Zach Love Looks Toward Theater Career

Accomplishments: Zach Love, 16, snagged the role of Will Parker in this year's Cranford High School production of musical "Oklahoma!"  He has also spotlighted in numerous town productions during a five-year career in theater.

What the role is like: A young man in love with farm girl Ado Annie, Will Parker is a clownish figure that "thinks he knows more than he does but everyone kind of plays along," Love said. 

On acting in Oklahoma!: "It’s a lot of fun. There's a lot of goofy dancing, a lot of moving involved," Love explained, adding that the vocals – complete with a southern accent – are challenging. "In a musical you have to learn to adapt your voice to different types of music."

History: Involved in theater for five years, Love also takes classes at Pineda Conservatory and held the lead role of John Truett in the conservatory's production of the romantic comedy "Meet Me in St. Louis."

Love also worked with Cranford Dramatic Club, playing the part of Ozzie in musical "On the Town," which follows the adventures of three Navy sailors that fall in love in New York City. In addition he played the part of Snowbell the cat in a CDC production of

Favorite Theater Production: Both of Love's favorite plays are rock musicals. "Spring Awakening" is about teenagers in 19th century Germany. "Although the setting is different, and times are different, teens had the same struggles," Love explained. "It's really relatable." 

Love's other favorite play also deals with teenagers, in this case disaffected punk youth: "American Idiot the Musical," on Broadway featuring popular songs from the pop punk band Green Day.

Aspirations: "I want to go to college for music education while majoring in musical theater or straight theater," Love said, adding that with his degree, he wants to become a music education teacher or an actor. After college, he plans to "audition around the city to see what I can do."

Each week, Cranford Patch seeks suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments to be Whiz Kid of the Week. Send your suggestions to michelle@patch.com.