By: Laura Lane
He wasn-t groomed for Broadway, said Alexio-s mother, Laura Carrington. She was a soap star for many years, appearing on General Hospital and One Life to Live. But Carrington has been out of acting for eight years, busy raising her family in Salisbury.
Alexio never took theater classes, she said. He-s always been a regular kid. But then his music teacher asked me, ÔWhy didn-t you ever do anything with Alexio?- That-s when it all began.
Alexio attends the private Progressive School of Long Island in Merrick, which encourages independent thinking and learning. The fifth-grader has been in school plays for several years, and always stood out. I-ve noticed his charisma since he was in kindergarten, said one of his teachers, Ginger Hendler. He-s the one person that jumps right out at you and shines on stage.
School officials are also impressed that Alexio has maintained his studies while playing in The Lion King. It-s incredible how he has that schedule and keeps up with everything, another of his teachers, Lorraine Farron, said. Alexio is always prepared for class.
The boy transforms himself into the young lion Simba four evenings a week on Broadway. He also waits backstage as an understudy for four more shows. Alexio often doesn-t get home until midnight. And even though he has become a Broadway star, he still treks to the theater each day on the Long Island Rail Road, where he often does his homework.
Since Alexio doesn-t appear in the second half of the show, he has more time for homework at the theater. Carrington said her son does his projects on the stairs near the stage door.
Alexio says it-s hard keeping up with his schoolwork, but believes it-s all worth it. It-s really a lot of fun being Simba, he said.
It hasn-t been all fun, however. Having never appeared in a professional theatrical production, he had no idea how much work is involved in one. After the first act, I always get notes, like about my movements and sometimes that I need to make some words clearer, Alexio said. And I-m such a nice guy, it was hard for me in the beginning when I had to play Simba as a brat, but I tried my hardest. It-s hard work creating a character.
Alexio-s teachers admire his modesty. There are pictures of him up in the hall at school, but Alexio doesn-t have that attitude, like ÔI-m a star,- Farron said. When you mention to him you know what he-s doing, he-s very proud, but that-s it. Many of his classmates and the staff have gone to see him on Broadway.
Alexio recently celebrated his 100th Lion King show. It was a bittersweet moment for him. He-s really sprouted from doing this show, and he-ll be out of it by the end of February, said Carrington. So he really enjoyed the party, but he knows he won-t be there for any other celebrations. I think it-s starting to sink in that he won-t be doing the show much longer.
Of course, Alexio-s Manhattan agent, Nancy Carson, has sent his photograph and resume around for consideration for future roles. Right now, they are waiting to hear from Disney.
Whatever happens, Alexio is fortunate. He is not only talented, but also has his mother, who said she would use her acting experience to guide her son-s career. I know what to look out for and how to keep the business end going for him, Carrington said. Alexio is definitely hooked. He really is a fun little guy.
Comments about this story? LLane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
