THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508300138
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Vicki Lewis
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Nineteen-year-old Torrey Russell, who was a lead performer in the Performing Arts Repertory of the Norfolk Public Schools for several years, will be heading to North Carolina next month to assist the director of the touring company of ``Five Guys Named Mo.''
Russell, a recent graduate of Lake Taylor High School, also will serve as an understudy for the role of Eatmo.
``This is the biggest thing I've ever done,'' said Russell, a singer, dancer and actor. Rehearsals begin begin Sept. 2, and the show opens Sept. 19 and runs through Nov. 3.
Russell, who has been performing since he was 4, was the first middle school student accepted into the public schools' repertory company.
After contacting the director, Connie Hindmarsh, and asking her to call him if she had any parts for a younger student, ``she called me and offered me the lead, and I've been playing leads ever since.''
During his years with the company, Russell said he has gotten experience in every facet of theater production.
``It's important to be well-rounded,'' he said. ``That way, if I can't perform, I can always do lights or sound.''
But his love is singing and dancing.
``When I sing, I feel, and when I feel, I have to do what I feel,'' he said.
Name: Torrey Russell.
Nickname: None.
What brought you to Norfolk: The stork brought me!
Birthplace: Norfolk.
Birthdate: Dec. 19, 1975.
Occupation: Head of promotions for Broadway at Chrysler Hall.
Marital status: Free!
Children: None.
Last book read: ``Angel Baker's Book of Poems.''
Favorite movie: ``Jesus Christ Superstar'' (Ted Neeley is a good friend of mine!).
Favorite magazine: Jet.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber (Then I could see all of the shows he has written over and over!).
Biggest accomplishment: Teaching 50 local young actors their parts in the production of ``Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'' and getting the job as assistant director of ``Five Guys Named Moe'' professionally.
Most embarrassing moment: When my pants fell to my knees while I was on stage.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? The way I love to eat.
Perfect way to spend the day: Spending the day with my Aunt Rebecca and Bunny watching Broadway shows.
Favorite vacation spot: New York.
Pet peeve: Judgmental people who hold grudges.
First job: Dressing up in ``hot'' costumes for $4 an hour.
Worst job: ``A Christmas Carol.''
Hobbies: Performing, helping others and having fun.
Favorite restaurant: IHOP. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by GARY C. KNAPP
by CNB