Jan. 26, 2007 — On stage Thursday night at the Caribbean Community Theatre in Orange Grove, under bright lights, Leslie Highfield Carter was all smiles as she posed for pictures and received last-minute costume adjustments.
The native Crucian appears happy to be back on stage on St Croix after an absence of four years. She is playing Princess Winnifred, "Fred," the lead in Caribbean Theatre's production of the musical comedy "Once Upon a Mattress."
After the camera flashes faded, she talked about how excited she is "working with a great cast that is having a great time doing the production."
Highfield Carter returned to St. Croix in August after living four years on the mainland. Up to her last stint in the States, she had been on island almost all her life except when at college.
The actress says she feels very fortunate to have grown up on island because it allowed her to stay close with the extended family she has here. Besides that, she says, St. Croix is a charming, beautiful and special place to live.
Highfield Carter began acting 31 years ago at age 5. She opened a school play at Island Center and has been hooked ever since. After that she participated in many school plays, and began her work in community theater as a teenager. She has studied dance, music and modeling, and has performed in numerous musicals.
The part in "Once Upon a Mattress" is special, she says, because she feels dance parts tend to emphasize a feminine art, and the part of Princess Winnifred is a tomboy, which she enjoys dramatizing.
"I love taking a character in the script and trying to bring it to life," Highfield Carter says. "It is a whole lot of fun."
One thing she really appreciates about acting is when she sees an actor make a transformation where viewers forget they are watching a performance. Such moments are inspirational, she says.
Highfield Carter doesn't have any one favorite play, but has acted in and enjoyed "Sweet Charity," "Nine to Five Government Style," "Saturday Morning in Market" and "Guys and Dolls," where she played two different parts.
These days she stays busy earning a living teaching. She makes time to act by giving up some other things in her life for a awhile or just rearranging her schedule. It's worth it, she says.
"No one would get involved if they didn't feel it was worth it," Highfield Carter says.
According to a news release from the theater, "Once Upon a Mattress" is the hilarious retelling of a classic fairy tale, "The Princess and the Pea." Queen Aggravain advertises for a princess to marry her romantically challenged son. Princess "Fred" shows up to apply, a girl who swears she is shy and is anything but.
Opening night for "Once Upon a Mattress" is Friday, Feb. 2. Performances will be at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 2 and 3, 9 and 10, and 16 and 17, as well as 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11. The theater is located at 18 Orange Grove in Christiansted.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students. Community Theatre members get a discount. No reservations are accepted, so arrive early for best seating. For more information, call Caribbean Community Theatre at 778-1983 or click here.
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