SABRINA ORNAE
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — A Lynnfield actress will be performing in a musical at The Rockwell in Davis Square, Somerville later this month.
Lynnfield High School Class of 2015 graduate Sabrina Ornae will performing in Moonstruck Theater Company’s production of “Reefer Madness” that will be running Aug. 14-23 at The Rockwell. The musical is a satire of the 1936 film “Reefer Madness.”
“Inspired by the 1936 anti-marijuana propaganda film, ‘Reefer Madness’ is an over-the-top, campy musical comedy that follows the tragic downfall of young Jimmy Harper after one puff of the ‘devil’s lettuce,’” Moonstruck Theater Company Executive Director Caroline Fonseca wrote on The Rockwell’s website. “With swingin’ tunes, high-energy dance numbers and a satirical take on moral panic, this cult-classic musical is a hilarious, fast-paced ride through the absurd hysteria of the 1930s.”
Ornae is primarily performing in the ensemble in “Reefer Madness.”
“I am in the ensemble, but I am playing a couple of different characters,” said Ornae. “I am playing a brownie, the main character’s dad, a president and an executioner.”
Ornae got involved with the production of “Reefer Madness” after previously working with Fonseca on a different production.
“I have known Caroline since 2019,” said Ornae. “We had done a show called ‘Nevermore’ with the Theater Company of Saugus six years ago. It was a musical about Edgar Allan Poe. She recently told me that she was bringing her theater company back after eight years. I really wanted to be apart of that because I adore her. I jumped in to join the cast.”
In addition performing in the ensemble for “Reefer Madness,” Fonseca said Ornae is also “contributing her skills as a photographer, helping to capture the production’s promotional visuals.”
“It’s a fitting combination for a performer whose talents cross disciplines, and whose energy — both dramatic and comedic — has become a core part of the Moonstruck ensemble,” said Fonseca.
Fonseca also praised Ornae’s skills as an actress.
“Sabrina is both a technically flawless performer and the personification of chaotic joy,” said Fonseca. “She’ll hit the choreography, then throw in a facial expression that steals the whole scene. She’s also one of the reasons our promotional photos look so good.”
Ornae said she has been performing in theater productions since she was in sixth grade.
“I received a theater degree from Salem State University,” said Ornae. “I have been in over 20 plays. I did a lot of plays at the high school as well as Lynnfield Community Schools’ productions. The most recent play I did was ‘Sister Act’ with the Colonial Chorus Players last year. They are based out of Reading.”
Ornae said she enjoys performing in theater productions immensely.
“I have always loved being on stage,” said Ornae. “I did a show with Lynnfield Community Schools called ‘Children of Eden.’ It was so beautiful and I loved the process so much that I wanted to keep doing it.”
While Ornae’s first love is theater, her day job entails working as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service.
“I have been working as a letter carrier for two-and-a-half years,” said Ornae. “I was very lucky to get a route in my hometown.”
“Reefer Madness” is the first Moonstruck Theater production that Ornae has performed in. The nonprofit theater company formed in 2006 and had previously been on an eight-year hiatus.
“Moonstruck returns with the kind of show it does best: Smart, subversive and a little unhinged,” said Fonseca. “As both a performer and a photographer, Sabrina is helping bring that vision to life.”
Ornae graduated from Lynnfield High School as a member of the Class of 2015.
“I was involved with the chorus and theater programs, which was the main thing I did in school,” said Ornae. “I performed in a cappella group and I was in the Chamber Singers. My whole life was just doing music and theater.”
“Reefer Madness” is a 18-plus show. For more information about the production or to purchase tickets, visit moonstrucktheater.com.