After a five year hiatus, Elyse Mancilla has returned to the theater for her very first MPT show! She plays a Box Puppet and Lucy understudy in this summer’s Avenue Q!

When was the last time you were on stage?

The last time I was on stage was Mary Poppins with Verona Area High School back in 2018! I thought about theater in college, but coronavirus came along the spring of my freshman year :(.

What are the top 3 songs you’d put on a mix tape?

Some of my current favorites are “Francesca” by Hozier, “Orange Show Speedway” by Lizzie Mcalpine, and “Pure/Honey” by Beyoncé… And I’d send a separate mix tape with all of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).”

What has your experience been working with the puppets?

It has been so much fun! It adds an entire layer to the performance. You not only have to think about yourself, but how the puppet behaves as well. It’s challenging but worth it!

What is your favorite line/song/moment from the show?

“Crabby old bitches are the bedrock of this nation!” - Mrs. Thistletwat

If you could have any former child star as a landlord, who would it be?

Selena Gomez!

Don’t miss Elyse onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.