Debuting Artist: Alyssa Baechle

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Jessica Kroupa
Posted by Jessica Kroupa
June 28, 2023

Musical marvel, Alyssa Baechle, makes her OpenStage on-stage debut as Badger in "Treasure Island"

Tell us about yourself! What theatre or other experiences did you have in this discipline before working on this show?

I have been performing in the Fort Collins Community Theatre scene for several years now. Recent credits include FCCT’s production of Elf (Matthews, Dance Captain), Dear Edwina (Kelli, Dance Captain), James and the Giant Peach (Earthworm). I was fortunate enough to be a singer on the Macy’s Christmas Tree Float in the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I am also the Musical Theatre Dance Captain for Full Expression! Dance Collective, and I teach private music lessons for piano, violin, viola, voice, and guitar.

How did you hear about OpenStage?

I’ve been an audience member for several of OpenStage’s productions before and have many talented friends who have performed or been behind the scenes in the company’s shows.

How familiar were you with "Treasure Island," the book or the stage adaptation, before you were cast in this show?

I remember reading the book in elementary school and watched the Disney movie “Treasure Planet” for the first time a few years ago.

What made you decide to audition for this production?

I thought the summer show would be a fun new challenge, having never done an outdoor show before. Knowing that Kate Austin-Gröen was directing was another incentive to audition; she’s so creative and is a fantastic director.

What was the most challenging part for you throughout rehearsals?

The most challenging part was getting to the point where I felt comfortable with my character. It took me a while to figure out what made Badger tick. Doing movement exercises in rehearsal helped, but I always find that getting into costume really pulls my character together.

What was the most exciting thing you did in rehearsals?

Putting everything together! Getting to rehearse on the set with the props and adding the music and everything else added so much fun and energy to the show.

What is your favorite scene or sequence in the show?

I think my favorite scene might be Stars. It’s kind of like the calm before the (drama) storm. The music adds a nice touch, and it gives the cast a chance to interact with the audience.

Which sea shanty sung in the show is your personal favorite?

While I like all the sea shanties, I feel I am a little biased in that I like the songs where I get to play accordion the best. It’s a very fun instrument, and I also enjoy how everyone else in the cast gets a kick out of it. For the accordion-less songs, I really enjoy the Last Shanty. It’s a fun final hurrah of energy that ends the show on a high note.

If you couldn’t pick the one you play, who is your favorite character in the show?

I relate to Grey on a personal level. The running bit throughout the show that they are always forgotten about will never get old.

What is something you spend your free time doing, outside of theatre?

I read a lot, but I also enjoy playing piano, singing, dancing, baking, and playing with dogs.

What is the importance of this show today? What do you hope the audiences get out of it?

I hope audiences enjoy the show and remember to find opportunities for imagination and fun in their everyday lives.

What projects are you working on next? What is your dream role or dream show to work on?

My next project is Music Directing for Playcrafter Kids Musical Summer Camp in July. Aside from that, I will keep auditioning and hope to continue performing and growing my skills and community. I think I have too many dream roles to list, but as cliché as it sounds, I would love to be Elphaba in Wicked, Jo in Little Women, or a Disney princess.

By Robert Louis Stevenson
Adapted by Bryony Lavery

Directed by Kate Austin-Gröen

June 3 – July 1, 2023
Playing at the Park at Columbine Health Systems

Come see Alyssa and the rest of the cast in "Treasure Island" June 3 – July 1!

Set sail on a thrilling journey with cutthroat pirates, a treasure map, and a courageous young girl named Jim, who becomes entangled in a dangerous swashbuckling expedition. Jim gets more than she bargains for when she embarks on a daring sea voyage to an exotic island where a hoard of gold and gems is buried. Awash with treachery, mutiny, and unforgettable characters, including the infamous Long John Silver, Treasure Island comes alive in an epic theatrical adaptation of one of the world’s greatest adventure stories. Featuring nightly food trucks!