Think you can name a 12-year-old boy more focused on faith in God and the footlights of community theater than Saint Peter School’s MJ Wermuth?
C’mon, triple dog dare you!
MJ, a seventh-grade student at the Merchantville school, has been busily preparing for his role in “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. The show, which opens Nov. 18, is based on the 1983 Warner Bros. motion picture of the same name and tells the story of a boy named Ralphie, his most-wished for Christmas gift and his family’s misadventures. MJ will play Scut Farkus, Ralphie’s nemesis and all-around bad seed.
MJ has been attending Saint Peter School since he was 4. His involvement in the arts began in third grade after watching his younger sister, Bella, perform in a summer theater camp at the Cherry Hill Performing Arts Center under the tutelage of artistic director Sarah Duvall Pearson. After attending a few shows, MJ decided that he’d rather be a part of the cast than the audience.
The junior thespian’s first performance at the Center was in a production of “Shrek Jr.” where he played multiple roles, including the Big Bad Wolf. Now a veteran of more than 10 shows, his leading roles include Charlie in “Willy Wonka Jr.”; Nemo in “Finding Nemo Jr.”; Captain Hook in “Peter Pan Jr.”; Daddy Warbucks in “Annie Jr.”; and Fester Addams in “The Addams Family Jr.”
MJ’s personality is far from that of his character in “A Christmas Story,” says Duvall Pearson, who also teaches religion, music and performing arts at Saint Peter School.
“MJ is such a sweetheart,” she said. “He’s the complete opposite of Farkus. He has a great voice and is a good actor. He’s smart and funny.”
An interview with MJ while he was commuting from school to the theatre in Philadelphia for rehearsal reflected his dedication to theater, scholastics and faith. “I’ve always been a talker. I love the idea of performing in front of family, strangers or random people.”
Achieving success in both academics and theater is a balancing act, but he’s up for the challenge. His last report card reflected high honors, and he fits in schoolwork during rehearsal breaks. “It’s a balance,” he admitted. “It’s all about working hard in everything you do.”
The young stage veteran shared his pre-performance tips and tricks: shaking all four limbs to “get me pumped”; drinking organic tea to soothe his throat, and “always praying before. When I perform, I pray and talk to God first.”
MJ’s advice to fellow thespians reflects his Catholic upbringing. “Always be respectful, always be kind, shake the director’s hand, greet everyone with respect and make sure you are ready,” he said.
MJ’s parents, Lisa and Michael, are strong proponents of Catholic education for both their children. “Catholic school provides a strong academic environment, smaller classrooms that allow for more detailed instruction, a focus on character built through root beliefs, structure, discipline and a feeling of community that you don’t always find in other places. The most important part of this, is that with all of the things mentioned, they are all driven by our faith, and belief in the Catholic Church.”
They continued, “We couldn’t be prouder of MJ for everything he has done to get to this point, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for himself next!”
Looking ahead to his confirmation next year, MJ revealed, “I’ve already chosen my patron saint: Saint Genesius, the patron saint of actors, comedians and performers.”
Founded in 1808 and designated as a National Historic Landmark, the Walnut Street Theatre will present “A Christmas Story: The Musical” Nov. 18 through Jan. 4; MJ is slated to perform in 28 shows as part of the Weekday Crew.
For ticket information, visit walnutstreettheatre.org, call 215-574-3550 or visit the box office in Philadelphia.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
