Kayly Veliz will perform as Pippa in Agatha Christie’s “Spider’s Web” starting May 31.
The Orinda Starlight Village Players (OrSVP) start their 41st season with Agatha Christie’s “Spider’s Web” on May 31.
The play involves a diplomat’s wife, Clarissa, discovering a murdered body in the drawing room while preparing for her husband’s return home with an important diplomat. Clarissa enlists the aid of houseguests to dispose of the body before her husband comes home, but is interrupted by the arrival of Detective Inspector Lord.
OrSVP has produced this play several times over its 41-year history.
“This show is tricky because it requires a young girl, Pippa, in a key part,” said Director Jill Gelster.
The first production in 1993 starred Susan Chapple as Clarissa and her daughter Claire Stevenson as Pippa. OrSVP regular, Laura Martin-Chapin, also performed in that initial production. Several years later, Martin-Chapin starred as Clarissa with her daughter Natalie Chapin as Pippa. The last production came full circle as Claire Stevenson played Clarissa with her daughter Genevieve Di Natale as Pippa.
This year, OrSVP is breaking with tradition and won’t have a mother/daughter team playing Clarissa/Pippa.
“Last year we had a very talented young girl, Kayly Veliz, in ‘Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio,’” said Gelster. “We decided that she would be perfect as Pippa and asked if she would be interested in playing the part this year.”
This production marks the fourth show for fifth-grader Veliz.
“Since I was young, I’ve been passionate about acting and modeling, often dressing up and role-playing with my dolls and my older sister and younger brother,” said Veliz. “I am delighted that my parents have supported this passion by enrolling me in acting and modeling classes.”
Veliz got the “Spider’s Web” script early.
“With my mother’s help, I read the script to understand the story so I could focus on the character’s personality, pronunciation and British accent,” said Veliz. “I put a lot of attention into rehearsals and advice.”
Veliz is involved with modeling as well as acting. “I enjoy engaging with people and performing different characters, adding a personal flair to stand out while maintaining the original concept,” said Veliz. “I delight in working with other actors and learning tips and having new experiences.”
She acquired a modeling agent in March and is currently working on several modeling projects.
Performances of “Spider’s Web” run Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m., May 31 – June 29. There is a Sunday performance on June 23 at 4 p.m. and one Thursday performance, June 27 at 8 p.m.
OrSVP is completely volunteer-run and no one at the theater is paid. Anyone interested in any aspect of theater, who would like to help, is encouraged to contact the group at info@orsvp.org or 925.528.9225.
For more information, visit orsvp.org. Follow on Instagram at orindastarlightvp.
