Stars Shine for Calabasas Youngsters
By: Janet Winikoff
Acorn Staff Writer
"Did they call ? Did you hear from them"? For two and a half years, those went the first questions posed by Cindy Cohen's daughter Stephanie upon returning home from school each day.
Even the most dedicated actresses would probably move on after not getting a call back for 30 months. But Stephanie would not be deterred. The six-year-old Calabasas resident was certain the part of Cosette in the Broadway production of Les Miserables was meant for her.
It turned out Stephanie was right. Now eight, the youngster appears on the Broadway stage three nights a week.
But Stephanie's not the only Calabsan peforming in the musical inspired by Victor Hugo's tale. Cameron Teitelman, 10, is part of the Broadway touring company. Since last summer, Cameron has appeared as Gavroche in at least seven cities across the U.S. and Canada. Ironically, the two kids live in the same neighborhoos, but have never met. They only recently discorved they both performing in the same show.
While these exciting times for both Stephanie and Cameron, their acting jobs have resulted in the big changes for the Cohen and Teitelman families. Stephanie and mom Cindy are living in Manhatan temporarily, while Cameron usually tours with his father Sanford in tow. For the time being. Stephanie and Cameron have left behind their homes and most of their family.
"We're doing this for Cameron" said his father, Sanford Teitelman. "It's definitely a once in a lifetime experience".
Cohen concurs, adding that she is hoping Stephanie will "get this out of her system". On the other hand, Cohen said she would not have been able to live with herself if she had lied to Stephanie about the producer calling two years after her initial audition.
Far from home, both youngsters have had to make plenty of adjustments. Cohen said that she and Stephanie are being veritable New Yorkers. "We've gone from a van to sudway rides" said she. And like any other child actresses in New York, producers expect Stephanie to maintain good grades at Pubic School 87 in Manhattan, as well as rehearse and perform.
Things are slightly different for kids with the touring group. Sixth grader Cameron works with a tutor who coordinates his lesson with teachers at A.E. Wright Middler School. While on the road, Cameron has maintained straight A's and recently received the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence.
While both seem to enjot the limelight, Stephanie and Cameron entered the world of theatre in very different manners. Coming from a show biz family, Cameron and his siblings have appeared in a variety of television commercials. "They'll take whatever Hollywood has to offer them" said Sanford Teitelman.
Describing Stephanie as "painfully shy", Cindy Cohen enrolled her daughter in a dance class to help bring the little girl out of her shell. "One day, Stephanie's dance teacher pointed out to me that when she was on-stage she suddenly wasn't shy anymore" Cindy said.
While Stephanie now enjoys being in the limelight, she admits that at first it was difficult. "The first time I was nervous but now it's really fun" she said. The only shy little girl is hoping for a career in theatre and is eyeing parts when she is older. "I really like the (Broadway show) Lion King. I want to be Nala.
Ironically, the experienced showman Cameron is thinking about entering the medical field. "The acting is a fun thing. It's a game to him, but he wants to be a docter", Sanford Teitleman.
Both Cameron and Stephanie relize that they can't remain in the cast of Les Mis forever since children are asked to leave once they reach 4"5" in height. While eight year old Stephanie probably has some time before she has a growth spurt, Cameron knows it won't be long before he enters adolescence. Whenever his mom brings up the issue, Cameron asked that they not talk about it.
Both familes have tried to educated their children about the dangers fo becoming too attached to the fickle world of theatre.
"Stephanie knows this a temporary thing" said Cohen, who hasn't been concered about her daughter becoming jaded. According to Cohen, actors in New York, aren't idolized as they are in Hollywood.
Likewise, Broadway actors consider performing a job, frequently eschewing a celebrity lifestyle. "We have no problem with our kids being around that" said Cindy.
Things aren't as easy for Cameron, who is often swarmed by autograph seekers after a show. "We've talked about it" said his dad, who added that he always talkes to his kids about remaining grounded.
While their circumstances might be different, Steohanie and Cameron agree about the friendships they have made with cast members"
"He's really gotten attached to the other kids" said Teitleman
Stephanie agreed. "I miss my old school and my friends ( in Calabasas) but I"ve made a lot of new ones here.
Picture: Stephanie Cohen of Calabassas Stars in the Broadway version of "Les Miserables" (Publicty Picture, like on the 1st page)
