Ella Schumacher with author Joe Troiano. Contributed photo
If pumpkins are the classic symbol of Halloween, Eden Prairie High School sophomore Ella Schumacher is more than ready for the holiday.
On Oct. 29, Schumacher wrapped up a four-week, 37-show run playing a pumpkin called Hay in Stages Theatre Company’s production of “Spookley the Square Pumpkin.”
Schumacher with her character puppet “Hay.” Contributed photo
Schumacher and “Hay” (front center) with the cast during the Oct. 20 matinee. Photo by Juliana Allen
The musical is based on the film “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” by Joe Troiano and Tom Hughes and Troiano’s book “The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin.”
Schumacher first saw the production in 2017 as a fourth grader. Now, as a 10th grader, she’s moved from the audience to the cast.
She said a highlight of her experience was getting to meet Troiano, who flew in from New York to see the production in Hopkins. She and her castmates also got to be part of the first table read of Troiano’s upcoming stage production, “Spookley and the Christmas Kittens.”
Now that Oct. 31 has actually arrived, Schumacher said, “Being in ‘Spookley’ has made it feel like it’s Halloween every day. So today it feels extra special.”
Schumacher went from audience member in 2017, when she was in fourth grade, to cast member in 2023, while she is in 10th grade. Photo by Stages Theatre Company
Schumacher’s signed copy of Troiano’s new book. Contributed photo
Schumacher, third from left, at the table read. Contributed photo