Veteran Westlake Teacher Takes to ‘The Little Mermaid’ Stage
For many years, Yorktown resident Phil Cutrone has been a driving force behind the theater productions at Westlake High School in Mount Pleasant by serving as director.
Cutrone is taking advantage of a different chance to be in the spotlight in his role as Grimsby, Prince Eric’s manservant, in the production of “The Little Mermaid” at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. The musical, based on the hit Disney animated film, continues through Sunday, Jan. 4.
When Cutrone, 55, a library media specialist at the high school and Westlake Middle School, is not in the classroom or directing one of the student theater productions, he’s been performing in community theater and at off-Broadway venues. His list of credits over the years include roles with local companies such as M&M Productions in Amawalk, YCP TheatreWorks in Shrub Oak and the Armonk Players, along with Center Stage playhouse in the Bronx, the Ridgefield Barn and two previous shows at the White Plains Performing Arts Center.
Cutrone, a Westlake High School alumnus who has worked in Mount Pleasant his entire 31-year career, said during his college years as a communications major at Fordham, he had considered becoming a professional actor. But a talk with a friend who is a few years older than him and who was struggling to make ends meet helped solidify his decision against pursuing the uncertainty of a full-time acting career.
“Her life was so disjointed. I wanted a wife and a house and a family,” said Cutrone, who went to graduate school at Manhattanville and Long Island University.
Despite his career choice, his passion for the theater has never waned. He began performing again about 14 years ago in Yorktown after his sons, Sam and Alex, had grown up. He moved on to off Broadway, with one of his most prominent roles as Dal the landlord in “Apartment 3A,” written by Jeff Daniels and staged in 2008. One of his proudest moments came when he was mentioned in The New York Times review of “Apartment 3A.” written by critic Charles Isherwood.
“Philip J. Cutrone is charming in a comic supporting role as the foul-mouthed super who, rather incongruously, confesses an addiction to the Disney Channel,” Isherwood wrote.
Cutrone said the theater companies he has worked with have allowed him to rehearse and perform around his school schedule. His sons and wife, Lori, have also backed his passion for performing.
Cutrone praised the cast and crew of “The Little Mermaid.” One of the lead performers is John Treacy Egan, who was in the cast of the original Broadway production of the show and plays Ursula the sea witch.
“He is a talented, very gracious professional,” Cutrone said.
Cutrone said once he retires from the school district, probably within four or five years, he would like to act professionally full time. It’s a luxury that wasn’t available to him when he graduated from college.
“(Now) I don’t have to worry about paying my rent,” he said.
For more information about the production of “The Little Mermaid” at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, visit www.wppac.com.
