Sanborn sisters looking forward to “Singin’ In the Rain”

BY DANI TIETZ
dani@mahometnews.com

Champaign, Ill. – A new world opened up for the Mahomet-Seymour students Averhy and Eden Sanborn when they entered fifth grade.

Three years apart in school, both Averhy and Eden captured their first role in the Champaign Park District’s youth theatre programs when they reached fifth grade.

Averhy knew theatre was something she wanted to pursue as she listened to her mom’s “Wicked” and “Into the Woods” CDs with her sister when they were younger.

Having watched her sister perform, Eden knew that when she came of age, she’d also want to be on stage.

The Sanborn sisters will join the CPD cast at the Virginia Theatre on July 18-20 to perform the beloved, Golden Globe-winning 1952 musical, “Singin’ in the Rain.”

In her last show with CPD before she ages out, Averhy will take on Kathy Selden, an outspoken young aspiring stage actress who looks down on silent film.

“She is never afraid to give Don (Lockwood, a much-loved movie star) a piece of her mind,” Averhy said. “I admire the confidence she carries with her and the grace she shows.”

Eden’s role in “Singin’ in the Rain” is not something she expected, though.

“I have learned that I can do so many things that I thought I couldn’t,” Eden said. “For example, I went into this show having barely any tap background and now I think I might be one of the best tappers in our cast!”

While the Sanborn sisters have participated in “Mary Poppins Jr.,” “James and the Giant Peach Jr.,” “Freaky Friday,” “Beauty and the Beast Jr.,” “Madagascar Jr.,” and “Guys and Dolls” with CPD, Averhy was also cast as Mdm. Thenardier in Mahomet-Seymour High School’s spring production of Les Miserables.

Spending seven years with CPD, Averhy said she’s learned that she “can become anything I want, on or off the stage.

“When I’m in difficult roles, I use the phrase ‘fake it ’til you make it’ to remember that I can push through anything!”

Like her sister, Eden has learned the importance of being around friends who share the common interest of theatre.

“We have been working on the show for about six weeks and it has gotten so much better and still is,” Eden said.

“This show’s cast is so awesome and so talented. I haven’t really made any new friends, but I definitely have gotten closer with several other students.”

The end of the production will be bittersweet for Eden, though.

“My choreographer is like a big sister to me and this is her last show because she is moving,” she said. “So, now every second I spend with her is extra special.”