Ferrell Studios will perform “The Power of Connection,” directed by Luke Ferrell, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on March 1, 2025 at 8 PM
Photo: Ferrell Studios performing
“The Power of Connection” is a staged concert featuring Broadway favorites from shows like Mamma Mia!, Dear Evan Hansen, Shrek, and more! “The Power of Connection” is a dynamic, revue-style performance exploring how human connections shape our lives. Through a curated selection of songs from various musicals, this showcase highlights the joy, struggle, and beauty of forging relationships—whether with friends, family, lovers, or oneself. This production is co-sponsored by Friends of Metuchen Arts, a 501(c)3 organization.
What makes you want to make theatre?
Theater is a way to engage people with new ideas in a more accessible way. Every time I am in the rehearsal room or at a performance, the work feels so meaningful- someone will leave the theater having practiced empathy for the characters and having experienced a new point of view. Aside from this, theater is such a collaborative art that empowers us to work with others who may have a different lived experience than our own.
Why Metuchen?
Since we found our home in Metuchen, the community has been nothing but supportive of our work. The arts are incredibly vibrant in this town and we hope to continue to contribute to this through theater. Most importantly, the food in Metuchen will never disappoint!
What moment in this revue speaks to your heart?
“Honey Honey” is my favorite number, not just because it is from my favorite musical, but because it showcases the butterflies we all get when we’re excited about something. Whatever it may be, we all deserve to feel those butterflies about the exciting things in life and those we share it with.
Why should people come see this show?
The show includes some of your Broadway favorites all centered around the theme of connection, performed by exceptional local artists. Connection is something that we all need but sometimes struggle to find. I hope that people leave the show with empathy for the many connections in their life and with the feeling that no one is alone.
—Luke Ferrell, director of “The Power of Connection”
My name is Holly Stefanik and this is my second show with Ferrell Studios! I am an NJ based actress, director, writer and currently a preschool teacher. I fell in love with theatre when I was only 8 years old and have been doing it ever since!
Revue style shows, like “The Power of Connection” are my favorite kind of shows! They allow us to take a beautiful song out of the context of their show and into a completely different story and with a completely different perspective. In our show, I sing “Honey, Honey” from Mamma Mia, but instead of Sophie looking for her dad, we turned it into a song about falling in love. I also sing “Still Hurting” which is a devastating song from The Last Five Years, but we added elements of friendship and empowerment. My third song is “First Date, Last Night” from Dogfight which I get to sing with my real-life boyfriend, adding another changed perspective as we have to act like we’ve never met before!
“The Power of Connection” will take the audience through a journey of all different types of love and connection, all through some of the best broadway hits! Hope to see you there!
—Holly Stefanik, actor
What was your favorite moment from past performances?
When I was on a National Children's Theater tour, we always did a meet and greet with the kids after the show. We were in this small Mississippi town, and a child walked up to me during the meet and greet and literally poked me with his finger. Before I could even react, he said, "Wow, you are real!" And just looked so surprised and excited...I think we take for granted the amazing opportunities we have being here in NJ, surrounded by theater opportunities, when there are children who have only ever seen a tv screen.
What are some of your favorite experiences with performing?
I have been lucky enough to do a lot of Children's Theater shows, musicals and plays, and years ago touring around the country. I LOVE performing for kids because they are honest and really tell you how they think you did. It is so funny to see things through their eyes. When I was playing an evil character, they would tell me how mean I was and scary...and when they said, you were really good, I felt like I could truly believe it. It would keep me laughing too like I would play a princess and ask me if I really loved the prince. It was just so cute!
What is your worst moment on stage ever?
"The show must go on" applies to theater for sure! No matter if you're sick, hurt, lost your voice, the show has to go on. You have to make it sometimes work for your character too...I think as an actor we have all experienced those situations but once you walked onto the stage you go on with the show, as tough as it might've been.
Who is your favorite musical theatre character? Favorite song?
I know it is cliche but I love Eponine from Les Miserables. I just have always loved her. I mean what little girl growing up didn't crush on someone who probably didn't even know them? So of course, "On My Own" will always be my favorite. I first heard the song over 30 years ago and I've loved it ever since.
—April Coleen (Compertore), actor