Well-traveled teen actress finds her place on Manhattan stage

She’s lived in New York City the past five years, and before that, it was the Philippines. 

But Angela George has found her true home in Happyville. That’s the town featured in the musical “Golly Gee Whiz,” now on the stage at Tada, a free, youth theater company located on West 28th Street. 

The 16-year-old makes the hour-long commute from Riverdale to star as Kitty Kodgers, one of the principal roles in the company’s latest show. Set in Happyville, “Golly Gee Whiz” follows a group of children who create a musical with the hopes to bring happiness — and a source of revenue — back to their Great Depression-era town.

Though Kitty is George’s first speaking role, music, singing and dancing always have been part of her life.

“When you’re new to a country, you don’t really relate to certain things that people do,” George said. “The only thing I had was music because I sang in the Philippines, and Tada gave me a place to do that.

“I was really shy back then. I’m still kind of shy, but they cracked my shell. And they pushed me to do things that I hadn’t done before.”

During her first year at Tada, George went to auditions, but didn’t land a role. She was reserved, afraid to speak up. Yet watching the other actors gave George confidence in herself and her craft 

“Because of the past shows that I’ve been in, that I’ve done, I’ve learned through observing (others) through what they do, like how Subiya sings or how Ceanna dances,” George said.

In Banned Broadway, a collection of musicals that have been banned or censored at one point in history, George was particularly inspired by Vann Strasen’s performance in “Rocky Horror Show.” 

“When Vann did the song and he was wearing lingerie and he didn’t care if other people were laughing at him,” said George, “That really inspired me to just go for things.”

Today, George is a leader in the program. As a natural dancer, she served as captain last year, attending rehearsals for all of the dance numbers to help others learn the steps. She also was involved in the writing of a new show, “Because We’re Girls,” about the struggles of being a girl, with a focus on street harassment and catcalling.

As an apprentice in the ensemble, George also participates in community service, and next year will serve on the youth council, a group of students with a direct line of communication with ensemble manager Ashley Knowles and producing artistic director and co-founder Janine Nina Trevens. 

George performs outside of Tada as well. She is a rising senior at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts where she focuses on vocal performance. After high school, she plans to major in musical theater or psychology in college.

The shy George that first arrived at Tada is long gone.

“There were times that people had to lead her a certain way, and I think she was even shy to ask questions,” Trevens said. 

“But at this point, no one has to lead George around anywhere. She knows what she’s doing, she’s on stage and we really count on her.”

A hard worker both on and off the stage, George often does her homework during rehearsal breaks. She’s known for being responsible and grateful for her stage opportunities.

“Tada gave me a place to sing and act and dance and learn more about theatre,” George said, “without having to worry about paying.”