Cara Impallomeni, an 11-year-old student at Orinda Intermediate School, has won several Lamorinda Idol contests, including this year’s group award for sixth – eighth graders with Triple Threat (Impallomeni, Colette Goodman and Ceci Bayley). She has taken her career to the next level by touring across the country with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Busy doesn’t adequately describe Cara Impallomeni’s current schedule. The 11-year-old Orinda Intermediate School (OIS) student is spending her fall semester traveling around the country performing with the touring company of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” as Annie Who.
“When I first found out I got cast, I couldn’t really believe it,” said Cara. “This is my first touring show and it’s really exciting.”
When Cara learned she had been cast in the role, she had to learn all her lines and songs before her first rehearsal in Levitz, PA. Since she is understudying the role of her younger sister, Cindy Who, she had to memorize those lines as well.
“I struggle learning lines, but it’s easier for me to memorize lyrics because there is a certain way you have to do them, which helps me memorize,” Cara said.
There are two casts touring the country and each child performer is double cast, so they only do half of the 69 performances in nine different cities.
“I’ve never done a show that many times before, but trying to keep it fresh really isn’t a problem because it’s such a fun show,” Cara said.
Cara likes so many things about the show that she can’t pick a favorite. Although getting to know the other cast members certainly ranks way up there, especially Matt Forbes, who plays the Grinch.
“He’s a really nice guy,” she said. “I really like the way my character gets to interact with the other Whos on stage. We also have a lot of fun backstage in between scenes.”
Because Cara is gone for most of the fall semester, she had to unenroll from OIS and will re-enroll after she returns from the tour in January. Meanwhile, she uses the online resource Acellus for homeschooling and works with a teacher who supervises her, the other actress who plays Annie Who and the two younger actresses who alternate as Cindy Who.
Before opening (Nov. 4), a normal day for Cara started with breakfast around 9 a.m. in the hotel lobby before going back to her room to do vocal warm-ups and stretches. Then from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., she had three hours of rehearsal, one hour for lunch and four hours for school, not necessarily in that order.
Following opening, some rehearsals, especially for understudies, will continue, as well as the mandatory four hours of school. Performing several times a week, plus travel time to new venues in different states, will be added to the schedule.
Cara admits it can be difficult adjusting to different time zones but is thrilled to be doing such an upbeat show over the holidays. She’s looking forward to having both her parents and her two younger sisters attend the show over the Christmas break when she is performing in Philadelphia.
“Right now, my mom and dad alternate being here with me with a one-day crossover so they can actually see each other,” said Cara. “It will be nice over the holidays to all be together.”
Cara’s mom Annika said everyone must be flexible as the next day’s schedule isn’t always known until the night before.
“But the whole experience is fantastic and we’re so happy to be here,” Annika said. “The production crew organizes all sorts
of things for the kids in the cast. For instance, we were in Missouri over Halloween, and they set up trick-or-treating in our hotel. Guests put Grinch luggage tags on their hotel door to let the kids know where they were participating or not.”
While Cara loves the various activities the crew sets up, what she really loves is being on stage singing and performing with her fellow cast members.
“My costumes, make-up and wigs are such fun. My wig has a Christmas tree on top of it! Well, not really, but it looks like one,” Cara said. “When I have my hair and make-up done and my outfit on, I feel like I am Annie Who. I look at myself and say, ‘Wow, that’s me.’”
For information on where “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is playing, go to grinchmusical.com/tour.
