Our People: Senior knows how to act

Liam Hurley was born and raised in Portales. He is a senior at Portales High School involved in the high school choir, and the Business Professionals of America programs. He is also involved in the school theater program. He was a nominee in 2017, winning the slot for his performance as Trevor Graydon in the Portales High School production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" last spring.

His interest in music theater began in when he was in the eighth grade when the high school performed the show "The Little Shop of Horrors." He was encouraged to sign up for introduction to theater the following year. He took third place for a musical solo at the New Mexico Thespian Festival in October 2017. Hurley will be performing in the "Adams Family" musical with the Portales High School Theater Department from April 5-8.

What do you enjoy the most about music theater?

I like that I get to be a different person and express things that I normally wouldn't through different characters. I also love that I get to meet new people all the time. I've met people from all over the sate.

What are some of your challenges you've faced in this type of acting?

For me it's dancing. I think dancing is hard in musical theater. Getting into the character is a challenge too at times. It can take awhile to develop into new characteristics and at times trying to put humor into something that wasn't originally intended to be funny.

Are you interested in acting outside of theater?

I probably would. But I like music theater because of the song and dance as opposed to regular acting. It's more energized and fun for me.

What are some activities you're involved in outside of school?

Right now I am with the upcoming show with the Bricksreet Players. The show is called "Death By Valentine." I will be play Bill Willkill who doesn't have a happy ending. I think he's the main character's love interest. I'm not sure if I should say more than that.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

Getting up and getting ready for school on time - and being happy throughout the day; getting all my work done before going to rehearsal to have a good time.

Before you discovered theater, what did you think you wanted to do as an adult?

I didn't know what I wanted to do prior to theater. The first show I saw in the eighth grade was it for me.

What's your favorite TV show or musical, past and present?

My favorite musical is "The Book of Mormon" written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of "South Park." Another one is called "Wicked," that's about the witches of Oz before Dorothy came into the picture. It's the wicked witch of the west's life story by Stephen Schwartz.

What's your favorite song or a theme song?

I like music from the 1980s. I like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. An old favorite that first comes to mind is "I'm Still Standing," by Elton John. Also, I like "Imagine," by John Lennon. Imagine what the world would be like without all the differences - all the different countries and different people. I think it's an important topic with what's going in the world right now.

What was the last costume you wore?

During the summer 2017 I performed in a show at the Lubbock Moonlight Musicals Children's Theater. I was in the show "Shrek, The Musical" and I was one of the three little pigs. So, dressing up as pig was my last costume.

What do you envision your life being like in 5-10 years?

I'll be finished with college. I plan to go to Eastern for theater or music. I'll hopefully move to New York and be in Broadway shows.

- Compiled by The News Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield