CORNER BROOK — Josh Murphy is placing a lot of stock in playing the character of Prince Charming in this weekend’s production of “Snow White.”
The 18-year-old university student has solidified his first lead role, and it has left him both nervous and thrilled about the possibilities.
“It’s mild terror, but I am excited at the same time to actually be doing something this big,” Murphy said.
It’s one thing to be cast as the prince in a local production by Dance Studio West — something he has strived for in his four years with the ensemble — but Murphy has bigger ambitions. He has applied to attend York University Dance next year.
“I find it is really helping me prepare for the idea of possibly doing dance in university,” he said.
The first-year university student has until February to write an essay for the application process and will later have to travel to Toronto for auditions.
Murphy’s background goes further back in theatre, having been a longtime member of Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador and a regular in drama clubs of Corner Brook schools throughout his life. It took some coaxing from friends to get him involved in dance, but there was no arm twisting required to keep him there.
“I’ve always loved the arts, and I always found myself enjoying it more so than sports and stuff,” he said. “When I did dance, I found I never enjoyed anything as much or found anything I loved so much.
“Dance just clicks. It really works for me.”
Selected as Prince Charming in “Snow White” by directors/choreographers Amy Andrews and Candice Pike has been a privilege, so he has been working hard to nail his routines. He said the modern-day version of the Disney classic involves more than an opening and closing scene for the prince, and that his first duet has been a learning experience.
The performances of Snow White are Friday and Saturday night at the Arts and Culture Centre starting at 8 p.m.
“I am nervous before any show I do, but I am feeling excitement as well,” Murphy said.
“I want to go out there and do a good show, and enjoy myself really.
“That is the thing I really enjoy about dance, I enjoy myself no matter what.”
