and character? 

I try not to. I don’t want to put pressure on her. I want to empower her and give her independence to develop the character herself. 

Do you attend rehearsals?

Each and every one, and I give her a snack at the end. It’s all about the snacks!

How much “freedom” do you give her in terms of the rehearsal process?

I try to find a balance between giving her the independence to embrace the process, but at the same time putting boundaries on certain areas that she might not be ready for at this stage of her career. If she can return from school, then go to rehearsal, do her homework, and be in bed on time I give her more freedom. 

How important is the arts to young people like your daughter? Why?

The arts are her whole world. She wakes up with a song in her head and a beat in her heart.  The arts, specifically dancing and singing, is a way for her to express her creativity and to feel free. It’s taken her to neat places in her mind and I fully support that. 

What should we all do to make the arts more accessible to the next generation? 

Different types of the arts is accessible to everyone depending upon your appetite to pursue it. I believe that we are fortunate to now live in a generation where children are more free to express themselves. We as parents need to give them to right tools to find their personal outlet. For a child who gravitates toward the arts, it’s important to let them sing, dance, play dress-up, draw and role-play. For a parent whose child is active it’s important to limit their screen time and help them move, play, climb, jump and get their energy out. The arts is what you make of it, and no one person can play the same role. It’s important to let the child be themselves without too many limitations, to take chances and to be confident even when situations are awkward or uncomfortable. I remind Lielle of something that’s always helped me; Great things never come from comfort zones. I sometimes need to remind myself of that too!