Reese Abrahamoff: A love affair with the arts

BY ANNABELLE ROSA

All students possess various talents that decorate CCHS in a manner that expresses academic excellence, as well as excellence associated with the arts. One specific sector of the student body often compels the rest of their peers to pay them mind: the individuals known as the thespians, and amongst them, a proverbial star was born.

Reese Abrahamoff first became a CCHS thespian when he obtained the role of Seymour Krelborn in the school’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” a show which focuses on the faults of the human condition by creating a fictionalized storytelling of a carnivorous plant who attempts to take hold of the world by taking advantage of a young man who has never been given the chance to shine.

Abrahamoff would walk onto the stage each performance and bring forth a different, new layer to the character, thereby removing the concept that all written entities possess no more than a simple two-dimensional existence. He first found his passion for theater in kindergarten, when his sister auditioned for his school talent show. As a result of her aspirations, he auditioned and got into the show with a song from “High School Musical.”

“I have a passion for everything I do. I’m not just doing it because I actually have a reason for doing things,” Abrahamoff said. “I’ve always loved performing and that’s why I’m currently doing thespians.”

In presenting his utmost attention and affection to everything he does, he expresses great tact and refined talent specifically when it comes to the concept of entertainment.

Abrahamoff’s passion for performance doesn’t end with his rapport with theater. Quite the contrary, he’s also an active participant in Cowboy Television (CTV), Student Government Association (SGA) and soccer.

“I’ve played soccer since I could walk,” Abrahamoff said. “CTV, actually, is a new interest of mine. My sister used to always talk about it being a part of it and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be able to participate in this broadcasting program. Student government is something I’ve always been apart of as well and I’m hopeful that I could continue to participate in it well into high school.”

In regards to his many endeavors, Abrahamoff’s parents have been incredibly supportive of everything he has done, making sure that he has had as many opportunities to participate in and practice his many talents while still maintaining his excellent grade point average. They have made it a point to ensure that he could, not only participate in his many extracurriculars, but also attend singing and dancing lessons.

“[My parents] want everything I do to be successful,” Abrahamoff said. “They help me with my classes, my lessons – everything. They’re on board with everything I do 100% of the time.”

Abrahamoff’s talents have not only inspired his family but all of those who surround him as well. When he initially began the rehearsal process for “Little Shop of Horrors,” he met senior Joania Hernandez and the two of them became friends instantaneously, altering the course of Hernandez’s life.

“I was nervous and, even though he was younger, he showed me the true magic of theatre and how it’s more than just singing and dancing,” Hernandez said. “It’s home. Without his passion, I might not have seen it this way. He helped me improve my singing and acting and taught me how to truly become a character.”

Hernandez attests to the fact that his dedication is his greatest attribute in the sense the fact that he’ll grumble about disliking a show until it comes to a close, at which point he expresses that he misses the processes. Abrahamoff is a dedicated individual who puts his work above all, something which was expressly shown in his performance in “Little Shop.”

During his time Abrahamoff also encountered sophomore Rylee Berger who, at the time, was his stage manager in “Little Shop” as well.

“Reese is a friend and collaborator. We have had a few classes together and work together on the CCHS Thespians’ board and on its productions. We went to the same elementary school but became friends last year,” he said.

Berger primarily spoke about the fact that she and Abrahamoff have learned how to incorporate both of their ideas in a seamless manner as they have recently been working together on the show “Game of Tiaras” with Berger as a stage manager and Abrahamoff as an assistant stage manager (ASM).

“Theatre naturally attracts people of different backgrounds and especially as an ASM, Reese, specifically, has grown in his leadership capabilities and his ability to collaborate,” Berger said. “Also, as Reese is a part of many extracurricular activities, he has gotten better at managing his time.”

Reese Abrahamoff is, in a sense, the embodiment of what an aspirant for the title of entertainer should be: determined, dedicated and absolutely committed to his craft. Whether he be acting as a reporter for CTV, standing on the stage or giving a speech, Abrahamoff presents himself as someone who is incredibly passionate about whatever he does; and in the end, that’s the greatest attribute any individual can possess.

Photo by Lariat photography