Area youths commute to work on NY stage ‘American Girls Revue’ tells story of dolls throughout history

Area youths commute to work on NY stage
‘American Girls Revue’
tells story of dolls throughout history
BY TARA PETERSEN
Staff Writer

JEFF GRANIT staff Miriam Fried (l-r) of Milltown, Lauren Cipperly of Monroe, and Alexa Burger of Old Bridge enjoy a moment off at the Cipperlys’ home.

Don’t let their ages fool you. Three area youngsters are already pros when it comes to singing, dancing and acting.

Lauren Cipperly, Miriam Fried and Alexa Burger, ages 14, 12 and 9, respectively, travel into New York City several times a week to perform in "The American Girls Revue," a musical that tells the story of various American Girl dolls.

The American Girl collection includes eight character dolls from various time periods throughout American history.

"They’re historical dolls from Colonial times, World War II and pioneer days [for example]," said Susan Cipperly, Lauren’s mother. "They’re historically accurate with authentic hair and clothing."

The line of dolls and storybooks became so popular that it spawned a clothing line, a magazine, the American Girl Place store and the attached American Girl Theater, where the play takes place.

The play itself began in Chicago but opened in New York City on Fifth Avenue and 49th Street in November. It has a cast of nine girls and four adults, and has an original score of 10 songs.

Miriam, of Milltown, plays Samantha and Kaya in the play. According to the American Girl Web site, Samantha is from 1904 and lives with her wealthy grandmother, and she befriends a servant girl named Nellie, who is played by Lauren.

"The play is very historical," Miriam said. "You learn a lot. There are a lot of different time periods [ranging] from 1764 to 1945."

Miriam said she has been acting, singing and dancing since she was 7 years old. She has been in two off-Broadway productions, "The People Garden" at the York Theater and "A Christmas Carol."

Lauren, of Monroe, also plays Felicity, a doll that grew up in Virginia during the Revolutionary War.

Lauren described the experience on stage as "an amazing opportunity," although she is also no stranger to live performances.

Lauren said she trained in acting, dancing and vocals at both the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick and the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn. She was cast in "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" at age 7, and was later in the off-Broadway production of "Children’s Letters to God."

"I love that it’s live theater," Lauren said. "It’s so full of energy."

Alexa, who lives in Old Bridge, plays Michelle, who is the little sister of Molly, from the 1945 World War II time period.

Alexa has been in regional productions of "The Sound of Music," "The Wizard of Oz," and "Annie" since the age of 6, but has been singing and dancing since she was 3 years old, she said.

"I think it’s a really great experience. Every time I do a show, I meet all these people, and it’s really fun," Alexa said.

All three girls said they felt their school friends were very supportive of their hobby.

"Anytime I’m in a show, they always ask me questions about it," Alexa said.

According to Susan Cipperly, more than 400 girls tried out for the cast in New York, and 36 were ultimately chosen. Four different casts of nine rotate throughout the week. She also said the groups will continue performing into the spring.

Susan Cipperly said the girls, who commute into New York after school, are not at all driven by the parents to participate.

"This is not your typical stage-parent thing," she said. "The girls really love this. Even though it’s busy and very regimented.

"What I like about [the play] is that it’s all girls, and age-appropriate," she added.

All three girls agreed, and each said she has her own aspirations to act when grown.

"I’d like to go to New York University’s School of the Arts and become an actress," Miriam said.

"I want to try out for a movie — maybe next year. It’s my dream," Alexa said.

"I would love to continue and would love to be on Broadway. Whatever it is, I want to be in the city," Lauren said.