May 5, 2006

Spotlight on young talent:

Thespian Alyssa Jepsky takes center stage

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Alyssa Jepsky has a passion for performing. At 12, she has already embarked upon a career in the performing arts and is poised for greatness; for Jepsky not only possesses star quality, but is also extremely motivated to succeed.

Alyssa Jepsky will appear as Gertrudis Arguello in Viva Concha! The Rose of the Presidio at the Victoria Theatre in San Francisco. (photo courtesy of the Jepsky family)

Candace Forest, Composer and Producer of “Viva Concha! Rose of the Presidio” considers Jepsky something special. “We have been inspired and somewhat humbled by the dedication and proficiency of Alyssa and the other two young ladies in our brilliant cast,” she said. “They performed their roles with a vibrancy and passion we have come to enjoy and admire.”

Forest is impressed that at such a young age, this 4’5” soprano embodies the very best of theatrical tradition: hard work, dedication and professionalism, as well as a wonderful sense of humor.

But it was almost by chance that she became a performer. When Jepsky was 5 and taking swimming lessons, she was hesitant to enter the cold water, so she stalled by sitting on the edge with her feet trailing in the water, entertaining everyone with her singing. “The teacher told me she had a beautiful voice,” said her mother, Martha Jepsky.

However, Martha didn’t think any more about it until she happened to hear her daughter sing while they were riding in the car one day. Listening to a CD of Broadway show tunes sung by children, she commented how beautiful it sounded. “Mom, the CD’s off,” said her daughter. “That was me.”

As the truth dawned on her, Martha was amazed.

She soon took Jepsky to a vocal coach for training, and at age 6, she started auditioning. At age 7, Jepsky landed her first role in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat,” followed by parts in “Annie,” “The King and I,” and “Guys and Dolls.” She has also performed in “La Boheme,” “Carmen” and “Tosca” with Opera San Jose. In addition, she has recorded two solo songs on the “Youthful Voices” CD, and performed at Carnegie Hall with the Cantabile
Chorale Guild.

In her next performance, Jepsky will play Gertrudis Arguello in “Viva Concha! Rose of the Presidio,” a new chamber musical by Candace Forest at the Victoria Theatre in San Francisco.

The story, based upon a love affair between San Francisco’s Concha Arguello and Russian explorer Nikolai Rezanov, commemorates the 200th anniversary of the celebrated lovers who have been immortalized in poetry, novels and history books. Forest believes that Jepsky, in her role as one of Concha’s little sisters who is in a hurry to grow up, is sure to steal the audience's heart away, just like Concha stole Nikolai's. “Alyssa will charm everyone,” she said.

Alyssa Jepsky (pictured on the right) developed an appreciation for classical music while singing with the Cantabile Chorale Guild. Last year, they performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. (photo courtesy of the Jepsky family)

For Jepsky, working on “Viva Concha!” has been the experience of a lifetime. “The story is exciting and the music is whimsical and exotic,” she said. “This show is historical, but with enough fantasy…and a dash of romance…to keep you at the edge of your seat.” The staff and cast, appreciating her efforts, treat Jepsky well. “This is something I will always remember,” she added.

Like any teenager, Jepsky has a full day with school and homework. Unlike most, she races straight from school to the theatre, returning home at 11p.m. or midnight. Committed to her shows, she regularly gives up school dances and parties for rehearsals or performances. “She amazes me,” said Martha. “She’s an honor student, on the track team, and performs.”

Since the age of 5, she has dreamt of performing on Broadway, and her parents are 100 percent behind her. “She has a beautiful voice and her acting is magnificent,” said Martha. “I usually cry during the first show.”

Jepsky’s talent and appreciation of music runs in her family. Her aunt was ranked number two vocally in New England and her parents shared their love of Broadway musicals with their daughter, taking her to plays since the tender age of four.

The future looks bright for Jepsky, who while waiting to swim, as well as before the footlights, continues to entertain everyone with her singing.

Viva Concha! Rose of the Presidio, will run at the Victoria Theatre in San Francisco at 8p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, and at 3p.m. on Sunday, May 7. Visit www.vivaconcha.com or call (415) 863-7576 to purchase tickets.