Mackenzie DeRiggi shines in musical at NSMT
By Cary Shuman
What better place to perform in a smash hit musical than in your own hometown. What better venue to make your debut than at Bill Hanney’s regional treasure, the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly.
Mackenzie DeRiggi just completed a “very fun” acting gig as the youngest member of the cast of “Waitress,” a play that drew rave reviews and enthusiastic audiences who responded with standing ovations at the end of each show.
Mackenzie is the five-year-old daughter of Cayla DeRiggi, an NSMT alum herself, and Adam DeRiggi of Beverly. Mackenzie has a strong Chelsea connection. Her grandparents are former Chelsea residents Corinne (Bonita) Resca and David Resca and Gail DeReiggi and Emil DeRiggi.
Mackenzie earned the roles of Young Jenna and Lulu in “Waitress” following an audition at the theatre. She had the opportunity to play the childhood version (Young Jenna) and daughter of the supremely talented Christine Dwyer (Jenna), who interestingly began in acting as a student at Lynnfield Middle School.
“Mackenzie has been taking dance lessons since she was three, and she’s done one show, “Lion King Kids,” but this was her first professional show, where she gets paid and gets to perform with theater professionals from Broadway,” said Cayla DeRiggi.
Following in mom’s
footsteps
As a teenager Cayla DeRiggi performed in two shows, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in 2002 and the Wizard of Oz in 2003.
“It seems like Mackenzie really enjoys it, and for now, as long as she keeps having fun, we’ll keep at it,” said Cayla. “Starting so young and getting to see the ins and outs and what the rehearsal process is like, and working with professionals and seeing the hard work that goes into it, and the fun everyone’s having – it’s been a great experience for my daughter.”
Cayla added that Mackenzie’s interaction with the cast members has been “wonderful.”
“Everyone treats her so great,” said Cayla. “Everyone knows her name, and they’re so excited to see her every time she steps in the theater. She’s having a great time.”
Her NSMT debut
Mackenzie made her NSMT debut in the June 4 matinee. She has appeared in two other matinee performances.
“I thought the show was amazing. My husband and I cried the whole time, just getting to see her on stage,” related Cayla. “So, that first show was very emotional, but all the actors were phenomenal. The actress [Christine Dwyer] who plays Jenna is breathtaking. She’s absolutely tremendous. Everyone in the cast has such a great background in theater. Having an opportunity to meet them was definitely a great experience for Mackenzie.”
An interview with
Mackenzie
In what is believed to be her first interview with a reporter, Mackenzie DeRiggi handled the experience well.
“I had so much fun in the musical,” said Mackenzie.”
Mackenzie said one of the highlights was getting to dance with Jenna during the curtain call at the end of the show.
“I really liked that part,” said Mackenzie. “It’s been so exciting and fun. I like hearing the applause. Jenna [Christine Dwyer] is really talented and nice. The round [circular] theater is different but very good. It felt great to meet all the actors.”
“I enjoyed everything,” said Mackenzie, who had previously attended the musicals “Frozen” and “Beatle Juice Jr.” at NSMT.
With one big show on her record, Mackenzie DeRiggi is looking forward to more performances at NSMT and bringing more joy and pride to her family with her acting skills.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the Wizard of Oz [at NSMT in July],” said Mackenzie, whose favorite Oz character is Glinda the Good Witch.