Student Highlight: Heather Buccini:An Early Love of Theatre Leads to a Starring Role

When 10th-grader, Heather Buccini, was just six years old, her mother took her to an Annie audition and she instantly became hooked on both going to shows and starring in them.

Her passion for the theater only grew over the years, and since her first role as Annie, she has played the roles Baby June in “Gypsy,” Alice in “Alice in Wonderland,” Janie Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and Rafiki in “The Lion King,” to name a few.

She has been involved in performances at a variety of different theater companies including North Shore Music Theater, Stoneham Theatre, Boston Children’s Theatre, The Concord Players, Winthrop School of Performing Arts, Winthrop Playmakers, and the Winthrop Drama Society.

Her latest stage performance will be as Roxie Hart in the Winthrop High School Drama Society’s production of Chicago, due to hit the stage Nov. 15-17. The show, which is set in the 1920s, stars Roxie Hart, a woman who is imprisoned for murdering a man she is having an affair with and is trying to attain fame and glory in any way she can.

Buccini shares a bit about her upcoming role and how she juggles academics, theater and sports.

 

What do you love about this production?

I love the musical numbers and scenes that Roxie is in. I am excited to give my own interpretation of the role and I’m ecstatic to work with the talented cast and crew of Chicago. Although the rehearsal process is long, and it is a lot of hard work, we have the most amazing time together and I feel so fortunate to be a member of The Winthrop High School Drama Society.

Roxie is very different from any other role I have ever played because she is generally an unlikable character. It is going to be a challenge for me to play this role because in the past I’ve played roles of characters that have had sweet, likable personality traits, such as Annie, Horton in “Seussical, “Fiona in “Shrek” and Brigitta in the “Sound of Music,” to name a few. Portraying a person who is extremely self-centered and more mature than my actual age will force me to venture outside of my comfort zone. I am super excited for this opportunity.

 

What is your favorite thing about being on stage? 

The thrill of performing in front of a live audience is indescribable. I love that for a few hours I can become someone else on stage.  I love to see audience members enjoying a show that myself and others have worked so hard at.

 

What other sports/activities are you involved in?

I do cross country, track, and student council. I also study dance at Winthrop School of Performing Arts.

 

Who is your role model?

My parents are my role models. They are always there to support and encourage me to do my best in school, theater, sports and life!

What are your future goals?

My future goal is to continue to perform in theater throughout my college years and as an adult. I am interested in pursuing a degree in nursing or music therapy. I would love to turn my passion for theater and music into something that would help people in their struggles or time of need, particularly with children or the elderly.

 

What would your dream role be?

My dream role is to play Cosette in “Les Miserables.”                           I saw the show at the Boston Opera house when I was 8 years old and absolutely fell in love with it and the role of Cosette.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.