It’s typical to have one member of the family that likes the spotlight, but for the Muenz family, that just isn’t the case.
Since 2001, when the whole family, which consists of dad Scott, mom Deanna, Lake Orion High School sophomore John, Waldon seventh grader Sara and Carpenter second grader Marie, got involved with a production of Babe the Sheep-Pig, the family has been performing and working on productions together with Pontiac Theatre IV.
‘We have not had a single year (since 2001) where we haven’t done something in the theatre,? John said.
Recently, the family all had active roles in the production of Charlotte’s Web last month. Scott played the part of Mr. Arabele, Sara was Wilbur, Marie a lamp, John was student co-producer and Deanna was the director of concessions.
The family’s involvement in the non-profit community theatre company began first through Deanna’s sister’s involvement with the group, and then expanded secondly, by circumstance.
Initially, John and Sara were involved in a production, with mom or dad, and sometimes little sister Marie, watching from the audience and waiting for rehearsal to be over. That all changed though when the company needed some extras for crowd scenes.
‘They roped the three of us in,? Deanna said.
‘That’s when it kicked off, and we’ve been running ever since,? Scott added about his family’s involvement in productions.
According to Deanna, even a young Marie was pulled up on the stage as an extra for a scene at a carnival.
‘We stuck an apple on a stick and she munched on it,? she said, noting that Marie was two years old at the time.
From that first step into the spotlight, the kids have been pursuing and enjoying the stage ever since.
John is involved with theatre at Lake Orion High School, recently starring in the school’s fall production, Flowers for Algernon, as well as being involved with the forensics team. Sara is active in dancing and cheerleading, and along with Marie, Girl Scouts.
Both mom and dad like to be part of the community theatre with their kids, as it is something the whole family can share with each other.
‘It’s the only medium where you are a peer with everyone on stage,? Deanna said, adding that she likes that she can be involved with the kids but not constantly watching over their shoulders — a sentiment the kids agreed with.
‘I do it because they do it,? Scott added, saying that being around the theatre group is almost like having a second family.
The family plans on continuing to participate in productions together, not only because they can do it together, but also for what it brings to their lives separately.
For Marie, the special thing is the thrill of getting a part, Sara enjoys being able to work with friends that she doesn’t get to see all the time at school, and John said it’s all about the feeling of being onstage.
‘That stage, to me, is just like a home away from home,? he added.