Arts & Entertainment

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Alex Bryant

This Broomall resident and former Marple Newtown student recently starred in the musical "Gypsy" at St. Joseph's University.

Each week, Marple Newtown Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. This week, we highlight former Marple Newtown High School student and current Broomall resident Alex Bryant.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Alex Bryant

Whiz Kid's Age: 18

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Whiz Kid's School: Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, Bryn Mawr

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Alex landed one of the leading roles in the musical Gypsy. She played Mama Rose in her high school musical at St. Joseph's University this past week.

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Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: "It was amazing," said Alex about opening night. Although they only had two dress rehearsals and a few minor mishaps, she believes, "everyone just came together and the audience really seemed to enjoy it."

Though it was a role that she isn't used to playing, Alex said she "really delved" into the role of a confrontational and overbearing mother. Admittedly she misjudged Mama Rose's role but in the end, Alex said she soon became to understand her.

"It was very different than how I originally thought I was going to play her," reflected Alex. "She was really like that because it was all for her kids."

The one thing that she sees in common with her landed part: passion.

"I am very passionate in what I do," shared Alex about acting and singing. "I think we share that and I like to get my way sometimes but I'd say we're pretty different in every other way."

Though she hasn't had official training, Alex said she's always been involved since she can remember. Her first musical was at the age of 6 and, though young, she remembers that first musical of My Girl clearly, in which a minor mishap occurred.

"We weren't supposed to actually kiss but I tripped and we ended up kissing," remembered Alex.

Since then, she's been involved in many of the productions throughout the Marple Newtown School District–from her time attending through . Though she loved her time at Marple Newtown, Alex said she decided to transfer after her sophomore year to Jack Barrack's Hebrew Academy to stay connected with her faith in judaism.

Alex will be attending the University of Pittsburgh as an undeclared major but hopes to study medicine or education. However her passion for theatre won't go far, Alex plans to minor in it in the fall.

"It's an adrenaline rush like no other," said Alex about acting and singing on stage. "When you're on stage and the audience is looking at you–you just feel so connected with you and the audience."

This has been Alex's 22nd role in a theatre production.

Editor's note: Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.


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