THE TANK

Cameron’s Goodrich Gets Star Struck!

Monday, November 01, 2010 By Junior Nathan Rose-Heim

Cameron, the crossroads of the nation, middle of the U.S. will be stricken with star struck fever on November 18! The CHS production of Rags to Riches will have three special guests: Creator of Rags to Riches Bernie Kukoff, Actress Blanca De Garr Masci, and Actress Heidi Zeigler. Masci, the actress who played “Patty” in the original Rags to Riches , says, “I am looking forward to seeing the play along with my co-star.” Rags to Riches , originally aired in March of 1987, is the story of six orphan girls adopted by a self-made millionaire. It was on millions of American televisions and was loved for its up-beat vintage rock and roll tunes with new lyrics relevant to the story. It is easy to see why the CHS chose this as their fall musical. Kukoff, though more famous for his work on Different Strokes , created Rags to Riches at the request of Phil Mandelkar of Hill/Mandelkar films. “Phil Mandelkar, whose company Hill/Mandelkar films thought an "Annie " type of musical would work for tv, asked me to come up with a show and write the pilot script-- which became the tv movie Rags to Riches ," he explained. Kukoff is also credited for his work on Johnny Dangerously and Thea . Kukoff was nomminated in 1973 for an Edgar award for Best Television Feature or Miniseries for his work on Lieutenant Schuster's Wife. Though Kukoff is usually viewing the best of Hollywood stardom, he’s excited to see the CHS cast. “I've been looking forward to seeing this,” he explained. “Mickey”, played by Heidi Zeigler in the original Rags to Riches, will be played by Junior Amanda Estep. She agrees the show is tender like Annie . “I thought it was a lot like Annie , the musical, except instead of just the one there was six.” The character Mickey is an eight year old in the show and is the baby of the six girls fictional family. “[We’re] Pretty much a kid at heart,” says Estep when describing herself and her character. Sophmore Ashtyn Clay who portrays “Patty” originally played by Blanca Masci, is understandably nervous. “It'll make me a little nervous,” she confessed. Ashtyn plays Patty, a tomboy good at nearly every sport, but so good at academics. Though Ashtyn herself is a bright student, she says, “I like my character the best.” and that she too has some tomboy tenancies. “It’s gonna be an all around great show and I hope people will like it,” said Ashtyn. Show Creator Bernie Kukoff will be arriving at the stage premiere of Rags to Riches Thursday, November 18 at the Goodrich Auditorium. It’s likely the actresses will be in attendance for the Friday show and possible the Saturday show, though travel plans are still in the works. Tickets will be $5 and there will be 3 public showings as opposed to the usual 2. Seats are expected to be sold like hot cakes, so it would be best to arrive when doors open for sales at 6pm. Help show to the Hollywood stars that Cameron can not only put on a great show, but generate a fantastic and full audience by going to see Rags to Riches!